My Library

I find great pleasure in the pursuit of book collecting. In my personal library, I have a collection exceeding 1,400 volumes. This assortment spans editions from as early as 1700 to the contemporary era. The collection is tailored to my specific interests, focusing on the history of economic thought, Middle-Eastern studies, Latin-American studies, and East-Asian literature. Allow me to share a glimpse of some cherished gems from my collection:

First edition of "Le Traité d'Économie Pure" by Maurice Allais from 1943

What sets this volume apart and makes it quite a treasure:

This particular copy appears to be the sole surviving one worldwide. It's a mimeographed edition, quite fragile, and remarkably well-preserved. Its publication took place during World War II, a time of severe printing restrictions. Notably, it was created using mimeographic methods, which were utilized by rebels.

This work marks Maurice Allais' debut and is considered one of the cornerstones of modern economic theory.

Interestingly, this volume was in the possession of Kenneth Arrow, a prominent figure in social science during the latter half of the twentieth century.

Maurice Allais was undoubtedly ahead of his time. Paul Samuelson, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1970, held the belief that Allais deserved the Nobel Prize much earlier. When Allais finally received the award in 1980, Samuelson remarked, "Had Allais' early writings been in English, a generation of economic theory would have taken a different course."

First edition of "Expected Utility Hypotheses and the Allais Paradox," co-authored by Maurice Allais and Ole Hagen in 1979.

This particular volume carries a fascinating backstory:

It was gifted by Maurice Allais to Jan Tinbergen. The book's dedication serves as a testament to Allais' deep admiration for Tinbergen, underscoring a period when the various branches of economics enjoyed a more interconnected relationship.

Jan Tinbergen had been bestowed with the inaugural Nobel Prize in Economics a decade prior to this dedication. Regarded as one of the pioneers of econometrics, Tinbergen wielded considerable influence in Europe, particularly in the realm of macroeconomics. Conversely, Maurice Allais, who would receive the Nobel Prize roughly a decade after this dedication, was a renowned theorist. His influence resonated primarily in Europe, albeit more focused on microeconomics.

The complete works of Yasunari Kawabata (1899–1972)

Yasunari Kawabata holds the distinction of being the first Japanese author to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968. His novels and short stories are characterized by their spare, lyrical, and subtly-shaded prose. Kawabata's influence has paved the way for a lasting literary tradition, evident in the works of contemporary authors like Kenzaburo Oe and Yoko Ogawa.

My collection features noteworthy items, including the first English edition of "The Lake" (1974) and a compilation of correspondence exchanged between Kawabata and Yukio Mishima.

First edition of "Ricardo's Economics" by Michio Morishima, published in 1989

Notably, this volume was gifted from Morishima to Kenneth Arrow.

In my view, it stands as an emblem signifying the conclusion of an era: the culmination of general-theory research within mainstream economics. Kenneth Arrow, a towering figure among economists of his time, epitomized the legacy of the Walrasian general theory. Morishima, himself a prominent figure (holding positions like professor at LSE and President of the Econometric Society), shared in this endeavor. The publication "Ricardo's Economics," in conjunction with "Marx's Economics" and "Walras' Economics," forms a trilogy of works in which Morishima meticulously reinterprets the fundamental traditions of general theory.

First edition of "Almanaque La Ilustración" from 1880 

In essence, this publication served as the precursor to what Wikipedia has become in the digital age.

Before the advent of radio, staying informed about events beyond one's village was quite a challenge. Publications of this kind constituted the customary means of updating people on the global reality. This almanac encompassed an array of subjects, including geography, politics, culture, and more. Its pages were adorned with beautifully illustrated depictions inspired by the narratives of travelers. This volume provides a tangible glimpse into how the social sciences and literature were intrinsically intertwined in the not-so-distant past, creating a noteworthy example of this interplay.