'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith was first published in the momentous year of 1776. It is this, his last work, which is usually known by its abbreviated title 'The Wealth of Nations', which is considered Smith's magnum opus. It is rightly hailed as the first modern work of economics. During his lifetime Smith gained a fully justified reputation as a brilliant social philosopher and is also widely cited as the father of modern economics, in particular for his work on the theory and principles of capitalism. He is still among the most influential thinkers in the field of economics today and his great work is essential reading for every student of economics. Smith is frequently hailed as one of the 'Greatest Scots' of all time and is particularly celebrated in Kirkcaldy, the town of his birth.This new illustrated edition was prepared in Kirkcaldy by Emmy award winning author Bob Carruthers and contains a new foreword and introduction.