Book description
Smith's THE WEALTH OF NATIONS was the first comprehensive treatment of
political economy. Originally delivered in the form of lectures at
Glasgow, the book's publication in 1776 co-incided with America's
Declaration of Independence. These volumes include Smith's assessment of
the mercantile system, his advocacy of the freedom of commerce and
industry, and his famous prophecy that "America will be one of the
foremost nations of the world".
Adam Smith (1723-1790) was born in Glasgow and after being educated
in Glasgow and Oxford, he held a number of academic posts before
becoming tutor to the young Duke of Buccleuch. This post took him to
France where he began writing his political treatise, THE WEALTH OF NATIONS.
Andrew S. Skinner is Adam Smith Professor of Political Economy,
Emeritus at Glasgow University and has published widely on Adam Smith
and is the editor of the first three volumes of THE WEALTH OF NATIONS
for Penguin.
