Capital in the Twenty-First Century

by Thomas Piketty
Capital in the Twenty-First Century cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Business and Economics
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  • ID: 8273
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780674369542
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 2014-03-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Thomas Piketty's 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' delves into the economic forces driving inequality, arguing that the disproportionate returns on capital compared to economic growth threaten to destabilize democratic values. Piketty's rigorous analysis, based on extensive historical data, offers a transformative perspective on wealth accumulation and its implications for society. The book is not just a critique but also a call to action, setting the stage for a new generation of thought on economic justice and policy. /n/n Piketty's work is ambitious and original, drawing on a vast array of data to support his arguments. He challenges the status quo and provides a comprehensive overview of how capitalism has evolved over time, with a focus on the concentration of wealth. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the economic disparities of our time and the potential solutions to address them.

Reviews
Slate Star Codex · 2018-06-24
optimistic 4.20

The book has made the reviewer more optimistic about the prospects for Third World catch-up.

The reviewer finds the book to be a comprehensive and optimistic take on economic development. They appreciate the detailed analysis and the hope it provides for economic convergence between developed and developing countries. The reviewer also notes that the book's data and arguments are well-presented, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Capital In The Twenty-First Century has overall made me more optimistic about the prospects for Third World catch-up.

    The book is full of graphs and involves calculations and equations in its arguments.

    This makes it a better work of scholarship.

The Guardian · 2014-07-17
important 4.00

This is a very important book that has sparked significant debate. The reasons for its importance have evolved over time.

The reviewer acknowledges the book's status as a very important book, noting that its significance has grown over time. They discuss how the book has transformed the debate on wealth and inequality, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these issues. The reviewer also mentions that the book's impact extends beyond academia, influencing public discourse and policy discussions.

Quick quotes

    This is a VIB – very important book.

    Nearly everyone agrees about that.

    The reasons for its importance have changed in the months since its publication.

LSE Review of Books · 2014-06-10
insightful 4.50

This book offers a hard-hitting and well-founded critique of capitalism in the twenty-first century. It is considered a path-breaking work.

The reviewer highlights that this book is a significant contribution to the discourse on capitalism. They appreciate the thorough critique and the extensive data presented, which makes the arguments compelling. The book is seen as essential reading for understanding the economic challenges of our time. The reviewer also notes that the book's impact has been substantial, influencing both academic and public debates.

Quick quotes

    This is a truly path-breaking book offering a hard-hitting and well-founded critique of capitalism in the twenty-first century.

    Piketty is a master of his subject.

    The book is essential reading for anyone interested in the economic challenges of our time.

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