The ideas of Scottish social philosopher Adam Smith form the foundation of the discipline of political economy. His Wealth of Nations was originally published in 1776. In this portable (5x8") guide, Lewis offers an edited version of all five books of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, containing selected passages that are relevant to the present and deleting less relevant and less important material. Notes within the text give historical background and explain obscure terms. In a 64-page introduction, Lewis shows that Smith's critique of 'mercantilism' (what we now call 'crony capitalism,' or state-led capitalism gone awry) is relevant today. Lewis reviews Smith's framework of the 15 main features of the 'mercantile system' resulting from the merging of government and private interests, such as government subsidies and labor market interventions, and gives examples of present-day manifestations. He also summarizes Smiths' recommendations for reform and gives a brief biographical sketch. Lewis, co-founder of a global investment firm, has written six books on economics and moral philosophy. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)