'This gem of a book gets under the skin of poverty. It shows the human reality of poverty: the endless struggle for respect, and against indignity and stigma. Read it to learn what development should be about' -- Duncan Green, head of research, Oxfam Great Britain 'This important book argues convincingly that extreme poverty is a human rights crisis that demands urgent commitments from states to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for all' -- Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International 'Vital reading for all those working to end poverty' -- Deepa Narayan, Director, Voices of the Poor project and former Senior Adviser at the World Bank 'Offers a path towards the eradication of extreme poverty, and makes a compelling case for why we have no choice but trying' -- Esther Duflo, Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics, MIT