Part of the appeal.of this book was the perspective of the author, as a French economist, outside the American political paradigm to which I am most accostomed. The historical perspective was excellent and data-driven, and repeatedly made me.say "Wow!'" out loud. The foundation of colonialism is not always a cheery thing, but Piketty follows the data. It's hard to hear those data about the last 40 years and the backsliding of equality that has occurred via intentional policy choices, but for that reason, I think this book is essential reading.