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Adam Smith
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An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations Kindle Edition

by Adam Smith (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 857 ratings
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
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  1. Print length
    1188 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 16, 2012
  4. File size
    1.2 MB
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00847CE6O
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University Of Chicago Press; Facsimile of 1904 ed edition (May 16, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 1188 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 857 ratings

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Adam Smith

Adam Smith

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Adam Smith (16 June 1723 NS (5 June 1723 OS) – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish moral philosopher, pioneer of political economy, and a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment.

Smith is best known for two classic works: The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759), and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776). The latter, usually abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. Smith is cited as the father of modern economics and is still among the most influential thinkers in the field of economics today.

Smith studied social philosophy at the University of Glasgow and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was one of the first students to benefit from scholarships set up by fellow Scot, John Snell. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at Edinburgh, leading him to collaborate with David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith obtained a professorship at Glasgow teaching moral philosophy, and during this time he wrote and published The Theory of Moral Sentiments. In his later life, he took a tutoring position that allowed him to travel throughout Europe, where he met other intellectual leaders of his day.

Smith laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory. The Wealth of Nations was a precursor to the modern academic discipline of economics. In this and other works, he expounded upon how rational self-interest and competition can lead to economic prosperity. Smith was controversial in his own day and his general approach and writing style were often satirised by Tory writers in the moralising tradition of William Hogarth and Jonathan Swift. In 2005, The Wealth of Nations was named among the 100 Best Scottish Books of all time. The minor planet 12838 Adamsmith was named in his memory.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by unknown artist [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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4.4 out of 5 stars
857 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a classic that provides great help in understanding modern economics. Moreover, they appreciate its historical accuracy, with one noting it's 240 years old, and find it fascinating. However, the readability receives mixed feedback, with some finding it well written while others describe it as difficult to read at times.

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57 customers mention "Value for reading"57 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a classic worth reading, with one customer noting it's an important read for college students.

"A great book on many levels. First, Smith was endowed with a hyperactive mind...." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"All these years later, this is still a readable, even compelling, book. As with most theories, it seems like an incomplete portrayal of reality...." Read more

"...Smith's support of free markets is legendary and worth reading in the original; his lively use of easily-understandable analogies help even a non-..." Read more

49 customers mention "Insight"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides great help in understanding modern economics and consider it a must-have for economists, with one customer noting it's a classic written in the 18th century about economic theory.

"...prices of corn (grain) vs meat in Argentina), his reasoning is modern and impeccable...." Read more

"All these years later, this is still a readable, even compelling, book. As with most theories, it seems like an incomplete portrayal of reality...." Read more

"...(and why some thrived and others didn't) was new to me and very engaging...." Read more

"...to actual physical processes and items, and how it is accrued in a fluid economic environment. I highly recommend this to any student of any age." Read more

5 customers mention "Historical accuracy"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with one noting it is 240 years old.

"...Third, there is fascinating history here, at a time when the USA was still a colony...." Read more

"...deep slog through archaic language and context...and yet a fascinating look at history through the eyes of an Englishman as he casually mentions, ''..." Read more

"This is an historic book. It deserves its reputation." Read more

"240 years old and still relevant. A classic based on timeless concepts." Read more

4 customers mention "Interest"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating, with one mentioning it contains many gems.

"Fascinating and enlightening read. I learned more useful knowledge from this book than from years of ''education''" Read more

"I found it quite difficult to read.it's interesting,but ideas as way to long ,probably because it was written so long ago...." Read more

"A hard read but many gems." Read more

"Interesting subject. Totally classic..." Read more

38 customers mention "Readability"19 positive19 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the readability of the book, with some finding it well written and readable, while others mention it can be difficult to read at times.

"All these years later, this is still a readable, even compelling, book. As with most theories, it seems like an incomplete portrayal of reality...." Read more

"...No it wasn't fun or funny to read but it made me think. To many people make gross statements without thinking...." Read more

"...legendary and worth reading in the original; his lively use of easily-understandable analogies help even a non-economist understand complex theories...." Read more

"...I must admit thought that the style of writing is a little out-of-date hence a little difficulty in comprehending the first time reading it...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • AZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Should be enjoyable for all
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2014
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    A great book on many levels. First, Smith was endowed with a hyperactive mind. There seems to be nothing that he does not want to dig to the roots - imagine this guy armed with the internet and Wikipedia! Second, although his illustrations are quaint (the relative prices of corn (grain) vs meat in Argentina), his reasoning is modern and impeccable. For example, when two events seem to operate in parallel, he must find out if there is really cause. Another example, he was very aware of the unfairness of cartels, of the powerful rich, of the human need for happiness and freedom. Third, there is fascinating history here, at a time when the USA was still a colony. Money is one of the bedrocks of civilization, and money says much about who we are. Smith discusses many economies, including the USA, India, European countries, South America, and China.

    In summary, I think there is something here for all inquiring minds. Adam Smith was an important intellectual giant. A must read. Having finished the book, I'm a little puzzled by the flack he receives. I think it is because he is more scientist than politician, and he thus does not champion causes.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • Winston&co
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Original
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2014
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    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)
    One person found this helpful
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  • stillastudent
    4.0 out of 5 stars Trenchant prose has become contemporary dogma.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2015
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    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.
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  • Suzanne Hadley
    5.0 out of 5 stars You might enjoy it (as I did) more than you expect
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2014
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    A dense read, but more engaging and pleasant than one might think. After hearing so much "about" this book in my lifetime, it's beneficial to actually read the book itself. Smith's support of free markets is legendary and worth reading in the original; his lively use of easily-understandable analogies help even a non-economist understand complex theories. Also Smith's history of the European colonies (and why some thrived and others didn't) was new to me and very engaging. This work is arguably one of the key tomes in western civilization's "great books." For that reason alone, it's worth a free e-version and a serious effort. You might enjoy it (as I did) more than you expect.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • NSJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless Classic using fundamental economic concepts
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2014
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    This is a timeless classic using fundamental economic concepts. It is interesting to observe the thought processes of an intelligent individual from over 200 years ago, thinking through the core basics of the foundations of economic theory. Modern humans tend to think of ourselves as smarter than previous generations. Actually, we are "standing on the shoulders of giants" to paraphrase a quote by Sir Isaac Newton, who actually borrowed it from several previous historical passages. Adam Smith saw clearly, and articulated eloquently the fundamental principals underlying what is wealth, how it correlates to actual physical processes and items, and how it is accrued in a fluid economic environment. I highly recommend this to any student of any age.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Hayford Adjavor
    3.0 out of 5 stars Very thought Provoking!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014
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    I enjoyed reading this book! It is very insightful with lots of thought provoking perspectives on the capitalist economic system. The book also helped answered some of the fundamental questions regarding capitalism and corporate social responsibility. It has also helped in refreshing my memory on things I had read a long time ago. I must admit thought that the style of writing is a little out-of-date hence a little difficulty in comprehending the first time reading it. Overall, I will recommend it to anyone taking a class in economics!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Citizen Historian
    5.0 out of 5 stars A foundation for understanding economics.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2014
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    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.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Fabricio Siqueira
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely pleasurable read, explain all aspects of the economy ...
    Reviewed in Australia on December 28, 2016
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    Extremely pleasurable read, explain all aspects of the economy and is still very accurate despite the age of the book. The only issues are that in his time there were not "to big to fail" companies and governments were not as powerful as today.
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  • Juan Manuel Leiva
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books one can ever read!
    Reviewed in Spain on June 3, 2014
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    With this book you can get to understand how wealth is distributed the way it is! You can learn basic key concepts about economy and what the countries are doing to keep in control of their wealth regardless of the poverty in undeveloped countries. I strongly recommend this book to everybody!

    Farmer.
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  • RONALD POHORYLES
    5.0 out of 5 stars Why to read classical texts in the original version
    Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2014
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    The mainstream refers to Adam Smith as the pioneer of the free market ideology. This is due to the very superficial reading, if any, ot the works of Adam Smith. Neoliberals praise him, neo-keynesians codemn him, both for wrong reasons. Already the reading of WN proves this mainstream opinion wrong. Most refer to the famous notion of "the invisible hand", which in fact just apperars twice in a book of more than 1'000 pages (see also: Emma Rothschild's "Adam Smith and the 'invisible hand'", American Economic Review, No.2, pp. 319 - 322, 2004). Further reading of his work, for instance the "Theory of Moral Sentiments" or the lectures notes on his "Lectures on Jurisprudence" makes it even more clear wrong the mainstream is in its opinion. This is why we should read texts in the original version and put it into the historical context.
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  • Helcio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice to begginers.
    Reviewed in Brazil on July 17, 2019
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    A very good book for people who don't know nothing about economy.
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  • Ola O
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Thanks for the effort in making this ...
    Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2017
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    Great book. Thanks for the effort in making this ebook available.
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