3 volumes, 8vo (165 x 95 mm). Preliminary leaf in vol.1 with "Advertisement to the Third Edition" (recto) and "Advertisement to the Fourth Edition" (verso). (Previous ownership marking cut out on upper corner of title-page in vol.1, not affecting letters, and reinforced with a small strip of old paper, probably taken from the front endleaf that is lacking from this volume, light spotting throughout, marginal browning in vol.1., small numeral inked in upper corners of pastedowns in vols.2 and 3.) Vol.1: contemporary sheep, red morocco lettering-piece gilt; vols. 2 and 3: contemporary speckled calf, red morocco lettering-piece gilt (spine ends worn, covers rubbed, some splitting to joints, two small stabholes on rear cover of vol.2, affecting the last few of leaves of text).

FIRST AMERICAN EDITION of “the first and greatest classic of modern economic thought" (PMM). Taken from the fourth London edition, this (stated as "A New Edition" on the title) is the first publication of Smith's seminal economic treatise to be printed in the newly independent United States in the year of George Washington's inauguration. A non-uniform set, with vol.1 bound in a different binding. ESTC W12864; Evans 22148; Kress B.1721; see PMM 221; Sabin 82305.