The Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce
by Malachy Postlethwayt
Malachy Postlethwayt (1707-1767) was a British economic writer and author of several publications including The Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce. Beginning in the 1730’s he was employed by the prime minister, Robert Walpole, as a government publicist.[1] He was elected as a fellow to the Society of Antiquaries in March of 1735.[2] In 1743 he began his employment with the Royal Africa Company and was elected a member of the company’s court of assistants in 1745.[3] During the 1740’s and early 1750’s, Postlethwayt prepared his most critically acclaimed work, The Universal Dictionary, which was released as two installments between 1751 and 1755.[4]
The Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce, as compared to other popular economic writings at the time, illustrated Postlethwayt's ‘greater interest in political problems; his more intense economic nationalism; and his exuberant belief in the economic usefulness of experimental philosophy.[5] The Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce contained many practical articles on inventions and improvements, as well as on commercial practice such as banking, commercial bills, and customs house business.
Bibliographic Information
Author: Malachy Postlethwayt.
Title: The Universal Dictionary Of Trade And Commerce: With Large Additions And Improvements, Adapting The Same To The Present State Of British Affairs In America, Since The Last Treaty Of Peace Made In The Year 1763. With Great Variety Of New Remarks And Illustrations Incorporated Throughout The Whole Together With Everything Essential That Is Contained In Savary's Dictionary: Also, All The Material Laws Of Trade And Navigation Relating To These Kingdoms, And The Customs And Usages To Which All Traders Are Subject.
Published: London : Printed for H. Woodfall, A. Millar, J. and R. Tonson, J. Rivington, J. Hinton, R. Baldwin, L. Hawes and W. Clarke and R. Collins, R. Horsfield, W. Johnston, T. Longman, J. Brotherton, J. Dodsley, T. Payne, J. Robson, T. Lowndes, W. Nicoll, and J. Knox, 1766.
Edition:
Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library
Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy
Bound in contemporary speckled calf with spines in seven compartments with raised bands. Tooled in gilt on either side of each band. Dark red and dark green morocco lettering-pieces in the second and third compartments, the others with a repeat decoration in gilt with marbled endpapers. Purchased from Donald a. Heald Rare Books.
View this book in William & Mary's online catalog.
References
- ↑ Peter Groenewegen, "Postlethwayt, Malachy (1707–1767)", in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford University Press, 2004-), accessed 26 Sept 2013. (Subscription required for access.)
- ↑ Robert Bennett, "Malachy Postlethwayt 1707-67: Genealogy and Influence of an Early Economist and 'Spin-Doctor'," Genealogists’ Magazine 1 (2006): 1-8.
- ↑ Groenewegen, "Postlethwayt, Malachy."
- ↑ Bennett, "Malachy Postlethwayt," .
- ↑ E. A. Johnson, "Postlethwayt, the Publicist," in Predecessors of Adam Smith: The Growth of British Economic Thought (New York: Prentice Hall, 1937), 402.
