Top Incomes Over the Twentieth Century A Contrast Between Continental European and English-Speaking Countries

• Innovative research tracing the changing distribution of top incomes and wealth across the globe
• Contains extensive discussion of sources and methods, and original data
• Includes case studies on top incomes in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Ireland

Based on a pioneering research programme on the evolution of top incomes, this volume brings together studies from 10 OECD countries. This rapidly growing field of economic research investigates the top segment of the income distribution by using data from income tax records over the past century. As well as describing the source data and methods employed, the authors also discuss the dramatic changes that have occurred at the top of the income scale throughout the 20th century. 

This fascinating study is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive historic overview of top income distribution over the last century. It looks at why top incomes shares fell markedly in the first half of the 20th century and why, more recently, there has been a striking difference in the top income distribution between continental Europe and English-speaking OECD countries, like the UK, USA, and Australia. Written by the top names in the field, this seminal work provides rich pickings for those with an interest in inequality, development, the economic impact of war, taxation, economic history, and executive compensation.

Readership: Economists, economic and social historians, sociologists, and political scientists.