Fluent, thought-provoking book. (David Smith, The Observer ) Rarely can a book on this subject have been such a pleasurable read. (David Smith, The Observer ) Every politician should read this. (Simon Shaw, Irish Mail on Sunday. ) There are hundreds of books on development but none as well written and authoritative as Paul Collier's 'The Bottom Billion' (Edmund Conway, Daily Telegraph ) Every politician should read this. (Simon Shaw, Mail on Sunday ) This is a short book, but one which brilliantly challenges conventional views about development and aid. (Nick Rennison, Sunday Times ) This extraordinarily important book should be read by everyone who cares about Africa. (Max Hastings, Sunday Times ) A splendid book... rich in both analysis and recommendations... read this book. (Martin Wolf, Finacial Times ) It will change the way you look at the tragedy of persistent poverty in a world of plenty. (Martin Wolf, Financial Times ) Set to become a classic. His book should be compulsory reading for anyone embroiled in the thankless task of trying to pull people out of the pit of poverty. (The Economist ) An arresting, provocative book. If you care about the fate of the poorest people in the world, and want to understand what can be done to help them, read this book. If you don't care, read it anyway. (Tim Harford, author of 'The Undercover Economist' )