Co-authored by the 1998 Winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences

"a crystal clear, powerfully argued analysis of the institutional and political-economic sources of famines and persistent deprivation" -- Professor Alex Voorhoeve, LSE Review of Books

"A careful, scholarly approach to a complex, often emotion-laden topic."--Dr. Patricia Giblin Wolman, Winthrop University

"[A]n outstanding scholarly work on a subject of vital importance....a comprehensive and penetrating analysis of the twin problems of endemic hunger and famine. It pays particular attention to the position of women, discussing female disadvantage and gender bias--both intra- and extra-household....It emphasizes the role of institutions other than the state in the prevention of hunger and famine....The study is remarkably rich in both scope and detail: it is a formidable contribution to the literature which deserves wide and careful reading."--Journal of Economic Literature

"Major and important....It is an impressive synthesis and analysis of an immense number of background studies...and of an almost incredible number of commentators who presumably offered their observations, counsel, and suggestions."--Journal of Developing Areas

"The signal importance of the work...is the brilliant synthesis of worldwide experience by two well-known economists who are committed to eradicating hunger."--Choice

"Their clarity, depth, and common sense are nothing short of path-breaking....The comparative approach...works miracles by showing that famine and hunger are easily prevented....This is a very satisfying book."--Contemporary Sociology