Wanting to read The Wealth of Nations. Should I go abridged or unabridged?

Only idiots read abridged versions, and you claim to not be an idiot.

not an idiot wrote:

I have a basic understanding of economics having taken a few classes in college and being a career biologist (lots of similar concepts) and have also read a number of books on the subject, mostly by Thomas Sowell. I want to read The Wealth of Nations, but the full text is about 1200 pages long. While the book wouldn't have become a classic if there wasn't great content in it, I have to wonder if it really provides significantly more insight than the abridged version, particularly to someone who already has a bit of understanding on the subject. Can anyone here comment on the two versions?

DEFINITELY read the unabridged version. It really is a great book - not just something people say. You will be shocked at what is said in the book very early on.

Example: The Wealth of Nations is a LIBERAL book; prior to reading it myself, I always assumed it fell squarely in the conservative camp with regards to seminal tomes and reference points.

But many so-called economic/political conservatives quote it and claim it as their own. A REAL economic conservative would be firmly entrenched and educated in the Austrian School of Economics and be heavily influenced by Hayek and friends.

Classism, neo-colonialism, mercantilism, and protectionism (all bedrocks of Political conservatism) are analyzed, assayed, and attacked with a penetrating eye and a rational mind.

In short, the book is extremely interesting and thoroughly engrossing - it is NOT a short read or fluffy.

What kind of education do you people have? I make my students read this. They are indeed amazed.

I like to read dragons love tacos.

And I prefer Marshall's Principles.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDUTL7S/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

You'll have to read the unabridged version for the section on how Asian dongs are smaller than European dongs which are dwarfed by African dongs.

There's like 200 pages devoted to dongs.

Good advice. The same thing goes for a lot of thinkers and writers in the classical canon: ancient, late classical, medieval, early modern. On the topic of nations, also give Politics Among Nations a sniff. Find an old moth-smelling university library with the aged books and see for yourself.

Indeed, as many might suspect, competition among surplus males and inferiority complexes has influenced the activities of men all throughout history.

Okay. Thank you! I wasn't sure if it was a "classic" or really one of those landmark works that are so rare. Sounds like it's the latter. That's actually good because I love those types of books that provide profound wisdom and insight but are usually too daunting or heavy for most people to bother with. I will give the full version a go.

Get used to the word trifling.

Nah just read the PJ O'Rourke bridged abridged version. Better jokes.

The best part is the entire chapter dedicated to basing rents off the price of corn.

Here's the delux abridged version...

Supply = /

Demand =

Equilibrium = X