Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations – Gunnar Myrdal

Written by Gunnar Myrdal, the Nobel Prize-winning Swedish economist and social scientist, Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations is widely regarded as one of the most important works on development economics and the socioeconomic challenges faced by Asia in the twentieth century. Drawing upon extensive field research, statistical analysis, and historical evidence, Myrdal examines the structural causes of poverty and underdevelopment while exploring the opportunities and obstacles confronting newly independent nations across South and Southeast Asia.

Rather than attributing poverty to a single factor, Myrdal presents a broad and interdisciplinary analysis of the interconnected forces that influence economic development. He discusses the roles of education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialization, land reform, population growth, governance, social institutions, and public policy, demonstrating how these elements collectively shape a nation’s capacity for economic progress. His comprehensive approach illustrates that sustainable development depends not only on economic planning but also on social and institutional reform.

A defining feature of the book is its integration of economics with sociology, political science, and history. Myrdal argues that cultural traditions, administrative systems, political structures, and social inequality all influence economic outcomes, making development a complex and multifaceted process. His work challenged conventional economic thinking of its time and encouraged policymakers to adopt more holistic approaches to national development.

Although originally written in the context of post-war Asia, many of the themes explored in the book—such as inequality, rural development, public administration, and the relationship between economic growth and social welfare—continue to resonate with contemporary discussions on global development. The volume remains a valuable reference for students and scholars of economics, international development, public policy, political economy, and Asian studies.

Published by Allen Lane The Penguin Press as a First Edition in 1972, this hardcover edition contains 316 pages and measures 6 × 1.5 × 9 inches. Combining scholarly depth with clear analytical writing, it stands as an important contribution to the study of development economics and the history of modern Asia, making it an indispensable addition to academic libraries and serious private collections.

• Written by Nobel Prize-winning economist Gunnar Myrdal
• Published by Allen Lane The Penguin Press
• First Edition, 1972
• Hardcover binding
• 316 pages
• Size: 6 × 1.5 × 9 inches
• Language: English
• Landmark work on development economics and poverty studies
• Explores the economic and social development of Asian nations
• Covers public policy, governance, agriculture, education, and industrialization
• Valuable resource for economists, historians, policymakers, and researchers
• Ideal for university libraries and collectors of classic economic literature

🔹 Collector’s Note

This First Edition (1972) hardcover of Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations, published by Allen Lane The Penguin Press, is an important collectible in the fields of economics, social sciences, and Asian studies. Written by Gunnar Myrdal, whose contributions to development economics earned worldwide recognition, the book remains a landmark study of poverty and economic transformation. Its historical significance, scholarly influence, and enduring relevance make it a highly desirable addition to collections of economic history, public policy, and twentieth-century social thought.