Presents the idea that we need to move beyond "growth" as the paramount economic ideal and pursue prosperity in a local direction. This book shows how this concept is blossoming around the world, from the burgeoning economies of India and China to the more mature societies of Europe and New England.

"What make McKibben's book stand out is the completeness of his arguments and his real-world approach to solutions." * USA Today *"What make McKibben's book stand out is the completeness of his arguments and his real-world approach to solutions." * USA Today *"An eloquent presentation of the case for revising ideas of wellbeing in the direction of sustainability, away from the crude measures of commercial transactions ... an engaging, easily read book which saves until the end a message with stupefying political consequences." * Public, Guardian *"An eloquent presentation of the case for revising ideas of wellbeing in the direction of sustainability, away from the crude measures of commercial transactions ... an engaging, easily read book which saves until the end a message with stupefying political consequences." * Public, Guardian *"Masterfully crafted, deeply thoughtful and mind-expanding. . . . An incisive critique of the unintended consequences of our . . . growth-oriented economy." * Los Angeles Times Book Review *"Injected with enthusiasm and a passion for changing `the way things are done', this book explores eating locally produced food and reinvesting in flagging communities and holds lessons for everyone." * The Environmentalist (IEMA) *"You'll find a lot of books about economics on the shelves, and plenty about how to be greener - but this combines the two." * Scotsman *"You'll find a lot of books about economics on the shelves, and plenty about how to be greener - but this combines the two." * Scotsman *