Today, the world, whatever we may say, is better than in the past. People are healthier, wealthier, and live longer. Nonetheless, the "escape" of many from poverty has left behind expanding inequalities among people and nations.

In this book, Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton tells us the remarkable story of how, 250 years ago, some parts of the world began to experience continuous progress, thus creating inequalities and the backdrop for today's disproportionately unequal world. Deaton delves deeply into human history as well as the present, analyzing the data regarding the health and wealth of nations, and tries to explore what we should and can do to help those who have been left behind.

“If you want to understand why overall human welfare has increased so much over time, you should read The Great Escape.” Bill Gates

“Is the world becoming fairer and richer? Few economists are better equipped than Angus Deaton to answer that question. […] The issue requires a large canvas and bold technique, and Deaton possesses both.” Economist

“The story Deaton tells us, the most fascinating human story, should make us optimistic, as long as we are willing to hear its moral lesson.” David Leonhardt, New York Times Book Review

“Written with vividness and based on thorough research... For all those interested in combating global poverty, it is undoubtedly the most important book on foreign aid for development in a long time.” Kenneth Rogoff, Project Syndicate

The Great Escape combines in an extraordinarily rare way scientific and practical knowledge, ethical perception, the wisdom of experience, and an engaging and accessible writing style.” Clive Crook, Bloomberg News