Introduction to Economics: Basic Works

Published in 1776, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations was the first comprehensive treatment of political economy. Today it is considered one of the most influential books ever written and its author is regarded as the father of classical economics. Smith did for economics what Darwin did for science. Here Karen McCreadie interprets this inspiring book for the modern day world of finance, business and economics, illustrating the timeless nature of Smith's insights by bringing them to life with twenty-first century examples. Modern readers will discover:* How to improve productivity;* How to avoid divisive management;* Why you should pay your people well;* The importance of long-range thinking;* Why playing the lottery is no substitute for economic strategy.While we cannot know what Smith would have made of the excesses of capitalism we've already witnessed in the twenty-first century, the range of ideas inside demonstrates that The Wealth of Nations is every bit as relevant today as it was in 1776.This interpretation of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations is not a substitute for the original. Its purpose is simply to illustrate the timeless nature of Smith's insights by bringing them to life with contemporary examples. Given the continuing turbulence of the global economy this brilliant interpretation of a classic of political economy couldn't be more timely.

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith It is symbolic that Adam Smith’s masterpiece of economic analysis, The Wealth of Nations, was first published in 1776, the same year as the Declaration of Independence. In his book, Smith fervently extolled the simple yet enlightened notion that individuals are fully capable of setting and regulating prices for their own goods and services. He argued passionately in favor of free trade, yet stood up for the little guy. The Wealth of Nations provided the first--and still the most eloquent--integrated description of the workings of a market economy. The result of Smith’s efforts is a witty, highly readable work of genius filled with prescient theories that form the basis of a thriving capitalist system. This unabridged edition offers the modern reader a fresh look at a timeless and seminal work that revolutionized the way governments and individuals view the creation and dispersion of wealth--and that continues to influence our economy right up to the present day.

Keynes profoundly influenced the New Deal and created the basis for classic economic theory. "I can think of no single book that has so changed the conception held by economists as to the working of the capitalist system" (Robert L. Heilbroner).

Through the teachings of Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, and more, renowned economist Todd Buchholz shows how these age-old ideas still apply to our modern world. In this revised edition, Buchholz offers an insightful and informed perspective on key economic issues in the new millennium: increasing demand for energy, the rise of China, international trade, aging populations, health care, and the effects of global warming. New Ideas from Dead Economists is a fascinating guide to understanding both the evolution of economic theory and our complex contemporary economy.