The Wealth of Nations

Sean Barrett reads this eighteenth-century classic of economic philosophy in the manner of a genial expert who does not lecture so much as sit down with us over a glass of sherry to explain the workings of economics. He is soft-spoken; his speech admirably precise and pleasantly expressive. He finds plenty of opportunity in a dry subject to convey opinion, humor, or point of view by the modulation of his tone. The abridgment of this massive work is well done, giving a good sample of Smith's arguments. They are generally clear, but some of the sentences grow intricate and the arguments complex. This program will reward listeners familiar with Smith who are looking for a refresher, or those who pay careful attention. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine