The Wealth of Nations

The book that launched modern economics.

First published in 1776, Adam Smith’s “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations” explains how prosperity grows when people are free to specialize, trade, and respond to prices. Smith’s clear-eyed insights—about self-interest, competition, and the proper (limited) role of government—still shape debates on markets, taxation, and public policy today.

Inside this landmark work, readers will explore:

• Division of labor and why specialization multiplies productivity
• Prices, profits, and the “invisible hand” that coordinates free exchange
• Trade and tariffs—Smith’s timeless critique of mercantilism
• Money, banking, and the dynamics of wages and capital
• What governments should (and shouldn’t) do: justice, defense, and public works

Why read it now? Because the questions Smith asks—What creates growth? Who benefits from trade? When do regulations help or harm?—are the same ones driving headlines and boardrooms today. Whether you’re studying economics for the first time or revisiting a classic with fresh eyes, this is the essential starting point for understanding capitalism and political economy.

Perfect for students, entrepreneurs, investors, policy thinkers, and any reader who wants a rigorous yet readable guide to how economies actually work.

Add “The Wealth of Nations” to your library and discover why this masterpiece remains the most influential book on markets ever written.