The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality

“The world is a better place than it used to be. People are healthier, wealthier, and live longer. Yet the escapes from destitution by so many has left gaping inequalities between people and nations. In The Great Escape, Angus Deaton–one of the foremost experts on economic development and on poverty–tells the remarkable story of how, beginning 250 years ago, some parts of the world experienced sustained progress, opening up gaps and setting the stage for today’s disproportionately unequal world. Deaton takes an in-depth look at the historical and ongoing patterns behind the health and wealth of nations, and addresses what needs to be done to help those left behind…” [Publisher’s book website]

Author’s book website

Reviews / Comments

Book review by David N. Weil in Journal of Economic Literature, 53(1), 102–114, March 2015.

Book review by Bill Gates, April 2014.

Book review by Kenneth Rogoff in Project Syndicate, January 2014.

Book review by David Leonhardt in The New York Times, December 2013.

Book review by Uwe E. Reinhardt in The New York Times, November 2013.

In sickness and in health by The Economist, October 2013.

Book review by Fred Andrews in  The New York Times, October 2013.

Book review by Edward Hadas in Reuters, October 2013.

Book review by Clive Crook in Bloomberg, October 2013.

Book review by Niranjan Rajadhyaksha in Mint, October 2013.

Book review by Johm McDermott in Financial Times, October 2013.

Book review by Konrad Yakabuski in Globe and Mail, October 2013.

Book review by Charan Singh in Business Standard, October 2013.

Book review by Zack Beauchamp in Think Progress, October 2013

Book review by Kitty Stewart in Times Higher Education, October 2013