The Escape from Hunger and Premature Death, 1700-2100: Europe, America, and the Third World (Cambridge Studies in Population, Economy and Society in Past Time)
"If economic history is to fulfill the promise inherent in its subject matter, it must add the dimension of time to economics.  Bob Fogel's pathbreaking study does just that and in doing so not only revises our understanding of the past but provides a thoughtful guide to policy in the future."Douglas C. North"In his usual comprehensive and perceptive way, Professor Fogel has assembled and synthesized a vast set of data which bring out the radical transformation of human health and longevity. He has set this work in the context of general economic growth and has shown the inadequacy of the usual measures of growth.  He also calls attention to the changes in the economic system implied by the growing importance of health expenditures and their benefits."Kenneth J. Arrow" 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."EH.net"Although this is a "little" book, just 111 pages in the main body, it is densely packed with deep-mine data and illuminating higher-order concepts derived from a lifetime of concentration on economic development.  Robert William Fogel's The Escape from Hunger and Premature Death, 1700-2100 is that rare species of research - longitudinal study.  Unlike the cross-sectional snapshots whose importance often quickly fades, there is gold in these data mines that is so precious because it is so difficult to find and so hard to get to.  It is must reading for those in human biology, medicine and the social sciences who are interested in the issues surrounding human adaptation.  It will also appeal to life-long learners drawn to the interface between the biology, economics and history of the human condition."The Midwest Book Review