An Analysis And History Of The Currency Question; Together With An Account Of The Origin And Growth Of Joint Stock Banks In England. Comprised In A Brief Memoir Of The Writer's Connexion With These Subjects.

London: James Ridgway, 1832. First Edition. Joplin is best known as a leading advocate of joint stock banks and fierce opponent of the monopoly of the Bank of England, and was one of the directors and originator of the National Provincial Bank, established in 1833. "[He] is commonly credited as developer of the "currency principle" - effectively, 100% gold reserve currency - behind the Currency School's position in the debate leading up to the 1844 Bank Reform Act." (The History of Economic Thought website) "Throughout his life Joplin remained a maverick and an outsider, who found it difficult to work with others to bring his ideas to fruition and who was also little recognised by later observers. He favoured a combination of centrally- and locally-subscribed capital, so that local shareholders would only draw dividends from the profits of the local ‘branch’ in which they had invested. In practice this system proved unworkable, and Joplin’s continuing commitment to it caused conflict with fellow directors. Nonetheless, Joplin almost single-handedly established joint-stock banking in England and Wales. Today he is admired for developing, in the context of the Georgian period, a remarkably sophisticated macroeconomic model." (Royal Bank of Scotland Heritage Hub) Goldsmiths' 27417. Kress C.3186. Masui I 92. 8vo. pp. vii, [1], 339. 2-page advert tipped-in at front. A fine uncut copy in original bds., rebacked with chipped spine label preserved, front flyleaf wanting)