This text interrogates the role of experts in governing and proposes a viable alternative: governing by democratic discussion.

A Nobel Prize–winning economist tells the remarkable story of how the world has grown healthier, wealthier, but also more unequal over the past two and half centuries The world is a better place than it used to be. People are healthier, wealthier, and live longer. Yet the escapes from destitution by so many has left gaping inequalities between people and nations. In The Great Escape, Nobel Prize–winning economist Angus Deaton—one of the foremost experts on economic development and on poverty—tells the remarkable story of how, beginning 250 years ago, some parts of the world experienced sustained progress, opening up gaps and setting the stage for today's disproportionately unequal world. Deaton takes an in-depth look at the historical and ongoing patterns behind the health and wealth of nations, and addresses what needs to be done to help those left behind. Deaton describes vast innovations and wrenching setbacks: the successes of antibiotics, pest control, vaccinations, and clean water on the one hand, and disastrous famines and the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the other. He examines the United States, a nation that has prospered but is today experiencing slower growth and increasing inequality. He also considers how economic growth in India and China has improved the lives of more than a billion people. Deaton argues that international aid has been ineffective and even harmful. He suggests alternative efforts—including reforming incentives to drug companies and lifting trade restrictions—that will allow the developing world to bring about its own Great Escape. Demonstrating how changes in health and living standards have transformed our lives, The Great Escape is a powerful guide to addressing the well-being of all nations.

Robert P. Watson provides the definitive account of the Confederacy’s infamous Libby Prison, site of the Civil War’s largest prison break. Libby Prison housed Union officers, high-profile foes of the Confederacy, and political prisoners. Watson captures the wretched conditions, cruel guards, and the story of the daring prison break, called “the most remarkable in American history.”

A crime reporter’s thrilling account of the infamous 2015 prison break, manhunt, and capture based on interviews with one of the inmates who pulled it off. On June 6, 2015, inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility, New York State’s largest maximum-security prison. The media was instantly obsessed with the story: Aided by a prison seamstress, who smuggled hacksaw blades, chisels, and drill bits inside the facility via a vat of raw hamburger meat, the two convicted murderers sliced their way through steel cell walls, navigated a maze of tunnels, climbed out of a manhole, and walked off into the night. After nearly three weeks on the run, US Customs and Border Patrol agent Chris Voss shot and killed Matt on June 26, 2015. Two days later, New York State Police Sgt. Jay Cook shot Sweat twice in the back. He survived. While some details of this elaborate modern-day prison break have come to light, only one reporter has spoken directly to Sweat. In Wild Escape, he answers the most important question in the case: Of all the inmates who dream of escape, why was he the one who could make it happen? “The details Marcius has amassed are comprehensive and stunning and serve to heighten the impact of her story. This is first-rate journalism, written about a crime and a criminal from the inside out.” —Stephen Singular, New York Times–bestselling author of Talked to Death “Marcius writes with genuine narrative power. Her depth of research provides insights into this historical escape that we can’t get anywhere else.” —Anthony Flacco, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Road Out of Hell

When Sister Harriett rushes into the kitchen to announce the arrival of Alexandra and Sam, Ms. Potts knows exactly what to do. Her delicious soup will welcome the two travelers and fill their stomachs after a long journey. As the three begin to catch up, it becomes clear that Alexandra is a natural leader, whose sixth and final choice will shape her future. As Sam and Alexandra set out on a walk, they discuss their work towards ending human trafficking and slavery. They dream of a world without these atrocities and their dedication to this cause is unwavering. Alexandra's astute observations about the world bring her and Sam closer and they smile at each other, knowing what's at stake. As they approach their destination on Rogers Street, Alexandra reflects on her role in the fight against slavery and realizes the great responsibility she holds. She knows that she and her companions must continue guiding and serving until the day their dream of a free world becomes a reality. In this moving and inspiring tale, Sister Harriett, Ms. Potts, Alexandra, and Sam come together with a shared purpose and a burning desire to make a difference. Against all odds, they work tirelessly

“Montgomery’s expertise and the gorgeous illustrations make this a fine purchase for libraries serving early elementary students.” —School Library Journal “The mixed-media illustrations make good use of dynamic spreads, color, and texture—perfect for a book on a master of camouflage. Montgomery seamlessly incorporates interesting facts about octopuses into the narrative.” —Booklist Learn all about Inky the Octopus, an international sensation known for escaping from the New Zealand aquarium in April 2016, in this fascinating picture book from National Book Award nominee and octopus expert Sy Montgomery. Inky had been at the New Zealand aquarium since 2014 after being taken in by a fisherman who found him at sea. Inky had been getting used to his new environment, but the staff quickly figured out that he had to be kept amused or he would get bored. Then one night in 2016 Inky, about the size of a basketball, decided he’d had enough. He slithered eight feet across the floor and down a drainpipe more than 160 feet long to his home in the sea. Acclaimed author Sy Montogmery reminds readers that Inky didn’t escape—but instead, like the curious animal he is, wanted to explore the rest of the vast ocean he called his home.