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Primary sourceBook1776

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith · 1776

Smith's 1776 treatise on economics, setting out the division of labour and the 'invisible hand', founding modern economic thought.

Smith's own magnum opus, written by him and the foundation of his fame as an economist.

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Title page of An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, LL.D. and F.R.S., formerly Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. In two volumes, Vol. I. London, printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, in the Strand, MDCCLXXVI.
Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, 1776. London first edition.

About this source

What it is

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations is a book written by Adam Smith, published in two volumes in 1776. The copy shown here is a London first edition.

Why it matters

Smith's book attacked the mercantilist and feudal economic systems of his time, arguing that free exchange, competition and the division of labour (illustrated by his famous example of a pin factory) created wealth more effectively than state control. His idea of an 'invisible hand' guiding self-interest towards public benefit became one of the most influential concepts in economic history. The book shaped debates about trade, government and markets for generations, influencing thinkers from Alexander Hamilton to Karl Marx, who called it the 'true Bible' of classical political economy.

Look closer

  • Why might Smith have wanted to challenge the economic policies of his government?
  • What does the title page tell you about who the book was written for?
  • Can you find modern debates that still use ideas from this book?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Adam Smith on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Scan of the title page of the 1759 first edition of The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Centered ornament below. Imprint reads London: Printed for A. Millar, in the Strand, and A. Kincaid and J. Bell, in Edinburgh, MDCCLIX.Book

Primary source

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith · 1759

Black and white engraving of a standing man in profile wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and long buttoned coat, holding a cane, beside a round table with books and an inkstand. Bookshelves and a checkered floor are behind him. Caption below reads 'The Author of the Wealth of Nations'. Signed 'RAY' and dated 1790 at lower left.Painting

Primary source

Adam Smith, 1790

John Kay · 1790

Oil painting of a man in a powdered white wig and dark high-collared coat with blue-tinged shading, turned to the left, against a dark brown background. He has a slight closed-mouth expression.Painting

Secondary source

The Muir Portrait of Adam Smith

Unknown · c. 1790

Evening photo of Panmure House, a stone building with lit windows and a glass-fronted entrance at street level, with a sign reading Adam Smith's Panmure House. Dusk sky, paved street in foreground.Artifact

Primary source

Panmure House

1691-1693 (built); Smith resided 1778-1790

Oil portrait of an older man with white powdered hair in curled rolls over the ears, wearing a dark coat with a high collar and a white cravat. He looks off to the side against a dark brown background, lit from the left.Painting

Secondary source

Adam Smith, Political Economist, Portrait of 1800

Unknown (Scottish) · c. 1800

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