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The Wealth of Nations

The Wealth of Nations (1776) by Adam Smith, the "father of economics", is the founding book of classical economics. Smith explains how the division of labour raises productivity, how markets are guided by the "invisible hand" of self-interest, why free trade benefits nations, and why the mercantilist system of his time held countries back — ideas that still underpin modern capitalism and economic policy. It is essential background for CSS and PMS Economics, the history of economic thought, and for economy-related questions in CSS essays and Current Affairs. Download the full 1,280-page PDF free on CSS Nexus.