“In this new edition, Hartley Dean again demonstrates his mastery of the subject and his ability to analyse complex issues concerning the nature of human need and its relationship with rights and welfare. His book will be the standard reference work on human need for many years to come.” James Midgley, University of California

“A truly comprehensive account of human need and an original value-based argument for a new politics of need – indispensable reading across the social sciences.” David Taylor, University of Brighton

“Venturing beyond a standard revision, this second edition of Dean’s textbook develops a novel radical humanist vision of need and outlines a ‘needs-first’ ethic. Of interest to a wider audience beyond social policy.” Ian Gough, The London School of Economics and Political Science