The Theory of Political Economy. JEVONS, William Stanley.

First edition of Jevons's major contribution to economic thought, arguably his single most influential work, and the first complete presentation of the marginal utility theory of value. The Theory "sharply attacked the classical theory of value of the 'Ricardo-Mill school', and offered in its place the challenging view that 'value depends entirely upon utility', asserting boldly that 'Economy, if it is to be a science at all must be a mathematical science'. from it Jevons gained international recognition as an economic theorist" (ODNB). For Hazlitt, the Theory was "A work of epoch-making importance. John Maynard Keynes writes of it: 'The first modern book on economics, it has proved singularly attractive to all bright minds newly attacking the subject; - simple, lucid, unfaltering, chiselled in stone where Marshall knits in wool'" (p. 96). Batson, p. 141; Cossa, p. 254 (78); Einaudi 3070; Hazlitt, The Free Man's Library, p. 96; Menger, col. 468; Sraffa 2788. Octavo (220 x 142 mm). Graphs, diagrams, and formulae in text. Twentieth-century quarter calf, spine decorated in blind and ruled and lettered in gilt, red pebble-grain cloth sides. Contemporary ink stamp of Liverpool Free Public Library to title page verso. Light scuffing, minor browning to contents: a very good copy indeed.