Description
Book SynopsisThis book aims to show that Adam Smith (1723-90), the author of The Wealth of Nations, was not the promoter of ruthless laissez-faire capitalism that is still frequently depicted.
Trade ReviewAn excellent new work. -- William Keegan a welcome addition to the ever growing literature on Smith's thought. -- Dennis C. Rasmussen, Bowdoin College History of Political Thought Throughout his book, the author is concerned with the Scottish context. And he knows it well, achieving an interesting and accessible narrative. All in all, this book is very good reading! it is a book to recommend for general readers and Smith scholars. -- Leonidas Montes, Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago Adam Smith Review McLean is, unusually, both an accomplished political scientist and a witty writer and he sets himself the task of rescuing Smith for the centre-left. -- Public magazine The Guardian An excellent new work. a welcome addition to the ever growing literature on Smith's thought. Throughout his book, the author is concerned with the Scottish context. And he knows it well, achieving an interesting and accessible narrative. All in all, this book is very good reading! it is a book to recommend for general readers and Smith scholars. McLean is, unusually, both an accomplished political scientist and a witty writer and he sets himself the task of rescuing Smith for the centre-left.
Table of ContentsForeword; Preface: A Scotsman looks at the world; The life of an absent-minded professor; A weak state and a weak church; A non-religious grounding of morals: Smith and the Scottish Enlightenment; Merriment and diversion: Smith on public finance and public choice; The invisible hand and the helping hand; The French and American Smiths; Adam Smith today.
