The Great Escape
In 'The Great Escape,' Angus Deaton explores the remarkable economic progress and health improvements that have allowed billions to escape poverty. He delves into the complex interplay between wealth, happiness, and well-being, challenging conventional notions of development. Through compelling statistics and personal narratives, Deaton uncovers the hidden costs of progress and the inequality that persists alongside it. The book raises critical questions about what it truly means to live a good life in today's world. Prepare to rethink success and consider the road ahead for global development.
By Angus Deaton
Published: 2013
""In the battle against poverty, understanding the dynamics of wealth and well-being isn't just essential; it's the key to unlocking the future of humanity.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Asserts that 250 years ago, some parts of the world began to experience sustained progress and examines the United States, a nation that has prospered but is experiencing slower growth and increasing inequality.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Great Escape
About the Author
Angus Deaton
Angus Deaton is a renowned economist and author, awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2015 for his analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare. He is best known for his influential works, including 'The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality' and 'Death and Life of the Great American City.' Deaton's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, blending rigorous academic research with compelling narratives that engage a broad audience. His research and writing address fundamental issues of economic well-being and inequality, making significant contributions to the understanding of global disparities.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Angus Deaton
- Published
- January 2013
- Publisher
- N/A
- ISBN
- 069115354X
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 360
- Genres
- Social Justice MovementsGlobal EconomicsBusiness and EconomicsPolitics and Current Affairs
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Great Transformation
Karl Polanyi
The Rise and Fall of American Growth
Robert J. Gordon
The Narrow Corridor
Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson
The Great Convergence
Richard Baldwin
The Road to OPEC
Stephen G. Rabe
Business as a System of Power
Robert A. Brady
Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order
Ray Dalio
Thing Explainer
Randall Munroe
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
Shoshana Zuboff
Generating Inequality
Lester C. Thurow
Governing the Commons
Elinor Ostrom
The World is Flat
Thomas L. Friedman
The Prize
Daniel Yergin
The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
John Perkins
Violence and Social Orders
Douglass C. North, John Joseph Wallis, Barry R. Weingast
A Great Leap Forward
Alexander J. Field
Doughnut Economics
Kate Raworth
The Future of Capitalism
Paul Collier
The Third Pillar
Raghuram Rajan
Men Without Women
Haruki Murakami
Past Tense
Lee Child
The Tyranny of Experts
William Easterly
No Logo
Naomi Klein
Average is Over
Tyler Cowen
The Son Also Rises
Gregory Clark
The Seventh Sense
Joshua Cooper Ramo
The Curse of Bigness
Tim Wu
The Upside of Inequality
Edward Conard
In Defense of Global Capitalism
Johan Norberg
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations
Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.
View Collection
John Doerr's Book Recommendations
John Doerr is an American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins, one of the most prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Doerr has backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Amazon, and Netscape, and has played a crucial role in the rise of the internet economy. He is also the author of Measure What Matters, which popularized the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a method for goal-setting in organizations. Doerr is a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and has invested in clean energy startups to help combat global warming. His contributions to tech and sustainability have made him a leading figure in venture capital.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Eric Jorgenson's Book Recommendations
Eric Jorgenson is an author, investor, and product strategist best known for his book The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, which distills the wisdom of the entrepreneur and angel investor Naval Ravikant. Jorgenson's work focuses on personal development, wealth creation, and life philosophy. His ability to synthesize complex ideas into actionable insights has made his writing widely popular among entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. Beyond writing, Jorgenson has worked in product strategy at Zaarly, a marketplace for home services, and is involved in early-stage startup investing. He frequently speaks on the intersection of business, technology, and philosophy, and his blog covers topics ranging from mental models to entrepreneurship. Jorgenson's approach emphasizes learning from others' experiences and applying timeless principles to modern challenges. He continues to inspire a generation of readers with his clear, thoughtful reflections on how to live a more successful and fulfilling life.
View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Jimmy Dore's Book Recommendations
Jimmy Dore is a prominent American comedian, political commentator, and author known for his incisive critiques of mainstream media and politics. He gained widespread recognition through "The Jimmy Dore Show," a popular YouTube series and podcast that blends humor with sharp political analysis. Dore's written work includes the book "Your Country Is Just Not That Into You," where he employs his comedic prowess to dissect social and political issues facing America. His contributions to literature and media have made him a distinctive voice in progressive circles, often challenging conventional narratives. Beyond his writing, Dore's influence extends through his performances and public speaking engagements, where he continues to engage and provoke thought among his audience.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“"In the battle against poverty, understanding the dynamics of wealth and well-being isn't just essential; it's the key to unlocking the future of humanity."”
The Great Escape
By Angus Deaton
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.