The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (Books I-III)

Books I through III lay the foundation of modern economics by analyzing how the division of labor drives productivity, economic growth, and national prosperity. The text explains the mechanics of markets, money, wages, and capital accumulation, demonstrating how self-interested individual actions naturally regulate trade and optimize resource allocation through the market. Additionally, it traces economic history from the fall of Rome to illustrate how mercantilism distorts natural growth.