On the Wealth of Nations

Books That Changed the World

By: P.J. O'Rourke

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

As one of the first titles in Atlantic Monthly Press' "Books That Changed the World" series, America's most provocative satirist, P.J. O'Rourke, reads from Adam Smith's revolutionary The Wealth of Nations - so you don't have to.

Recognized almost instantly on its publication in 1776 as the fundamental work of economics, The Wealth of Nations was also recognized as really long. The original edition totaled over 900 pages in two volumes, including the blockbuster 67-page "digression concerning the variations in the value of silver during the course of the last four centuries", which, O'Rourke says, "to those uninterested in the historiography of currency supply, is like reading Modern Maturity in Urdu".

Although daunting, Smith's tome is still essential to understanding such currently hot topics as outsourcing, trade imbalances, and Angelina Jolie. In this hilarious, approachable, and insightful examination of Smith and his groundbreaking work, P.J. puts his trademark wit to good use and shows us why Smith is still relevant, why what seems obvious now was once revolutionary, and why the pursuit of self-interest is so important.

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©2006 P.J. O'Rourke (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"In a highly accessible, often hilarious tone, O'Rourke parses Smith's notions of political and economic freedom." (Booklist)

Good, but missing PJ

I've listened to other O'Rourke, some he read, and some (like this) read by others. His humor and points come through with this reader, but his work deserves his voice

good book.

exc narrator. good book to reread many times.

p.j. offers good prospecive on Smith's theories.

Better Read than Heard

This is, as advertised, both very funny and very informative. O'Rourke engages with the real book much more than it appears he's going to, and explicates both its importance and its unintentional hilarity well. However, I do not recommend this audio version. Pritchard has almost no vocal variation, killing many of O'Rourke's funniest lines. Moreover, he does not audibly distinguish between O'Rourke's voice and the quotes from Smith, often running right past periods and ends of quotes without giving the listener any indication. I sometimes rewound the recording because I realized something I thought was a Smith quote was actually O'Rourke editorializing, and I had missed his point. Needs a better narrator for something so dense with terminology.

Great Analysis with a sense of humor

I like the way the author summarized each book of the Wealth Of Nations. and he used humor which makes it easier to recall some of the analysis

On the Wealth of Nations--worth listening to

“On the Wealth of Nations”

As a result of the hype about deregulating everything in the U.S., especially since Reagan, I was interested to learn the origins of this aspect of economics. To read “The Wealth of Nations” is more than I could do. When this review came out, I was tempted to read it, but since becoming diabetic, reading is difficult for me. Getting the book on Audible was great. The presentation is entertaining and packed with interesting, thought provoking interpretations of Adam Smith’s concepts. I had trouble putting it down. After completing the book, I decided after a couple of weeks, a second listen would be a real good idea.

Perhaps this book should be required listening for anyone planning to vote in the U.S. this year. I found it very educational. Adam Smith’s concepts have been grossly simplified and exaggerated to suite the contemporary bias that politician need to get our votes. Mr. Smith’s thinking was far more complex and confused than I would have expected based on modern day accounts.

Essence of the second greatest book ever written

I have not read "the Wealth Of Nations". However , if it is half as good as P.J.'s interption of it , it is a wonderful book,indeed. Were I Dictator for a Day , I would Command that every person in America listen to it.
I find myself going back to it , time and time again.
Frankly, P.J.'s book opened a whole world to me , of logical thought , and I have pursued that world , of understanding the logical processes , and the emotional feelings , of many great thinkers, and see as well , the context of the present , and the hope and fear of the future.
Adam Smith should never be forgotten, and , if P.J.'s book is as faithful to the origional as I believe it to be , statues of Adam Smith should dot every town square in America.
Perhaps then , we will remain the Land of the Free.

A great read

All the meat of the original, plenty of laughs and 20 hours shorter... it's like if the class clown read you Cliffs notes, but better.

The book is okay

The writer does an okay job of interpreting the work of Adam Smith, but interjects his own opinions and biases a bit too readily.

Where's PJ?

PJ has been a fine writer in his time, but this book does not reflect it. It isn't funny, it isn't insightful and it isn't really a good reflection of Adam Smith's work.
I don't recommend it.

A Joke

Mr. O'Rourke does not seem to have read Adam Smith. If he had he would have encountered a very fascinating and in some unlikely book. As it is, one is treated to a farrago of ideological assertions with little textual basis.