About the Book: The Worldly Philosophers by Robert L. Heilbroner is a classic introduction to the lives and ideas of the world’s most influential economic thinkers, including Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and other pioneers of economic theory. This acclaimed book explores the philosophies that shaped modern economics and examines how thinkers have tried to understand the workings of capitalism, society, and wealth creation. Combining history, biography, and economic analysis, Heilbroner reveals the connection between economic ideas and the social and political forces of their time. An essential read for students and readers interested in economics, history, and capitalism.