The Theory of Moral Sentiments; or, An Essay Towards an Analysis of the Principles by which Men naturally judge concerning the Conduct and Character, first of their Neighbours, and afterwards of themselves. To which is added, A Dissertation on the Origin of Languages. The Sixth Edition, with considerable additions and corrections. In two Volumes.

Final lifetime edition of Adam Smith's first book, the first in two volumes, with his extensive additions and revisions, and including the first appearance of 145-page study of "the Character of Virtue". The Theory of Moral Sentiments, first published in 1759, "would be enough to assure the author a respected place among Scottish moral philosophers, and Smith himself ranked it above the Wealth of Nations. Its central idea is the concept, closely related to conscience, of the impartial spectator who helps man to distinguish right from wrong" (Niehans, p. 62). Including Smith's first use of the "invisible hand" concept, the Theory laid the intellectual foundations of the Wealth of Nations, and the two texts outline a coherent and unified system of economic and moral philosophy. ESTC T90661; Goldsmiths' 14580; Kress B.1988; Jessop, p. 170; Tribe 36; Vanderblue, p. 38. Jürg Niehans, A History of Economic Theory: Classic Contributions, 1720-1980, 1994. 2 vols, octavo (211 x 131 mm), pp. [iv]-xv, [1], 488; [iv]-viii, 462. Recent speckled calf to style, red and green morocco labels, gilt in compartments. Earlier front free endpapers preserved, with two 19th-century ownership inscriptions of the Burn family in Hamilton, Canada. Some staining to contents of first volume, foxing: a very good copy. …