The Escape from Hunger and Premature Death, 1700–2100
Europe, America, and the Third World

Nobel laureate Robert Fogel's compelling study, first published in 2004, examines health, nutrition and technology over the last three centuries and beyond. Throughout most of human history, chronic malnutrition has been the norm. During the past three centuries, however, a synergy between improvements in productive technology and in human physiology has enabled humans to more than double their average longevity and to increase their average body size by over 50 per cent. Larger, healthier humans have contributed to the acceleration of economic growth and technological change, resulting in reduced economic inequality, declining hours of work and a corresponding increase in leisure time. Increased longevity has also brought increased demand for health care. Professor Fogel argues that health care should be viewed as the growth industry of the twenty-first century and systems of financing it should be reformed. His book will be essential reading for all those interested in economics, demography, history and health care policy.

Reviews & endorsements

'Escape from Hunger is without a doubt one of Fogel's masterworks. Written in an accessible style, it is ideal for use in higher-level undergraduate and graduate courses.' Cormac Ógráda, University College, Dublin (EH.HET)

Customer reviews

Product details

• Date Published: August 2004
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521004886
• length: 216 pages

• dimensions: 228 x 154 x 15 mm
• weight: 0.294kg
• contains: 19 b/w illus. 15 tables
• availability: Available