1727 The Complete English Tradesman, in Familiar Letters: Directing Him in All the Several Parts and Progressions of Trade

Description

Early Edition, Leather Binding, Scarce

The scarce second edition of this work, and the first to include the separately paginated Supplement on borrowing money, discounting bills, bookkeeping and maintaining duplicate ledgers in Case of Fire.

An anonymously authored work by Daniel Defoe, who was himself formerly a tradesman, in which he addresses topics such as shopkeeping, credit and debt, accounting, reputation, and the importance of industry and honesty.

Defoe examines the cultural and moral dimensions of commerce, suggesting that good business practices are linked with personal virtue. He criticises extravagance, laziness, and overreliance on credit, and instead praises thrift, diligence, and modesty.

ESTC T071959

A-2A8, B-K8, L4. Collated, complete.

With the inscription of C. C. Hassall to the front free endpaper, and of Smith to the title page head.

Endpapers renewed.

Defoe emphasises the social value and respectability of the trading classes, arguing that the tradesman is a cornerstone of the nation's prosperity.