Propositions Concerning Protection and Free Trade.
Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1850. First edition. 12mo (7.56 x 4.75 inches), original ribbed blue cloth, printed paper spine label, xv, [1], 233, [1] pages. Spine a trifle sunned, fragile label a little darkened and rubbed; some light wear and dust-soiling; some foxing the endpapers; a very good copy. Item #20367
“I should be happy to believe that there is little at stake, and that the doctrines of free trade do not tend directly to the distress, decay, and political subordination and degradation of this country. . . . But it has not happened to me in thus devoting my attention more particularly to these inquiries.” The Harvard trained lawyer turned insurance executive Phillips (1784-1873), who had early published a Manual of Political Economy in 1828, here takes up in turn numerous arguments for and against economic protection (falling soundly on the side of tariffs, etc.). A mildly ex-library copy, with the front free endpaper excised and a small penciled call number and an even smaller ink gift stamp on the verso of the title page.
Price: $125.00