"In this magnificently written book, Sir Henry Phelps Brown gives a thought-provoking and highly literate history of the evolution of British (and related) ideas on egalitarianism over the last 1000 years.He also provides an extremely useful empirical examination of income and wealth inequality focused on modern Britain but ranging over time back to the 1400s and with much detail on other developed and developing countries."-- Journal of Economic Literature "The origins of the West's fascination with equality are portrayed brilliantly, empathetically, and succinctly in Phelps Brown's magisterial study.[He] has compressed an immense literature on inequality, including statistical measurement of income and wealth. Those fortunate enough to begin their study of egalitarianism with this work will be prepared to tackle remaining issues."-- Journal of Economic History "Offers an impressive, comprehensive treatment of the philosophical, political, and economic aspects of economic inequality.The author's mastery of the material should ensure its inclusion on most undergraduate and graduate reading lists for courses concerned with income distribution.Highly recommended for all academic collections.

"-- Choice "A monumental study on the practical and theoretical aspects of capitalism."-- Financial Times (London) "Magisterial new work.Sir Henry has written a necessary book as well as a learned one. It is a chronicle of processes in which he has been distinguished both as actor and author, an implicit monument to the revolution of our time."-- New Statesman and Society.