The Wealth of Nations
The founding text of modern economics. Smith's concepts (the division of labor, the invisible hand, comparative advantage) created the intellectual framework for capitalism and liberal economics. More often cited than read, but the actual book is more humane and more critical of merchants than its reputation suggests.
Sheer length is the complaint. “About 3/4 of this book is 18th century blabber about corn prices,” and readers advise you to “pick around the long sections on obsolete institutions of the day.” One “took me 5 years to get through this book”; another “finished 4 other books before completing this one.” Book Five, on taxation and public debt, is the driest stretch and the one readers skip, a critic conceding it “requires too much thought.” Some hold Smith responsible for what came after, that “his one fatal flaw was opening the door for Marx.” The common verdict: “pillar of civilization but not much fun, so don't read unless you have to.”
The case for it and the rest of the canon open with Pro.
