The Wealth of Nations

By: Adam Smith

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 36 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The foundation for all modern economic thought and political economy, The Wealth of Nations is the magnum opus of Scottish economist Adam Smith, who introduces the world to the very idea of economics and capitalism in the modern sense of the words. Smith details his argument in five books:

• Book I. Of the Causes of Improvement in the Productive Power of Labour
• Book II. Of the Nature, Accumulation, and Employment of Stock Introduction
• Book III. Of the Different Progress of Opulence in Different Nations
• Book IV. Of Systems of Political Economy
• Book V. Of the Revenue of the Sovereign or Commonwealth

Taken together, these books form a giant leap forward in the field of economics. A product of the "Age of Enlightenment," The Wealth of Nations is a must for all who wish to gain a better understanding of the principles upon which all modern capitalistic economies have been founded and the process of wealth creation that is engendered by those principles.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

A must read for everyone

Long, detailed, and dry. BUT, it will provide some of the greatest insight to modern Western Civilization and answer many questions about the current state of nations. History repeats itself.

The core tenets of Economics

Must read for anyone wanting to understand how the economy and politics work. It is long, but very thorough education in micro and macro economics. Americans looking at the 2024 election would be wise to read this to understand why both parties economic policies are flawed.

Amazingly accessible

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. I had thought the Smith had anticipated much of our current understanding of the way markets function. Instead, he had all of the fundamentals figured out. I was fearing that it would be quite obscure in topic and language, but found it pleasantly accessible, if perhaps a bit long.

As as reading the classics, I would definitely recommend this.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The market.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

It fit the material.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Way Your World Works

The Wealth of Ages

The book is great compilation of financial data, non-mercantile philosophy and an insight into the mind of the author and his thoroughness amazes me. It is no doubt that collecting all this data back in his time would have been an achievement in itself.
I feel a better understanding of the very fundamentals of economy and society. Interestingly, although unintentional, one can learn a lot about the roots of many words and phrases we commonly use today without them making direct sense to us in modern context.
It is hard to retain all the information contained in this laborious book though and ancient data often becomes a drag when listening to it.

I would suggest readers that if they can find an abridged copy of the book or a commentary on this book which skips the tedious ancient data but retains the original content on philosophy, social and political impact of economic policies and general humour and observations of this very learned author then it would be perhaps a more enjoyable reading than the current tome.

The wisdom speaks through the ages here.

Outstanding!

Our political and economic leaders would do well to learn what Adam Smith understood in the 1700s. We keep making the same costly mistakes! There are no excuses for the gross failures we see in our economies today.

Great to help understand government & economics

Adam Smith's analysis of governments is as relevant today as 240 years ago.
Many politicians should listen to this book.

Great Narration of a Classic

Gildart Jackson is a great choice for a narrator if this foundational treatise on capitalism. Adam Smith provides great detail about the market and its benefits, with historical and contemporary anecdotes that prove his points.

Great insight into the origins of our economy

Definitely a great insight. But also a challenge due to the tedious attention to detail and the inevitable use of centuries old terminology.

My go-to book for falling asleep!

A truly soporific soliloquy! Long overlooked by etymologists, this book is clearly the source of our modern understanding of the word "corny". Jackson's narration stays true to the ideals of the author as well, with its wonderful economy of inflection. A must have for every insomniac.

Looking for a 1700s economics class?

This book is extremely detailed and very lengthy. If you’re are an economics nerd this may be up your alley. For the every day person is too much and too long. Felt like I was in college level historical Econ course through the entire thing.