亚当·斯密（Adam Smith, 1723-1790）是经济学的主要创立者。他于1723年出生在苏格兰的克科底，青年时就读于牛津大学。1751年到1764年在格斯哥大学担任哲学教授。在此期间发表了他的第一部著作《道德情操论》，确立了他在知识界的威望。但是他的不朽名声主要在于他在1776年发表的伟大著作《国家财富的性质和原因的研究》。该书一举成功，使他在余生中享受着荣誉和爱戴。1790年，亚当·斯密在克科底去逝。他一生未娶，没有子女。

Published in 1778, The Wealth of Nations was the first book on economics to catch the public's attention. It provides a recipe for national prosperity that has not been bettered since, based on small government and the freedom of citizens to act in their best interests. It reassuringly assumes no knowledge of its subject, and over 200 years on still provides valuable lessons on the fundamentals of economics. This deluxe, selected edition is a stylish keepsake from the Capstone Classics series. This edition includes: An abridged selection of all 5 books for the contemporary reader An original commentary offering new research and analysis by classic literature guru Tom Butler-Bowdon A biography and chronology of Adam Smith's life and the events surrounding the original publication of the work Today, The Wealth of Nations is still essential reading for any business or self-development library, reminding us that it is the ingenuity and drive of people, not governments, that remains the source of personal, national and global prosperity.