EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250
About this Event
About the event
Adam Smith’s An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations has a reasonable case for the title of single most influential Scottish book. It is routinely cited as the primary account of, and blueprint for, the liberal economics of the eighteenth century that evolved into modern capitalism. It also formed an essential basis for the leading critique of that same capitalist system launched by Karl Marx.
Published in London in two expensive quarto-size volumes on Saturday 9 March 1776 by William Strahan and Thomas Cadell, the first edition of the Wealth of Nations is currently in its 250th anniversary year. In collaboration with the Edinburgh Bibliographical Society, this symposium will mark the occasion by reconsidering the genesis of the book, its contexts and its politics.
The event is in two parts; the main symposium and a preceding workshop. Capacity for each is limited, so please book separately for the symposium talks and the workshop.
Main symposium: Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square; 3pm to 6pm
We are delighted to be hosting a fantastic line-up of speakers, including:
- Michelle Craig (University of Glasgow)
- Briony Harding (University of St Andrews)
- Tom Pye (University of Oxford)
- Craig Smith (University of Glasgow).
The talks will be followed by a wine reception.
Preceding workshop: Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library; 1pm to 2pm
This will be a special opportunity to see volumes from Adam Smith’s personal library held in the University collections, plus a range of other associated materials.
About Edition
Edition (formerly the Centre for the History of the Book) is a collaborative initiative at the University of Edinburgh supporting new research in all aspects of the history of the book, from traditional forms of bibliography, codicology and textual editing to the latest theoretical and digital innovations.
Edition is generously co-funded by William Zachs, by Library and University Collections, and by the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.
After the event
We may like to contact you in the future to hear what you thought of the lecture and invite you to other Edition events. Please tell us at the time of booking if you are happy for us to do that.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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