EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250 In brief Date: 20 November 2026Venues: Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library (preceding workshop) and Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square (main symposium)Speakers: Michelle Craig (University of Glasgow), Briony Harding (University of St Andrews), Tom Pye (University of Oxford), and Craig Smith (University of Glasgow) Book your free ticket on Eventbrite About the eventAdam 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 6pmWe 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 2pmThis 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.How to attendThis event is free to attend, and open to all. You can book your place for the main symposium and the optional preceding workshop separately via Eventbrite.If you choose to attend the workshop, you should arrive at the Main Library foyer around fifteen minutes before either the workshop or lecture starts and give your name at the desk to the right of the main entrance doors. A member of staff will direct you to the 6th floor, which is accessible via lifts. There are lockers at the Centre for Research Collections where you should deposit coats, bags, food and drink, and anything that might damage the rare books. Information about visiting the Centre and accessibility is available on the library's website. Book your free ticket on Eventbrite About EditionEdition (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.Access and recordingPlease note that this lecture is a free, in-person event held on the University of Edinburgh campus. It will not be live streamed - tickets are for access to the venue. However, the lecture may be photographed and/or recorded and added to the University website afterwards. If you would prefer not to appear in any recordings, please contact us in advance or speak to us on the day. It's not a problem.Are you interested in studying English Literature at LLC?Based in the first UNESCO City of Literature, we are home to the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world. Study with us and you'll explore the varying and vital roles that literary writing plays in our lives and societies.We offer a range of single and joint honours undergraduate degrees, taught postgraduate degrees, and research-led pathways, including MSc by Research degrees and PhDs. Find out more about studying English Literature at Edinburgh Tags English and Scottish Literature Nov 20 2026 1:00pm - 6:00pm EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250 An in-person symposium (and optional preceding workshop) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, which will feature a series of talks. Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library and Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square Find the venue: 50 George Square Book your free ticket on Eventbrite This article was published on Tuesday 20 October 2026
EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250 In brief Date: 20 November 2026Venues: Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library (preceding workshop) and Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square (main symposium)Speakers: Michelle Craig (University of Glasgow), Briony Harding (University of St Andrews), Tom Pye (University of Oxford), and Craig Smith (University of Glasgow) Book your free ticket on Eventbrite About the eventAdam 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 6pmWe 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 2pmThis 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.How to attendThis event is free to attend, and open to all. You can book your place for the main symposium and the optional preceding workshop separately via Eventbrite.If you choose to attend the workshop, you should arrive at the Main Library foyer around fifteen minutes before either the workshop or lecture starts and give your name at the desk to the right of the main entrance doors. A member of staff will direct you to the 6th floor, which is accessible via lifts. There are lockers at the Centre for Research Collections where you should deposit coats, bags, food and drink, and anything that might damage the rare books. Information about visiting the Centre and accessibility is available on the library's website. Book your free ticket on Eventbrite About EditionEdition (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.Access and recordingPlease note that this lecture is a free, in-person event held on the University of Edinburgh campus. It will not be live streamed - tickets are for access to the venue. However, the lecture may be photographed and/or recorded and added to the University website afterwards. If you would prefer not to appear in any recordings, please contact us in advance or speak to us on the day. It's not a problem.Are you interested in studying English Literature at LLC?Based in the first UNESCO City of Literature, we are home to the oldest department of English Literature in the UK, one of the longest established in the world. Study with us and you'll explore the varying and vital roles that literary writing plays in our lives and societies.We offer a range of single and joint honours undergraduate degrees, taught postgraduate degrees, and research-led pathways, including MSc by Research degrees and PhDs. Find out more about studying English Literature at Edinburgh Tags English and Scottish Literature Nov 20 2026 1:00pm - 6:00pm EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250 An in-person symposium (and optional preceding workshop) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, which will feature a series of talks. Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library and Project Room 1.06, 50 George Square Find the venue: 50 George Square Book your free ticket on Eventbrite This article was published on Tuesday 20 October 2026
Nov 20 2026 1:00pm - 6:00pm EDITION Symposium 2026: Smith’s Wealth of Nations at 250 An in-person symposium (and optional preceding workshop) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, which will feature a series of talks.
