Adam Smith

By: Jesse Norman

Narrated by: Jesse Norman

Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

A dazzlingly original account of the life and thought of Adam Smith, the greatest economist of all time.

Adam Smith (1723-1790) is now widely regarded as the greatest economist of all time. But what he really thought, and the implications of his ideas, remain fiercely contested. Was he an eloquent advocate of capitalism and individual freedom? A prime mover of "market fundamentalism"? An apologist for human selfishness? Or something else entirely? 

In Adam Smith, political philosopher Jesse Norman dispels the myths and caricatures, and provides a far more complex portrait of the man. Offering a highly engaging account of Smith's life and times, Norman explores his work as a whole and traces his influence over two centuries to the present day. Finally, he shows how a proper understanding of Smith can help us address the problems of modern capitalism. 

The Smith who emerges from this audiobook is not only the greatest of all economists, but a pioneering theorist of moral philosophy, culture, and society.

©2018 Jesse Norman (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

"[Norman's] book is partly devoted to rescuing Smith from the misconceptions and simplifications of his fans, and trying to capture the real range and complexity of his thought...something badly needed in British politics." (Times Higher Education)

"Jesse Norman provides two outstanding biographies for the price of one: a beautiful and original account of Adam Smith's life, well grounded in the epochal events of the eighteenth century enlightenment; and a penetrating and fresh account of the subsequent life of Smith's main idea, the central role of exchange in shaping human society." (Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything)

"Adam Smith is often associated with the powerful idea of the 'invisible hand' of the market, which became the bedrock of modern economics. But this brilliant idea doesn't come close to doing justice to his thinking. He anticipated how the unchecked power of employers can lead to monopoly, inefficiency and inequality. He understood how political systems that restrain rulers and the privileged are crucial for a healthy society and vibrant economy. He fully recognized, in contrast to how he is sometimes remembered in popular discussions, the complexities of ethical behavior and responsibilities. This wonderfully readable book by Jesse Norman brings Smith's sophisticated, eye-opening philosophy to modern readers." (Daron Acemoglu, coauthor of Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty)

Most excellent book!

From Bacon and Newton, to John Stewart Mills, Keynes, Friedman, Thaler and Freakonomics. The book solidly sets up the context by outlying the social, economic and political conditions of the times and constantly compares and shows how Smith's work is relevant in our current day.

A humanistic take on Adam Smith.

All those who think, and believe they know who Adam Smith was, should listen to or read this book.

Must read for global macro investors

A must read for global macro investors, answered lots of questions about free trade system

Insightful into the mind of Economic Man

Social philosophy at its best. Incredibly well written. Erudite author on erudite thinker. Enjoyed it.