Audiobooks narrated by A Supporting Cast

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations is one of the most important and influential works ever published on economic theory and is the foundation of classical economics. In it, Adam Smith stresses the importance of the division of labor to economic progress. He criticizes the arguments for economic planning and offers a detailed theoretical and historical case for free trade. In this masterpiece of the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment, Smith develops a theory of social order arising from the unintended consequences of self-interested behavior. This self-regulating system of the free market, Smith contends, protects consumers from entrenched special interests and is usually harmed by government intervention. Far more than just a work on economic theory, The Wealth of Nations also contains Smith's views on philosophy, history, and political theory. This program discusses Adam Smith's general approach to philosophy and how The Wealth of Nations fits into that approach. It also explains Smith's major arguments and themes. Smith's sometimes difficult discourse is presented with the background information necessary for its comprehension.The Giants of Political Thought series is an easy and entertaining way to broaden your mind and your awareness of great ideas. Edited by George Smith

Adam Smith (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschmann (Narrator)

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The Wealth of Nations

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nationsis one of the most important and influential works ever published on economic theory and is the foundation of classical economics. In it, Adam Smith stresses the importance of the division of labor to economic progress. He criticizes the arguments for economic planning and offers a detailed theoretical and historical case for free trade. In this masterpiece of the eighteenth-century Scottish Enlightenment, Smith develops a theory of social order arising from the unintended consequences of self-interested behavior. This self-regulating system of the free market, Smith contends, protects consumers from entrenched special interests and is usually harmed by government intervention. Far more than just a work on economic theory,The Wealth of Nationsalso contains Smith's views on philosophy, history, and political theory. This program discusses Adam Smith's general approach to philosophy and howThe Wealth of Nationsfits into that approach. It also explains Smith's major arguments and themes. Smith's sometimes difficult discourse is presented with the background information necessary for its comprehension. The Giants of Political Thought series is an easy and entertaining way to broaden your mind and your awareness of great ideas.

Adam Smith (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschmann (Narrator)

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The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, Vol. 3 - "Encore for Murder"

Mike Hammer, the toughest PI of all, draws a seemingly routine assignment-playing bodyguard to diva Rita Vance on the eve of her big Broadway comeback. But Rita is an old flame of Hammer's, and when their romance is rekindled, the detective finds the actress facing death threats and himself the target of one hit man after another. When the actress disappears, the show must go on, which with Mike Hammer means swift, violent retaliation. While the cops and feds go down a false trail, Hammer seeks to make a rescue before Rita's curtain comes down. But first he must make sense of a mystery that takes him from a Soho art gallery to a mountain lodge, from Little Italy to a waterfront confrontation that is way, way off Broadway. Working from the plot for an unwritten novel found in the files of the late Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) has fashioned a compelling noir thriller that is vintage Mike Hammer all the way. Praise for The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, Vol. 2: "Beautifully produced, this fully realized original radio drama hits all the right notes for an exciting noir adventure…Keach is letter perfect in his smooth, unflappable portrayal of Hammer…A great way to spend two hours."-Publishers Weekly Starring Stacy Keach as Mike Hammer with a full supporting cast.

Max Allan Collins, Mickey Spillane (Author), A Full Cast, A Full Cast, A Supporting Cast, Stacy Keach (Narrator)

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The Wealth of Nations Part I

First published in 1776, this work is the classic statement of economic liberalism or the policy of laissez-faire. Several fundamental principles or "axioms" were introduced in this work, including the division of labor, supply-and-demand, and free market capitalism as some of the most obvious. Smith's political economy is primarily individualistic: self-interest is the incentive for economic action. However, he shows that universal pursuit of self-interest contributes to the public interest, a concept probably best encapsulated by John F. Kennedy when he remarked, "a rising tide raises all boats." “Edwards enunciates with unusual clarity, which helps with a book published in 1776.” —Talking Book Review

Adam Smith, George H. Smith (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann (Narrator)

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The Wealth of Nations Part II

Adam Smith, George H. Smith (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann (Narrator)

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Communist Manifesto and Social Contract

In his Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx argued that history flows inevitably toward a social revolution, which will result in a society without economic classes. Rousseau’s Social Contract fanned the flames of the French Revolution with his controversial explanation of social authority as an implied contract between people and government.

Ralph Raico, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Don Jones, E. R. Davies, John Lutz, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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Two Treatises of Government

This presentation discusses the life of John Locke, the evolution of his ideas, and the political conflicts in 17th Century England which led to the writing of Two Treatises of Government. The famous Second Treatise - which contains Locke’s central ideas on rights, government, and revolution-is examined in detail. Special attention is given to Locke’s theory of private property, which has influenced law and government for over two centuries.

George H. Smith, John Locke (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann (Narrator)

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The Prince/Discourse on Voluntary Servitude

The Prince - Machiavelli wrote The Prince for his ruler as a guide for gaining and keeping power. Central themes of his essay are the relation between politics and ethics; what the best form of government consists of; the importance of the Church; and the growth of Italy as a nation-state. The word "Machiavellian" often suggests sinister motives, but some scholars question this traditional interpretation. Discourse on Voluntary Servitude - Boetie, an unfamiliar figure in modern times, lived in 16th Century France during the birth of the nation-state, the rise of absolute monarchy, and intense religious and civil wars. He examines the psychology of political obedience; the structure and specific mechanisms of state authority; the motives of those who obey and those who command; and the phenomenon of obedience in the absence of force.

George H. Smith, George Smith, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Don Jones, E. R. Davies, Jonathan Lutz, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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The Ratification Debates

In the fall of 1787, the call went out: Each of the 13 states assembled special conventions to consider ratification of a proposed Constitution of the United States. Without ratification by nine conventions, the Constitution would flounder: America would be a league of states, not one nation. At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the states – voting as states – had unanimously approved the Constitution. But individual delegates had fiercely opposed certain aspects of the document. Now, they returned to their home states to agitate against the Constitution. Some demanded a bill of rights. Others complained that states’ rights had been violated. Some states – such as Delaware and Georgia – quickly and unanimously ratified. Other states – such as Virginia and New York – agonized. Two states – North Carolina and Rhode Island – would not ratify at all without a bill of rights. Indeed, Rhode Island would not approve the Constitution until economic sanctions had been imposed against her. The Constitution was a controversial document, which was passionately debated by the best minds in the land.

Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Walter Cronkite (Narrator)

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On Liberty/Vindication of the Rights of Woman

On Liberty - John Stuart Mill advocated individual liberty based on a philosophical concept called utilitarianism, or "the greatest happiness for the greater number." This intellectual tradition rejects natural rights, such as those in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Despite beginning with a different theoretical foundation than natural rights proponents, Mill reaches a similar conclusion-that diversity in individual thought and action ultimately benefits society. Vindication of the Rights of Woman examines the tumultuous life of Mary Wollstonecraft and the social conditions against which she struggled. It explores her call for female independence against the backdrop of 18th Century England, the French Revolution, and the changing role of women. Mary Wollstonecraftt lived the life she advocated, defying accepted customs for female employment, marriage, and family life.

David Gordon, George H. Smith, George Smith, Wendy McElroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Dara Modglin, Don Jones, Jonathan Lutz, Pat Childs, Ruth Sweet (Narrator)

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Leviathan

This presentation explores the social and political turmoil during which Leviathan was written, including an examination of the radical political philosophies spawned by opposition to the Stuart monarchy in England. It explains the materialistic foundation of Hobbes' philosophy and how this influenced his theory of man, society, and government. Special attention is paid to Hobbes' theory of the "state of nature", the social contract, and the governmental sovereignty. The right of resistance against unjust laws and the right to liberty of conscience also are discussed.

George H. Smith, Pat Childs (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Paul Meier, Sam Mercurio, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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Reflections on the Revolution in France/Rights of Man

Reflections on the Revolution in France is a slashing attack on the French Revolution by one of Britain's most famous statesmen. Liberty and social order, Burke argues, are maintained by the traditional rights and duties embedded in custom and law. And when these traditions are overthrown in revolutions, society is threatened with chaos, bloodshed and despotism. Rights of Man - Thomas Paine believed the French Revolution was based on the same principles as the American Revolution: natural rights, an implied "social contract", and the right of revolution against oppressive governments. Paine, unlike Burke, sees government as the primary threat to social order. He has little regard for traditional institutions, if those institutions are oppressive and unjust.

George H. Smith, Wendy McElroy, Wendy Mcelroy (Author), A Supporting Cast, Craig Deitschman, Craig Deitschmann, Don Jones, Jonathan Lutz, Robert Wynne, Travis Hardison (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by A Supporting Cast