--- product_id: 10615201 title: "The Wealth of Nations (Modern Library Classics)" price: "£17.21" currency: GBP in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/10615201-the-wealth-of-nations-modern-library-classics store_origin: GB region: United Kingdom --- # The Wealth of Nations (Modern Library Classics) **Price:** £17.21 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Wealth of Nations (Modern Library Classics) - **How much does it cost?** £17.21 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/10615201-the-wealth-of-nations-modern-library-classics) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Adam Smith’s masterpiece, first published in 1776, is the foundation of modern economic thought and remains the single most important account of the rise of, and the principles behind, modern capitalism. Written in clear and incisive prose, The Wealth of Nations articulates the concepts indispensable to an understanding of contemporary society; and Robert Reich’s Introduction both clarifies Smith’s analyses and illuminates his overall relevance to the world in which we live. As Reich writes, “Smith’s mind ranged over issues as fresh and topical today as they were in the late eighteenth century—jobs, wages, politics, government, trade, education, business, and ethics.” Introduction by Robert Reich • Commentary by R. H. Campbell and A. S. Skinner • Includes a Modern Library Reading Group Guide Review: The Y2K - Modern Library Classics Version - I am reviewing the Modern Library Classics version with an introduction by former labor secretary Robert Reich. To minimize repetition, the differences for this version: This massive book is complete and unabridged (all five books). There is a great added feature in the form of small summary notes in the margin that accompany each paragraph. Adam Smith was a masterful writer of prose and communicates some of the most important economic and philosophical ideas in the history of western civilization. Economic theory never read so beautifully. An interesting choice for an introduction is Robert Reich. He is one of the few intellectuals from the left, and while I disagree with him more often than not, I respect his thought process. He offers his interpretation of Smith and how the ideas found in TWoN fit neatly with his positions. Selective reasoning or not, Reich does offer a nice summary line: "In these times, as when Adam Smith wrote, it is important to remind ourselves of the revolutionary notion at the heart of Smith's opus-that the wealth of a nation is measured not by its accumulated riches, but by the productivity and living standards of all its people." Nicely said and I agree. I just disagree with Reich and his ilk on how the "wealth" of the modern nation is achieved. Adam Smith offers the roadmap, but it is up to us to keep lawmakers in DC or [insert any central government here] from regulating and taxing us to death --relegating Smith's work to the dust bin. Review: 009 Adam Smith's value - Being a retired economist I should have read this book already 50 years ago! But better late than never. And on the other hand, reading this book there is nothing principally new. It is told that president Truman wanted to employ one handed economists, being fed up with this 'on the other hand' favorite phrase of economists rebutting the work of the first hand. On the other hand! - the most important statue of Lenin was him showing with his one hand the way to follow. We all know, where this economic policy ended. When I showed this review to my pal Timo, classmate and best friend since 1944, that is 70 years, he remarked: 'Don't you see, there is another one-handed advisor, A Hitler with his hand in Heil.' Even more disastrous than Lenin. So, perhaps better avoid one-handed advisors. Our Adam, the first man in economist's paradise, only - already 300+ years ago, created and founded all main corner stones on which we still to day are building. Supply and demand, and pursuing one's own best interest were and are the main clue of Smith's doctrines leading to economic well-being. Nothing has changed. The doctrine of supply and demand still helps to consumer being the king, even if the reign is largely different. Smith speaks of wool combers and barley traders, we of mobile phones and air tickets. The same laws are in power, however. Even if completely enthusiastic about having read this book, I would not recommend it as an exam reading for students and understand very well why it was not included in my list 50 years ago. Why then? In his magnificent work Smith wanders through such an ocean of detailed information that nobody can comprise it. But never does he lose the clue. The conclusions are clear, firm and persuasive. Deficit production leads to rise in price and surplus to reduction. It is as simple as that. All artificial restrictions are finally harmful. That is the core of Smith's message. Very plausible at that time as well as it is to day. No amount of stars can sufficiently appreciate this bloc of gold in our Western cultural tradition! ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #205,911 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #55 in Theory of Economics #104 in Economic History (Books) #628 in Classic American Literature | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,856 Reviews | ## Images ![The Wealth of Nations (Modern Library Classics) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91UPoqlOQUL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Y2K - Modern Library Classics Version *by G***N on February 15, 2001* I am reviewing the Modern Library Classics version with an introduction by former labor secretary Robert Reich. To minimize repetition, the differences for this version: This massive book is complete and unabridged (all five books). There is a great added feature in the form of small summary notes in the margin that accompany each paragraph. Adam Smith was a masterful writer of prose and communicates some of the most important economic and philosophical ideas in the history of western civilization. Economic theory never read so beautifully. An interesting choice for an introduction is Robert Reich. He is one of the few intellectuals from the left, and while I disagree with him more often than not, I respect his thought process. He offers his interpretation of Smith and how the ideas found in TWoN fit neatly with his positions. Selective reasoning or not, Reich does offer a nice summary line: "In these times, as when Adam Smith wrote, it is important to remind ourselves of the revolutionary notion at the heart of Smith's opus-that the wealth of a nation is measured not by its accumulated riches, but by the productivity and living standards of all its people." Nicely said and I agree. I just disagree with Reich and his ilk on how the "wealth" of the modern nation is achieved. Adam Smith offers the roadmap, but it is up to us to keep lawmakers in DC or [insert any central government here] from regulating and taxing us to death --relegating Smith's work to the dust bin. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 009 Adam Smith's value *by A***A on October 24, 2013* Being a retired economist I should have read this book already 50 years ago! But better late than never. And on the other hand, reading this book there is nothing principally new. It is told that president Truman wanted to employ one handed economists, being fed up with this 'on the other hand' favorite phrase of economists rebutting the work of the first hand. On the other hand! - the most important statue of Lenin was him showing with his one hand the way to follow. We all know, where this economic policy ended. When I showed this review to my pal Timo, classmate and best friend since 1944, that is 70 years, he remarked: 'Don't you see, there is another one-handed advisor, A Hitler with his hand in Heil.' Even more disastrous than Lenin. So, perhaps better avoid one-handed advisors. Our Adam, the first man in economist's paradise, only - already 300+ years ago, created and founded all main corner stones on which we still to day are building. Supply and demand, and pursuing one's own best interest were and are the main clue of Smith's doctrines leading to economic well-being. Nothing has changed. The doctrine of supply and demand still helps to consumer being the king, even if the reign is largely different. Smith speaks of wool combers and barley traders, we of mobile phones and air tickets. The same laws are in power, however. Even if completely enthusiastic about having read this book, I would not recommend it as an exam reading for students and understand very well why it was not included in my list 50 years ago. Why then? In his magnificent work Smith wanders through such an ocean of detailed information that nobody can comprise it. But never does he lose the clue. The conclusions are clear, firm and persuasive. Deficit production leads to rise in price and surplus to reduction. It is as simple as that. All artificial restrictions are finally harmful. That is the core of Smith's message. Very plausible at that time as well as it is to day. No amount of stars can sufficiently appreciate this bloc of gold in our Western cultural tradition! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book contains the ideas that have freed mankind from tyranny and oppression. Good read. *by J***I on May 3, 2021* This book and the ideas that it contains are responsible for saving the world from tyranny and gifting us a world where we can rise to the level of our ambitions. The ideas in this book still resonate and seem as obvious as they are misunderstood. In,”The Wealth of Nations” Adams lays out the blueprint for the great experiment of society called the United States of America. Adams makes a convincing economic and moral argument for the sovereignty of private property and the importance of a free market where individuals voluntarily trade goods and services with mutually beneficial results that inform the economy with purchase power. A must read in this day and age where so many confusingly criticize the system that affords us all the wealth and freedom that we value so much. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/10615201-the-wealth-of-nations-modern-library-classics](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/10615201-the-wealth-of-nations-modern-library-classics) --- *Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom* *Store origin: GB* *Last updated: 2026-05-25*