The Australian and Californian Gold Discoveries, and their Probable Consequences:; or An inquiry into the Laws which Determine the Value and Distribution of the Precious Metals: with Historical Notices of the Effects of the American Mines on European Prices in the Sixteenth, Seventeenth, and Eighteenth Centuries. In a Series of Letters.
Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd, 1853. Very Good. First Edition. Inscribed by Author, [8x5.5in]; [4], xiii, errata, 14-279, [10], advertisements, frontispiece of fold out chart of Produce of Gold and Silver since the Discovery of America; Blind-stamped maroon cloth cover with gilt lettering on spine, edges untrimmed, includes publisher's advertisements on 1-8 pp. after text; Shelf wear to covers, edges and corners, edges and corners rubbed with small dents and bumped, front hinge cracked and loose, light soiling to faded covers, top edge dusty, spine darken, chipped and splits of cloth on spine top and bottom, wear and partial split to front joint surface. [Kurutz 606a, Cowan64 p. 616]. Item #13553
From Kurutz, "The Stirling work consists primarily of an economic discourse on gold, history of coinage, comparison with silver, and the economic effects of the Australian and California gold discoveries. Not surprisingly, the Englishman emphasized the Australian mining operations." Inscribed to "John Bigland Esq. with the author's best regards" on half title page.
Price: $220.00