"One of the leading researchers of economic growth, Helpman succinctly reviews, critiques, and integrates current research - on capital accumulation, education, productivity, trade, inequality, geography, and institutions - and clarifies its relevance for global economic inequities. In particular, he points to institutions - including property rights protection, legal systems, customs, and political systems - as the key to the mystery of economic growth. Solving this mystery could lead to policies capable of setting the poorest countries on the path toward sustained growth of per capita income and all that implies."--BOOK JACKET.