~ 1776 ~
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, written by Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith in 1776, is a pioneering work in the field of economics. In this book, Smith explores the factors that create wealth in nations, including such topics as productivity, free markets, and the division of labor. He argues that division of labor has caused the greatest increase in production of any factor and distinguishes between the workings of poor nations in agriculture compared to manufacturing. The Wealth of Nations has influenced economists and governments for almost two centuries and remains a cornerstone of classical economics.