The Wealth of Nations

This article is about the book by Adam Smith. For data on the monetary wealth of countries, see List of countries by total wealth.

The Wealth of Nations
Title-page of the 1776 London edition
AuthorAdam Smith
LanguageEnglish
GenreEconomics, philosophy
PublisherW. Strahan and T. Cadell, London
Publication date
9 March 1776
Publication placeScotland, Kingdom of Great Britain
TextThe Wealth of Nations at Wikisource

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, generally referred to by its shortened title The Wealth of Nations, is the magnum opus of the Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith (1723–1790). First published in 1776, the book offers one of the world's first connected accounts of what builds nations' wealth, and has become a fundamental work in classical economics. This is the first formulation of a comprehensive system of political economy.[1] Reflecting upon economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, Smith addresses topics such as the division of labour, productivity, and free markets.[2]

  1. ^ "The Wealth of Nations | Summary, Themes, Significance, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  2. ^ O'Rourke, P. J. ""On 'The Wealth of Nations.'"". New York Times. 7 January 2005. 18 October 2018.