Work and Wages (Signed copies)

Signed by Sydney J Chapman, his 'Continuation of Lord Brassey's 'Work and Wages' and 'Foreign Work and English Wages' Vol 1: Foreign Competition, and Vol 2: Wages and Employment'

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

1904 & 1908. First editions, first printing. Hardback, bound in the original blue cloth with gilt titling to spine. Fore-edge untrimmed. Each 23.5 × 15.5cm, xxxv, 301pp +40pp ads, xxii, 494pp.

Both volumes inscribed by Sydney Chapman, vol 1 has "To all at Thorn Tree House from S.J.C.", while Volume 2 has "To all at Thorn Tree" in the same hand. Each book carries the bookplate William Mordey (designed by Yorkshire artist Elisabeth Brockbank, 1912).

The first two volumes of economist Sydney Chapman's Work and Wages (there was a third volume, Social Betterment), building on Lord Brassey's 1872 title of the same name. Chapman examines the dynamics of the labour market in various industries (shipbuilding, iron, cotton etc). The first volume examines the influences of foreign trade on the working classes, the second looks at the determination of wage rates, and the role trade unions and government in setting wages and working condition.

Condition

Both volumes are in very good condition for age. There is some marking to the rear board of volume one, both books have some wear to the spine ends and tanning to the page edges but both remains in solid shape and in strong readable condition.