My book stack for Mailbox Monday is a little wonky this week. Lots of Adam Smith! What new books came into your house last week?
The Wealth of Nations. Smith's classic book of economic theory was first published in 1776. At 1231 pages, my paperback edition isn't fitting in any pocket, that's for sure!
The Theory of Moral Sentiments. This is Smith's first book, which focusses on social relationships.
On The Wealth of Nations by P. J. O'Rourke. Here's the Publisher's Description for this one, so you understand why I got it:
In On The Wealth of Nations, America’s most provocative satirist, P. J. O’Rourke, reads Adam Smith’s revolutionary The Wealth of Nations so you don’t have to. Recognized almost instantly on its publication in 1776 as the fundamental work of economics, The Wealth of Nations was also recognized as really long: the original edition totaled over nine hundred pages in two volumes—including the blockbuster sixty-seven-page “digression concerning the variations in the value of silver during the course of the last four centuries,” which, “to those uninterested in the historiography of currency supply, is like reading Modern Maturity in Urdu.” Although daunting, Smith’s tome is still essential to understanding such current hot-topics as outsourcing, trade imbalances, and Angelina Jolie. In this hilarious, approachable, and insightful examination of Smith and his groundbreaking work, P. J. puts his trademark wit to good use, and shows us why Smith is still relevant, why what seems obvious now was once revolutionary, and why the pursuit of self-interest is so important.
Why my sudden enthrallment with Adam Smith? Because I've signed up for a year-long Adam Smith study group to read these classics and learn more about his work. What's more, I agreed to be the discussion leader in my study group pod. So I better get cracking!
Join other book lovers on Mailbox Monday to share the books that came into your house last week. Visit the Mailbox Monday website to find links to all the participants' posts and read more about Books that Caught our Eye.
Mailbox Monday is hosted by Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, and Martha of Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.
