Droit

1745 · 016628 — London Bridge: J. Hodges et al 1745. Fourth edition 1754. Small 12mo pp 4 xlvi 232 a little age-toning and a few blemishes the endpapers and the first and last few pages have some browning around the margins overall however the contents are sound and tight contenporary full calf a little worn rubbed at the corners the spine dull some cracking at the joints but all firm. Child c. 1630/31 - 1699 was an English merchant and politician. He was an economist proponent of mercantilism and governor of the East India Company. He purchased Wanstead Manor in Essex in 1673 from the executors of Sir Robert Brooke and spent much money on laying out the grounds of the manor house Wanstead Hall. John Evelyn described him as "sordidly avaricious" !! Child's advocacy both by speech and by pen of the East India Company's claims to political power as well as to its right of restricting competition to its trade brought him to the notice of the shareholders. He was appointed a Director in 1677 rising to Deputy-Governor and finally became Governor of the East India Company in 1681. In this latter capacity he directed the Company's policy as if it were his own private business. He was a moderate in those days of the mercantile system and has sometimes been regarded as a sort of pioneer in the development of the free-trade doctrines of the 18th century. Though Child considered himself a proponent of the competitive market he simultaneously argued for a government-controlled interest rate and restricted trade among the colonies which would benefit England. Fourth edition. Full Leather. Good. J. Hodges (et al) Hardcover