Inscribed first edition of the "most important book ever written in America to protect American citizens from fraudulent practices against their food and drugs" (Clinton R. Miller), written by the first commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
Very good.
Price: $1,500.00
"His book HISTORY OF A CRIME AGAINST THE FOOD LAW was written in 1929 because he thought the officials of the Food and Drug Administration were too lenient. He believed that the measure was a punitive measure and not an educational one. He did not believe in a 'tap on the wrist' and an admonition 'to be good' when a manufacturer or any other person broke the law. He had many enemies because of the stand he took. But his friends and adherents loved him for the enemies he had made." — Anna Kelton Wiley
The self-published account of one of the most consequential consumer protection laws ever passed in the US — the 1906 Food and Drug Act — written by one of its most famous proponents. Wiley details the battles and opposition to the law (both historic and ongoing), as well as arguing strenuously for strengthening the act's enforcement mechanisms. As writer Deborah Blum noted in her 2018 biography of Wiley: "When the landmark 1906 Food and Drug Act was finally passed, it was known across the land, as 'Dr. Wiley's Law.'" This copy was signed on the last day before Wiley's retirement from public life, which was widely announced in newspapers nationwide as commencing on Jan. 1st of 1930. An interesting copy of a significant book.
Read more: A Legislative History of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Its Amendments (1979), 424; "Prepared Statement of the National Health Federation by Clinton R. Miller, Assistant to the President," Senate Hearing (Jan. 15th, 1963) on "Frauds and Quackery Affecting the Older Citizen," 124.
First printing. Washington D.C. Harvey W. Wiley,. M.D, (1929). 8'' x 5.25''. Original black cloth with gold stamped titles. xiv, 414 pages. Inscribed by Wiley on the title page: "To Mrs. S.W. Davidson / With the sincerest re- / gards of the author / Harvey W. Wiley / December 31st, 1929." Spine titles faded. Some fraying to cloth at head and tail, rubbing to joints. Slight lean, minor shelfwear. Overall, sound.
We work hard to meet our ethical responsibility to describe our material accurately. All items are guaranteed as described and may be returned for any reason within 30 days. Please notify us before mailing a return.
We guarantee the authenticity of our items. All materials are original (meaning not facsimiles or reproductions) unless otherwise noted. First editions (meaning first edition, first printing) are explicitly stated. TPM is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and upholds their Code of Ethics.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. We're happy to provide additional images on request.
All domestic orders ship gratis. For orders under $250, free USPS media mail shipping is included; orders $250 and over ship USPS Ground Advantage. International orders over $1000 also ship gratis. Expedited, overnight, as well as other carriers (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.), may carry additional costs beyond quoted rates. All orders receive tracking information and a direct contact in case of any questions.
International buyers are responsible for any customs, taxes, and related import fees. Please note that we are unable to accomodate requests to misrepresent, misdeclare, or otherwise falsify customs documents when shipping internationally. We appreciate your understanding.
We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, check, money order, and bank wire. We are happy to bill institutional buyers' needs. Sales tax will be added to applicable purchases. Items subject to prior sale.
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We prioritize our long-term relationships far above any individual purchase, and we want you to love your item as much as we loved cataloguing it.
Type Punch Matrix is a Washington D.C.-area rare book firm founded by Rebecca Romney and Brian Cassidy.
Read more about TPM.
