The super rich have never had it so good. But millions of us can’t afford a home, an education or a pension. And unless we change course soon, the future will be even worse. But things don’t have to be like this. In this bold new book, former Treasury Minister Liam Byrne explains why wealth inequality has grown so fast in recent years; warns how it threatens our society, economy and politics; shows where economics has got it wrong – and lays out a path back to common sense, with five practical ways to rebuild an old ideal: the wealth-owning democracy.

Liam Byrne draws on conversations and debates with former prime ministers, presidents and policymakers around the world, together with experts at the OECD, World Bank and IMF, to argue that after 20 years of statistics and slogans it is time for solutions that aren’t just radical but plausible and achievable as well. The future may not be a land of milk and honey but it could be a place where we all live longer, happier, healthier and wealthier lives.

'Byrne is an engaging writer, and his latest book is full of ideas.' – The Telegraph

‘Essential reading for anyone who cares about tackling one of the great political and moral challenges of our time’ Ed Balls

‘Beyond simply making the case that large-scale change is needed, Byrne offers solutions’ The Financial Times

‘Powerful social observation combined with distilling the best of today’s thinking in response - at once readable and passionate - does not come much better than this’ Will Hutton