A rare first edition of a ‘masterpiece’ book published in 1776 – found by chance in a Midlands cupboard – is expected to fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
Volumes 1 and 2 of Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, commonly known as The Wealth of Nations, was discovered by books experts Jim Spencer this week (Sept 20) during routine final preparations for the sale of the contents of Staffordshire mansion Bishton Hall.
It took Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith 10 years to write, lays out the principles of modern capitalism and could be worth as much as £50,000. In 2013, a first edition of The Wealth of Nations sold for £46,000 at auction in Edinburgh.
Mr Spencer, head of the Library Department at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers, which is handling the contents sale, said: “I felt like I’d struck gold. I just knew I was going to find something special at Bishton Hall, I sensed it. Nobody is as hungry as I am to build the best library sale in the world.
“I’d spent a whole day at Bishton, going into every nook and cranny and practically climbing up chimneys to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I was covered in thick dust by the time I’d finished.
“Then, this week (Sept 20), I was randomly called back to the house for some final checks, I looked into a cupboard beneath a silver cabinet and there it was – pure gold in the world of antiquarian books. It was like finding hidden treasure. Everything about it was absolutely right. I knew straight away it was a first edition.”
Bishton Hall, at Wolseley Bridge, near Stafford, dates back to circa 1750 and its contents are being sold by Hansons Auctioneers on behalf of the Stafford Northcote family, who moved there in 1946.
Hilary Stafford Northcote said: “We knew the books existed and that they were first editions, what we did not know was where exactly they were. The family has always collected books, indeed there are libraries big and small all over the house.”
Bishton Hall Country House and Fine Art Auction will take place from October 10-16 at the Georgian mansion, with The Wealth of Nations being sold on October 15 with a guide price of £30,000-£50,000. When first published in 1776 it cost £1 16 shillings.
Mr Spencer said: “It’s so valuable because it’s a first edition of one of the most important books in the world. Adam Smith’s masterpiece is the foundation of modern economic thought and remains the single most important account of the rise of modern capitalism.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Our Library Department has been making headlines around the world this year and, thanks to this incredibly rare find, it’s destined to make even more.”
The Wealth of Nations will be sold on October 15 as part of Bishton Hall Country House and Fine Art Auction, taking place at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 OXN, from October 10-16. Viewing at the hall on October 8: 11am-4pm; October 9: 11am-7pm; October 10: 11am-6pm and October 11-13th and 15-16, 9am-10.30am. To order a catalogue (£12 including P&P) call 01283 733988. To find out more about the book, email [email protected].
