The Quest for the Truly Complete Unabridged Version of Adam Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations'
Adam Smith's seminal work, 'The Wealth of Nations,' is a cornerstone of modern economic theory. However, finding a truly complete and unabridged version can be a challenge. Here, we will explore various sources and editions to provide you with the best options for studying this important text.
The Best Sources for 'The Wealth of Nations'
When seeking an unabridged version of 'The Wealth of Nations,' it's important to consider the edition and the publisher. Below are some of the top sources:
Liberty Fund
Liberty Fund offers a highly regarded edition of 'The Wealth of Nations.' This edition is comprehensive, including scholarly commentary and notes, making it an excellent choice for academic study. While other collections might be more complete, Liberty Fund's edition is often praised for its comprehensive nature and academic depth.
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press also publishes a comprehensive edition of 'The Wealth of Nations.' This edition is praised for being well-regarded and including scholarly commentary. It focuses on providing a thorough understanding of Smith’s work, making it ideal for researchers and academics.
The Modern Library
The Modern Library has released an edition that is both unabridged and includes an introduction discussing Adam Smith's impact on economic theory. This edition is a good choice for those who want an accessible and scholarly introduction to 'The Wealth of Nations.'
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg offers a free and unabridged version of 'The Wealth of Nations.' This is a great option for those looking for a completely free and comprehensive edition. However, it is essential to confirm that the version you download is indeed unaltered and does not include modern commentary or abridged sections.
Specific Editions of Interest
Some specific editions and publications worth mentioning include:
The Glasgow 1978 Publication of 'WN'
In 1978, the University of Glasgow published 'WN' (short for 'On the Wealth of Nations'), an edition that is both unabridged and includes annotations. These notes describe the changes between various editions published during Smith's lifetime. This edition is prized for its academic rigor and detailed historical context.
'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations'
This title is often used as shorthand for 'The Wealth of Nations.' The Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith, Volumes 1 and 2, provides a comprehensive and thorough perspective on Smith's work. This edition includes 'WN' along with other works from Smith, making it a more complete collection.
Amazon as a Resource
Amazon offers a vast collection of versions of 'The Wealth of Nations,' ranging from abridged to unabridged editions. To make the best choice, it is advisable to:
Read the Wikipedia article on 'The Wealth of Nations.' Check the product description to ensure the edition is unabridged. Consider the needs of your study, whether for academic research or personal interest.Purchasing from Amazon ensures that you have access to various editions, including several from reputable publishers. This will allow you to find the perfect version that suits your specific needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right edition of 'The Wealth of Nations' can be crucial for studying and understanding Adam Smith's profound economic theories. Whether you select an edition from Liberty Fund, Oxford University Press, or The Modern Library, or opt for a free version from Project Gutenberg, it is essential to ensure that the edition is complete and unabridged.
By carefully considering these sources and editions, you can gain a more in-depth and scholarly understanding of one of the most influential works in economic theory.