The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith (First Edition), 1958 💰📚🇺🇸
1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️
This is a first edition of "The Affluent Society," a landmark work of economic and social commentary by John Kenneth Galbraith. Published in 1958, this book is a cultural and intellectual artifact that challenged the conventional economic wisdom of its time.
As a well-preserved first edition with its original dust jacket, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of economics, social history, or first editions.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
"The Affluent Society" is a work of non-fiction that argues that post-war America had moved beyond a state of basic survival and into an era of unprecedented private wealth.
Galbraith critiques the social and economic imbalance created by an emphasis on private consumer goods at the expense of public services. The book is known for its incisive analysis and its powerful argument for a more balanced approach to public and private spending. Its influence on American political and social thought is undeniable.
3. About the Author ✍️🏛️
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) was a towering figure in American public life, an economist, diplomat, and public intellectual. A professor at Harvard University for over 50 years, Galbraith was an advisor to several U.S. presidents and served as the U.S. Ambassador to India under President John F. Kennedy.
His work, which included numerous books and essays, was known for its accessibility, wit, and strong critiques of conventional economic theory.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in the late 1950s, this book is a "time capsule" of a post-war America that was enjoying an unprecedented economic boom. The book's publication came at a time when the nation was grappling with the rise of consumer culture and the challenges of an era of prosperity.
Galbraith's work provided a powerful intellectual framework for understanding this new social and economic reality.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of economic history, a scholar of American social policy, or a private collector of modern first editions. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its intellectual and historical significance.
The book appeals to those who are interested in the intersection of economics, politics, and social change.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a true first edition of a seminal work of economic thought, this book is a desirable asset. A well-preserved first printing in this condition is more scarce than a mass-produced later edition. The presence of the original dust jacket significantly adds to its value. The value is a direct reflection of the book's enduring influence and its physical integrity.
This book is approximately 67 years old.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The original dust jacket is present and shows some very minor shelf wear, which is expected for a book of this age.
The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library. This book contains no inscriptions or unique markings.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
The book is often credited with coining the term "affluent society" and shifting the conversation on economic policy.
Galbraith was a professor at Harvard University for over 50 years. He was a close friend and key economic advisor to President John F. Kennedy.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Title: The Affluent Society
Author/Maker: John Kenneth Galbraith
Year:1958
Publisher/Foundry: Houghton Mifflin Company
Place of Origin: Boston, USA
Format/Binding: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Edition: First Edition
Rarity: Rare
