Random House, Inc.
Baker & Taylor
The classic eighteenth-century treatise on the principles of political economics
Published in 1776, in the same year as the Declaration of Independence, The Wealth of Nations has had an equally great impact on the course of modern history. Adam Smith’s celebrated defense of free market economies was written with such expressive power and clarity that the first edition sold out in six months. While its most remarkable and enduring innovation was to see the whole of economic life as a unified system, it is notable also as one of the Enlightenment’s most eloquent testaments to the sanctity of the individual in his relation to the state.
(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)
Baker & Taylor
The classic eighteenth-century treatise on the principles of political economics
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Publisher:
New York : Knopf, 1991
ISBN:
9780679405641
067940564X
067940564X
Branch Call Number:
330 SMITH
Characteristics:
xxxiii, 181 pages ; 21 cm
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Add a CommentIt's a primary source, what can I say. Makes a lot more sense than Das Kapital.
The famous money quote about the "invisible hand" does not appear well into the book (Book IV, chapter 2) and it does not deal so much with free enterprise as is commonly thought, but the tendency of people to choose domestic products over foreign ones when purchasing something. That being said, this is indeed one of the all time classic books and it should be mandatory reading for anyone who handles money, for it offers an understanding not just the division of labour and how markets work, but the relationship between richer and poorer countries, and even well off nations between each other. I have a feeling if Wall Street had actually heeded its sage advice, the 2008 meltdown may well have been avoided. If you think you know how economics should work, you may be in for a surprise. But you won't be reading this in one sitting.
Considering it's age the book is still very relevant. It's amazing that this and Origin of the Species by Darwin written about 100 years after are still ignored and overlooked by so many of the populace. A greater and more equal society is to be had if we can remove the crony from true Capitalism. A book everyone should read if you consider yourself knowledgeable or informed.
The wealth of nations is the magnum opus of the Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith. First published in 1776, the book offers one of the world's first collected descriptions of what builds nations' wealth and is today a fundamental work in classical economics. Through reflection over the economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the book touches upon broad topics as the division of labor, productivity and free markets
--Wikipedia
This book is one of the earliest books written on capitalism. It explains how capitalism is the most productive system and is often referred to as the "bible of capitalism". It is a MUST READ for ALL AMERICANS!! (Unless you do not plan on working or voting)
Ps: I would not recomend this book for children under 8th grade (it is a bit difficult)