For more than two centuries Adam Smith has been recognized as one of the most influential analysts of economic behavior in
spite of the fact that his work was done during the very
early stages of the industrial revolution. The paper traces Adam Smith's
life and two of his books "The Theory of the Moral Sentiments" and "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations". Table of Contents: Introduction Adam Smith's Early Life The Theory of Moral Sentiments An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations Laissez-Faire Capitalism Society and the "Invisible Hand" Division of Labor Free Trade Conclusion