The Wealth of Nations, Books 1-3

Adam Smith

Penguin, Jul 1, 1982 - Business & Economics - 537 pages

Adam Smith paved the way for modern capitalism, arguing that a truly free market - fired by competition yet guided as if by an 'invisible hand' to ensure justice and equality - was the engine of a fair and productive society. Books I-III of the Wealth of Nations examine the 'division of labour' as the key to economic growth, by ensuring the interdependence of individuals within society. They also cover the origins of money, the importance of wages, profit, rent and stocks. Smith's work laid the foundations of economic theory in general and 'classical' economics in particular, but the real sophistication of his analysis derives from the fact that it also encompasses a combination of ethics, philosophy and history to create a vast panorama of society. This edition contains an analytical introduction offering an in-depth discussion of Smith as an economist and social scientist, as well as a preface, further reading and explanatory notes.

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Review: The Wealth of Nations, Books 1-3

User Review - Goodreads

The Wealth of Nations is not an easy read, but it is the best, most truthful look at industrial and geopolitical finance, capitalism and free-market functionality ever written. If you have ever ...

Review: The Wealth of Nations, Books 1-3

User Review  - Waseem - Goodreads

Note: this is a combined review for 2 sets of books Wow, what can I say, let me first tell you am writing this review based on reading all his books 1-5, so Ive copied this review in to the other book ...

Contents

• Preface: 3
• Adam Smith: 4
• Abbreviations and References: 7
• Analytical Introduction: 8
• Notes to the Introduction: 86
• THE WEALTH OF NATIONS BOOKS IIII: 99
• Further Reading: 521
• Index: 523

About the author

Adam Smith (1723-90) taught both logic and moral philosophy at Glasgow University. His Wealth of Nations revolutionised the economic theories of the time. Andrew Skinner teaches at the Adam Smith Institute and is an expert on the author's work.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Wealth of Nations, Books 1-3; Classics Series; Open University set book; Penguin Economics Literature; Penguin books; The Pelican classics; The Penguin English Library; The Wealth of Nations, Andrew S. Skinner
• Author: Adam Smith
• Editor: Andrew Skinner
• Contributor: Andrew Skinner
• Edition: illustrated, reprint, revised
• Publisher: Penguin, 1982
• ISBN: 0140432086, 9780140432084
• Length: 537 pages
• Subjects: Business & Economics / Economics / Theory; Business & Economics / Free Enterprise; Political Science / Labor & Industrial Relations