Have Not: Genesis, Nature of Poverty and the Way Out is rooted in economics, but it also draws on insights from sociological and historical studies of poverty. It constructs a coherent and absorbing narrative for lay readers. It eschews empirical support and emphasises simplicity of exposition. At the same time, it will appeal to specialists because of its focus on core ideas and breadth of coverage.The book is divided into two parts. Part one deals with the nature and evolution of poverty and its measurement. Part two covers different ways of coping with poverty. Although its central case study is of India, the sheer scale and deep roots of poverty and the all-round efforts made for its reduction in that country mean that this book will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn about one of the great misfortunes of mankind.