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. Deaton describes vast innovations and wrenching setbacks: the successes of antibiotics; pest control; vaccinations; and clean water on the one hand; and disastrous famines and the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the other. He examines the United States; a nation that has prospered but is today experiencing slower growth and increasing inequality. He also considers how economic growth in India and China has improved the lives of more than a billion people. Deaton argues that international aid has been ineffective and even harmful. He suggests alternative efforts--including reforming incentives to drug companies and lifting trade restrictions--that will allow the developing world to bring about its own Great Escape. Demonstrating how changes in health and living standards have transformed our lives; The Great Escape is a powerful guide to addressing the well-being of all nations.
#1264497 in Books 2014-09-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .97 x 6.32 x 9.70l; .0 #File Name: 0691159505312 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. But the author does not paint a romantic picture of perfect harmony. He shows how these ways of understanding ...By Reading Jews and Muslims in ParisThis book will quite simply blow your mind. You think you know how Jews and Arabs have long seen each other? Even if you know a lot about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; think again. The author shows how not only were Jews and Arabs not always enemies in Palestine; they didn't necessarily see each other as Jews and Arabs. Often they thought that religion or race were more important than nationalism; and sometimes that meant that they saw each other not as enemies but as religious or racial brothers. But the author does not paint a romantic picture of perfect harmony. He shows how these ways of understanding each other became sources of greater conflict over time and he is always very careful to maintain tremendous nuance. I could not put this book down. I found it at once riveting; brilliant; and deeply moving. Can't recommend it highly enough!
