An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

A very through examination of taxation up until 1775, revealing the percentage of taxation paid in America vs England, the justification of various taxes,their impact on wages and net effect on national wealth. Dry but insightful if one reads between the lines having the advantage of subsequent events.

PROBABLY THE BEST SINGLE BOOK THAT DESCRIBES WESTERN ECONOMIES IN VERY COMPREHENSIVE DETAIL. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT BE MANDATORY FOR EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN A CAPITALIST ECONOMY. AMAZING HOW THE READER CAN FIT THIS. EARLY TEXT INTO TODAY'S REALITY.

This book is huge, maybe twice the dimensions of ordinary paper, so it won't fit into standard shelves. The formatting is awful if you're used to books from Penguin or Everyman's Library. I feel ripped off.

Economics isn't as complicated as modern practitioners want people to believe. The first third of this book explains price theory and competitive advantage, which is 90% of all micro-economics. (And most economists think this is a macro text.) While the language is a bit dated, the thoughts are clear and easy to understand.

Smith combined economics, political theory, history, philosophy and pragmatism. In his book, he discusses various economic issues and puts forth his preference for laissez-faire capitalism. At the time, many economists had great regard for him.

What's fascinating is to study corporate finance then return to Adam Smith and read his precepts. They are just as relevant today, for example, his thoughts on use of money or how politics and money intersect, fiscal, monetary and regulatory policy.

In book two he addresses stock, the accumulation of capital and labor. In book three he covers nations, the historical analysis of the Roman Empire, Europe's discouragement from agriculture, the rise of towns and how commerce in towns contributed to the improvement of the country. He recognizes it was the wealth acquired in the cities that caused a mere country gentleman to profit. The efficiency, if you will of a free market economy.

It's the only way, that vast wealth can be created--and that eventually, that people can rise from poverty. Even though economics have changed since 1776--not much has changed since that time. This brilliant political economic book is just as relevant today.

The wealth of nations, the book that inspired it all. You can't argue for or against capitalism without reading this book, arguably you can't vote for economic policy without reading this book. (I also think you should read marx das kapital as well)

I'm biased as an Econ major but this book wasn't for class. No it wasn't fun or funny to read but it made me think.

To many people make gross statements without thinking. I recently overhead someone complaining that they had to pay taxes / tolls for roads. After all they don't drive themselves. I would argue that they receive their food, transportation, food, medical care, education, goods and services etc through roads. Their house was built in part because there are roads. Electricity at a local municipal level is because of roads. Without roads we would;t be able to effectively repair downed wires, or put them up to begin with. Reading and educating yourself prevents stupid statements like these. (Ok its a bit of a gross overstatement myself if you're reading marx or smith you're way past the point of saying we don't need roads but you get my point)

This is a fine edition -- Cannan's 1904 edition, the best until the new Oxford Critical Edition. Unfortunately, it lacks Cannan's index, a mixture of learning and levity. And, when trying to fit so many pages into a paperback for less than $10, there are almost no margins. But this edition certainly mixes completeness, scholarly excellence, and low price.

Everyone who is interested in balancing their home finances, or balancing the budget of the Federal Governemt MUST read this book. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury of this country based many of his financial ideas on the ideas he garneared from this excellent analysis of economics.

This is the definitive work on economics. Adam Smith is considered by many to be the father of Economics. I first read this as a student at the Wharton School of Business. The book traces the history and evolution of modern economics. Many of his lessons are still applicable today. I have re-read (and re-listeden to this particular version) many times throughout my lifetime. This should be required reading for all.

Ivy League Wealth Secrets: That the Master Planners don't want you to know!

Surprisingly, I am not convinced that many heads of states, governors or municipal leaders have ever heard of this book. I think this would be a better high school English book than many that are assigned.

For most, this is the first text anyone should read about economics. A great insight into the mysterious world of supply and demand, and written in 1776, long before the Industrial Revolution and modern urbanized society. Still a required text in first year economics classes in many universities! From him sprang modern economic theory that guides many modern democracies. A must read for those who want to understand the forces that guide our daily lives.

This free kindle book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the basic concepts of economics. Written in accessible language, this classic treatise will help every reader gain a better understanding of the world they live in. From novice students to advanced economists there is something to be gleaned from a reading of Adam Smith's world changing observations over a century ago. Replete with examples (perhaps too many) this book covers nearly every critical concept of it's time and lays out valuable indicators for many current and future developments in the use of resources, economic development, and responsible governance.

Its everything you ever needed to know about economics. If you've come so far that you're reading reviews, just friggin buy it already! You know you want to. Besides, it will be helpful in rebuilding the neweconomy after the zombie apocalypse. Buy it now, and put it in your bugout bag... I did!

Its everything you ever needed to know about economics. If you've come so far that you're reading reviews, just friggin buy it already! You know you want to. Besides, it will be helpful in rebuilding the neweconomy after the zombie apocalypse. Buy it now, and put it in your bugout bag... I did!

Good introductory sections. Helpful in establishing historical context. Professionally rendered. Intense and dense material, but appropriate for the topic. Glad I bought it. My first reading of Adam Smith, so I cannot compare to other editions.

Still working my way through it, but I can readily understand why it's considered a classic. An annotated version would be worth owning, too. The writing style is surprisingly accessible. I had begun reading a different, free version, but found it riddled with spelling errors. The Wordsworth Classics edition has no such problems.

All these years later, this is still a readable, even compelling, book. As with most theories, it seems like an incomplete portrayal of reality. Specifically, Smith omits genuinely adverse consequences of relentless pursuit of economic self-interest. Faith in The Invisible Hand as a force for good is just that: faith. The record is at least mixed.

The book seems to be reprinted on demand. But the formatting gets flawed in the process.

Pages (including page numbers) and paragraphs seem haphazardly placed. Numerous
paragraphs start with lowercase.

It is complete waste of paper and ink to reprint a book like this.