Unveiling the First French Translation of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations

Abstract

The first French translation of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations was published in 1778-1779 with a false place of printing and an anonymous translator. This article identifies the printing shop as the French ducal press of Deux-Ponts (nowadays Zweibrüken in Germany). The article also identifies the translator, Jean-Louis Carra, better known for his activity during the French Revolution. The article draws on a wide range of evidence, including ornaments used by the printer, the record of a customs confiscation, a very early French review (hitherto unknown) of the original English edition of Smith’s book, aspects of Carra's life and involvement with the Deux-Ponts press, and a peculiarity of the text of his translation.