An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (Two Volumes in One)

The foundational text of modern economic thought, the origin of laissez-faire economics and contemporary free market thinking

Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations was recognized as a landmark of immediately upon publication in 1776. As the first serious, data-driven argument for the principles of political economy, it is the point of departure for all subsequent economic thought. Smith's argument that human self-interest is the primary driver of economic activity, and that in aggregate that self-interest--acting through a market freed from government intervention-guides markets and economies toward the best outcomes for business and society, remains foundational for contemporary free-market economics.

This edition presents the definitive 1904 version of The Wealth of Nations, painstakingly edited by Edwin Cannan and featuring Cannan's illuminating introduction, and notes, as well as a a full index. An additional preface by distinguished economist George J. Stigler places Smith's book and thought in a contemporary context. The result is the best edition of this classic for students and general readers alike.

Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a Scottish professor, economist, and philosopher and a key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith wrote two major works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The latter, often abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is the first theoretical work of economics. Smith laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory. He developed the concept of division of labour and theorized that rational self-interest and competition leads to economic prosperity.

Edwin Cannan (1861–1935) was a British economist and historian of economic thought. He taught at the London School of Economics from 1895 to 1926.