The Wealth of Nations
A treatise examining the sources of national prosperity, arguing that division of labor and free markets are more effective than mercantilism. Smith introduces the concept of the "invisible hand" guiding self-interest toward public good.
The Wealth of Nations is the foundational text of modern economics, establishing principles that shaped capitalism, free trade policy, and economic theory for centuries. It remains essential to debates about markets and justice.
Published in 1776 as American colonists declared independence, Smith's work provided intellectual justification for economic liberty that complemented political revolution against mercantilist restrictions.
Mass production and urbanization gave rise to the modern novel and the exploration of social inequality.