Progress and Poverty

Why does poverty persist in the midst of plenty? In this landmark work of political economy, Henry George offers a startling answer: the private ownership of land allows a few to capture the rising value that society as a whole creates, while the many are left behind. Written in clear, passionate prose, Progress and Poverty laid the intellectual groundwork for the modern land-value tax and inspired movements for economic justice across the globe. This new edition renders George’s arguments in accessible modern English, preserving the force of his reasoning while removing the stylistic barriers of the original. Whether you are a student of economics, an activist, or simply a curious reader, you will find here a powerful and still-relevant diagnosis of inequality—and a bold, practical remedy. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.