G.R. Porter, The Progress of the Nation, 1836, 1st ed. 3 Vols. Rebound, Very G..

Porter, George Richardson, The Progress of the Nation, in its various social and economical relations from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present time : Sections I-VIII. London: Charles Knight & Co., 1836-1843.

Very Good + first edition in three volumes,  12mo, 7 3/8" x 4 1/2".

Rebound in three-quarter brown calf, gold, green, and red marbled boards. Red and brown original labels to spine with title and author in gilt, raised bands with gilt accents, stained top-edges, some wear and age toning, but all three sturdily bound. Vol I: Sharp tips, some staining to leather backing, minor chipping to spine label and gilt titling on spine but still legible, some scuffing to front panel, ex-libris + notations on pastedown and front endpaper in pencil by revered book collector and author Brent Gration-Maxfield. Notes on condition, background on G.R. Porter, and collation notes. Additional notes in G-M's hand on rebinding instruction at back. Interior has some age-toning, clean and tight. "Population and Production" includes sections: Occupation, Pauperism, Emigration, Manufacture, Machinery, and Mining. [viii] + 350 pp. Volume II is in comparable condition to Volume I, "Ex-Libris of Brent Gration-Maxfield" in pencil to front and back pastedown, with the second inverted and along the bottom edge. "Interchange, and Revenue and Expenditure" contains sections on Internal Communication, Turnpikes, Canals, Steam Navigation, Railways, Coastal Trade, Foreign Trade, Coins, Weight and Measurement, Taxes, et. al. along with numerous charts throughout. [xii] + 367 pp. Volume III: comparable exterior condition to Vols I and II, exception being more wear to title on spine, and scuffing only on back panel, ex-libris notation appears once on front pastedown, heavier foxing and age-toning to text block. "Consumption, Accumulation, Moral Progress, Colonial and Foreign Dependencies" includes sections on Housing, Servants, Food, Crime, and discussion of the various English colonies and their effect on the economy. Charts throughout and Analytical Index at back, [xi] 473 pp. Overall, a handsome set with historic and association value.

George Richardson Porter (1792–1852) was a pioneer in economics and statistics, a liberal who advocated for free trade, and established the statistical department of the Board of Trade in 1834. This is considered to be his most notable contribution to the systematic study of economics, and a fascinating look at Great Britain and the world at the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Brent Gration-Maxfield (1916-1983) was a renowned bibliophile and author. His vast  collection of history, economics, has continued to sell at rare book auctions since his death in the early 80s.