ADAM SMITH

“The Wealth of Nations” is often referred to but rarely read or listened to in the 21st century. Thirty Six hours of an audio book is punishing. However, one is surprised by Adam Smith’s prescient understanding of the value of freedom and his appreciation of American and British conflict over American’ colonization. “The Wealth of Nations” is not only about economics. It is about politics as an essential ingredient of economics.

Visiting “The Wealth of Nations” is a worthwhile journey into history. One wonders–Is there a 21st century Adam Smith in America’s future or is he/she pottering around Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or Africa and not yet recognized? Is there an alternative to free market capitalism that insures freedom and offers prosperity?

56 people found this helpful

Amazingly accessible

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. I had thought the Smith had anticipated much of our current understanding of the way markets function. Instead, he had all of the fundamentals figured out. I was fearing that it would be quite obscure in topic and language, but found it pleasantly accessible, if perhaps a bit long.

As as reading the classics, I would definitely recommend this.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The market.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

It fit the material.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Way Your World Works

47 people found this helpful

The Wealth of Ages

The book is great compilation of financial data, non-mercantile philosophy and an insight into the mind of the author and his thoroughness amazes me. It is no doubt that collecting all this data back in his time would have been an achievement in itself.
I feel a better understanding of the very fundamentals of economy and society. Interestingly, although unintentional, one can learn a lot about the roots of many words and phrases we commonly use today without them making direct sense to us in modern context.
It is hard to retain all the information contained in this laborious book though and ancient data often becomes a drag when listening to it.

I would suggest readers that if they can find an abridged copy of the book or a commentary on this book which skips the tedious ancient data but retains the original content on philosophy, social and political impact of economic policies and general humour and observations of this very learned author then it would be perhaps a more enjoyable reading than the current tome.

The wisdom speaks through the ages here.

22 people found this helpful

Loved the Narrator

The writings herein is brought forth with great workmanship of speech. Recording was wonderful and enjoyable through all 5 books.

37 people found this helpful

Very interesting

What made the experience of listening to The Wealth of Nations the most enjoyable?

I am very interested in the history of capitalism and this book was very educational.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adam Smith

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He sounds like what I would expect someone from the time period of the book's writing to have sounded like; very aristocratic and educated. There are references in the book to our American colonies and Mr. Jackson's reading made is seem like it had just happened a short time prior.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not possible. I listen to the book when I am hiking which allows me to focus on the content.

Any additional comments?

This is not a story book it is actually a text book or scholarly analysis. If you are in to economics, capitalism, or business, then this book is for you. I have read some of the book but l found listening to it to be a more effective way of absorbing it.

15 people found this helpful

Classic

Especially an economic classic because even though the currencies & trades discussed are dated to his era, the logic of his tax policies, national debt/fiscal responsibilities are eerily the exact same issues of importance today.

There is much material directly relating to the American Revolution, you can experience the frustrations of the colonists as Adam Smith (although he writes from his perspective as a British Citizen in Europe) describes in real time their dilemma & you can somewhat anticipate the oncoming Revolution by his thorough examination of their confrontation in regards to their lack of representation.

He also makes many predictions especially about American prosperity that are eerily true today exposing his insight, intuition, & intellect about the future.

10 people found this helpful

Worth the Effort

The most misused and misquoted author I think I have ever read. This is a book equal to Origin of Species in importance or Descent of Man. If you want to understand the way our economic system works, this is where to start. A brilliant life's work.

18 people found this helpful

Simply a classic. Much better audio this time.

A couple of years ago, I purchased this title and really struggled with the quality of the audio. This newer edition is much better. As for the content, it is what it is. A classic that is the foundations to our current understanding of economics. It has great historical value but is not really an easy read. For me, its just something I had to get being an avid student in economics. I won't be giving a review of the subject matter since it is what it is and many have done much better that i could ever do. Just wanted to say this version has great audio!

34 people found this helpful

A Loooong Broad and Detailed Window into the Past

The first dozen chapters or so are still useful as an Economics 101 textbook. The middle chapters are more useful now as a history of minute details (right down to current rates of commodities in shillings and thrupence), and (if you look beneath what the author was ostensibly conveying), you will detect the dominant guiding mindsets and attitudes of the time. The last third of the book broadens the subject matter again. During the middle third, I had to take several breaks from it, listening to several other audiobooks during the interim. The author added insight as to the impact of various government systems and measures on an economy.

4 people found this helpful

Long but worth it

What did you love best about The Wealth of Nations?

After hearing about Adam Smith and he being quoted time and time again, I finally decided to give him a listen, because I knew that I would not have the time or dedication to make through the book. I had built up my listening stamina through the years i have had Audible and began the journey. This is not a light listen, you will have to trudge through but the insights you receive will be worth it.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

excellent reading voice, brought it to life as much as it is possible to bring a book about economics to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was shocked that the "invisible hand of the market" statement I heard quoted was not as big and powerful idea as i thought.

Any additional comments?

If you are trying to understand the basics of how economies work this is a good start.

9 people found this helpful