Title: An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (Britannica: Great Books of the Western World)
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Year: 1952
Format: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Weight: 684 g
Dimensions: 17 x 24 x 2.5 cm
This copy has a barely visible scratch on the back cover (image 3), and on the front and is slightly indented on the base of the spine (image 1) where it sat on a shelf for the last 70 + years.
Full brown leatherette (1952), gilt spine, Smyth-sewn. Part of the Great Books of the Western World series by Encyclopaedia Britannica, edited with guidance from the University of Chicago.
This is considered one of the foundational works in the field of economics, laying down key principles and concepts that have shaped economic theory and policy for centuries. Smith's book introduced the concept of the invisible hand, which describes how self-interested behavior can lead to positive economic outcomes for society as a whole. This idea remains central to understanding free-market capitalism. Smith's analysis of the division of labor highlighted its role in increasing productivity and efficiency, influencing industrial practices and management theories. The Wealth of Nations has influenced governments and policymakers globally, contributing to the development of economic policies such as free trade, deregulation, and the importance of competition. Beyond economics, Smith's ideas have influenced disciplines such as sociology, political science, and philosophy, making his work relevant across various academic fields.
