<P> An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations , generally referred to by its shortened title The Wealth of Nations , is the magnum opus of the Scottish economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith . First published in 1776 , the book offers one of the world 's first collected descriptions of what builds nations ' wealth , and is today a fundamental work in classical economics . By reflecting upon the economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution , the book touches upon such broad topics as the division of labour , productivity , and free markets . </P>
what was the book wealth of nations about
what builds nations ' wealth