The Wealth of Nations, Books IV-V (Penguin Classics)

Description

The classic economic treatise that inspired Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century With this landmark treatise on political economy, Adam Smith paved the way for modern capitalism, arguing that a truly free market – fired by competition yet guided as if by an ‘invisible hand’ to ensure justice and equality – was the engine of a fair and productive society. In Books IV-V, Smith offers his considered response to the French Physiocrats and assesses the nature of the mercantile system. The Wealth of Nations (Books I-III) are also published in Penguin Classics. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Review: Adam Smith Was a Man of Principle - One tiny complaint, but not enough to give it four stars. A magnifying glass is needed to read the print in this book so be forewarned. Other than that, I am proud to add this classic to my home library. I am reading the book & becoming familiar with Adam Smith and his ideas on capitalism. We are having some lively discussions about capitalism in our extended family since we are all of varying political persuasions. It has turned out that one of our ancestors, many generations back, may have influenced or possibly inspired the writings of Adam Smith. It has caused us to dig more deeply into those writings and to look more closely at the historical underpinnings. One wonders what Adam Smith would think of today's capitalism. He believed there were limits to capitalism and at times some regulation was needed. He did not believe in monopolies. Apparently, unlike the more modern writer, Ayn Rand, he was a man of principle. Review: Simple presentation. - Good edition. No frills