That is the new book by Nicholas Phillipson from Yale University Press. I urge all fans of Adam Smith to read this book. It covers Smith's life and times more than his texts per se. It is especially strong on Smith and Hume, Smith's work as a customs inspector, Smith's time in France, Smith and Quesnay, and Smith's dedication to his mother. I like very much what it covers; my main complaint is that the book is not longer.
Here is a James Buchan review of the book. Here is a John Gray review, more about Gray than the book. Here is further coverage. Here is a short piece by Phillipson. Here is a short bio of Phillipson.
My experience has been that the more I learn about Smith the greater is my respect for him.
I always place great weight on a review where the main complaint is that the book is too short.
I’ll be buying this one.
Yes, looks like a good one. Smith was kidnapped by a band of gypsies for a year, when he was four years old, and spent the rest of his career humming a guitar riff in his head while he pursued his studies. The Doctor was suspicious of Smith and i don’t blame Smith for not publishing Hume’s unreleased writings. Looks like i’m reading another economic tome . . . good!
Buchan’s review is odd too. He thinks the metaphor of the invisible hand is vulgar? The man has no poetry in his soul.
He also doesn’t fact check. He claims that economists reject history, despite two Nobel prizes being awarded for that (Milton Friedman on monetary history and Robert Fogel on renewing interest in economic history).
Why did the Guardian hire someone who is neither poetic nor careful?
I won’t even start on John Gray.
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