55 pages • 1 hour read •
Capital in the Twenty-First Century
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Book Brief
685
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
•
Power & Greed•
Equality•
Politics & Government•
Sociology2013
Belknap Press
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty is a comprehensive analysis of wealth distribution and inequality from the late 18th century to the present, examining why inequality decreased between World War I and the 1950s but has been rising since, and exploring the implications for modern capitalism. The book discusses historical data on wealth and income, the capital/income ratio, labour income inequality, the impact of inheritance, and potential state interventions, including a global wealth tax.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
38,189 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century offers an extensive historical analysis of wealth inequality, praised for its thorough research and accessible writing. Critics note, however, that Piketty's policy proposals are contentious and ambitious. Despite some skepticism regarding solutions, the book's overall contribution to economic discourse is widely acknowledged.
Who Should Read Capital in the Twenty-First Century?
Readers who enjoy Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty are typically interested in economics, wealth inequality, and historical financial trends. This audience often overlaps with those who appreciate books like The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and Das Kapital by Karl Marx. They seek detailed analysis and enjoy data-driven narratives.
38,189 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty became an unexpected bestseller, topping the charts in the United States and the UK after its release in 2014, despite being a dense economic text over 600 pages long.
The book sparked global debate and media attention, leading to it being featured in various publications and discussions, including The New York Times and the Financial Times, for its innovative analysis of wealth inequality.
Thomas Piketty utilized an extensive historical data set spanning over 200 years to underpin the arguments in Capital in the Twenty-First Century, making it one of the most data-rich studies of wealth and inequality.
Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty became an unexpected bestseller, topping the charts in the United States and the UK after its release in 2014, despite being a dense economic text over 600 pages long.
The book sparked global debate and media attention, leading to it being featured in various publications and discussions, including The New York Times and the Financial Times, for its innovative analysis of wealth inequality.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Thomas Piketty utilized an extensive historical data set spanning over 200 years to underpin the arguments in Capital in the Twenty-First Century, making it one of the most data-rich studies of wealth and inequality.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
685
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
•
Power & Greed•
Equality•
Politics & Government•
Sociology2013
Belknap Press
Adult
18+ years
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