Michael Wallerstein was a leader in developing a rigorous comparative political economy approach to understanding substantive issues of inequality, redistribution, and wage-determination. His early death from cancer left both a hole in the profession and a legacy that will surely provide the foundation for research on these topics. This volume collects his most important and influential contributions, organized by topic, with each topic preceded by an editorial introduction that provides overview and context.

'Michael Wallerstein was one of the leading theorists of the political economy of income distribution. This collection of his writings reminds us that simple models can be enormously powerful when wielded with flair and imagination. The editors, through their introductory essays, have also done a wonderful job of placing his work in the broader intellectual context of the many areas where he contributed.'

Abhijit Banerjee - MIT

'Michael Wallerstein's work is unique and exemplary in the way it brings together analytical rigor and a deep understanding of class structure and class conflict. It is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the nature of modern capitalism and of social democracy.'

Jon Elster - Collège de France

'The papers collected here show that Michael Wallerstein was a central figure in the development of modern political economy. For a combination of attention to history and data, with the fruitful use of abstract models, he probably has no peer.'

John Roemer - Yale University

'A must-read for scholars and students of political economy in general, and labor relations, welfare states, and inequality in particular. The introductory essays by the editors, together with Wallerstein’s articles, provide a compelling synthesis of this vibrant field pioneered by Wallerstein and his co-authors.'

Elisabeth Jean Wood - Yale University and the Santa Fe Institute