The Wealth of Nations

“It is the great multiplication of the productions of all the different arts, in consequence of the division of labour, which occasions, in a well-governed society, that universal opulence which extends itself to the lowest ranks of the people.”

The Wealth of Nations is according to many the foundational text of the discipline of economics, marking a turning point from earlier political philosophy to economics as we know it today. Written by Adam Smith in the late 18th century, his study develops concepts which have since become cornerstones of economic thought such as division of labour, productivity, return on investment, free markets and professions, and more.

Although in the present Smith has become strongly associated with free markets and ‘the invisible hand’, he is hardly a Gordon Gekko -type cut-throat capitalist, rather its opposite. Throughout The Wealth of Nations he displays a highly moral and realistic view of people and economic incentives – and how things can go wrong in pursuit of profit.

The book also offers an intriguing view into the political and economic reality of the British Empire in the lead-up to the French and American revolutions. Smith’s intelligence is on splendid display in his analysis of long-term trends, predicting many of the features of our present world from a distance of over 200 years.

Upon its initial release in 1776 the book sold out nearly immediately, giving evidence of how its elegant language and high ideas offer enjoyment and insights to a broad audience.

Our edition features a section on Adam Smith, including an extensive biographical essay illuminating the course of his life. The book comes in 170x240mm format with hard cover, black and gold details featuring stunning artworks by the Finnish artist Ville Andersson, designed by Piëtke Visser in Helsinki.