Which Edition

Adam Smith

The Wealth of Nations

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Cover of The Wealth of Nations, translated by Bantam Classics
Best for most

Bantam Classics · 2003

For most readers the Bantam Classics edition is the practical choice — the complete, unabridged text (all five books) in one inexpensive volume, with Edwin Cannan's notes. Crucially, it keeps Book V, which many cheap editions quietly drop. This is where I'd start.

Cover of The Wealth of Nations, translated by Penguin (Skinner)
Best apparatus

Penguin (Skinner) · 1999

Andrew Skinner's Penguin edition has the best scholarly notes — but note it's split into two volumes (Books I–III and Books IV–V), so 'the Penguin Wealth of Nations' is only the first half unless you buy both. Worth it for the depth if you don't mind two books.

Cover of The Wealth of Nations, translated by Glasgow / Liberty Fund
Definitive scholarly

Glasgow / Liberty Fund · 1976

The Glasgow Edition (reprinted by Liberty Fund / Oxford) is the definitive scholarly text, in two volumes — the academic reference. More than a general reader needs.

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