Adam Smith Across Nations

About this book

"The materials collected in this volume all concern the translations and receptions of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations in ten non-English-speaking countries. Adam Smith Across Nations includes numerous sections that will be of invaluable assistance to any Smith researcher. As well as presenting reviews and analysis from each country from the eighteenth century to the present day, an appendix lists editions of The Wealth of Nations in eighteen languages, enabling the reader to understand the speed and number of translations. Most importantly, an introductory overview synthesizes current research on the economic ideological context in the individual countries when The Wealth of Nations was introduced, the motives behind its introduction, its immediate reception, and the nature of any objections to Smith's doctrines. Professor Lai concludes that Smith's impact outside English-speaking countries was predominantly limited to the realm of ideas: few of his policy recommendations were put into practice."--BOOK JACKET.