Violence often seems to typically reinforce the current order for the benefit of the powerful. The book marshals large amounts of evidence to unearth the costs of direct violence - military preparedness and its social consequences-as well as those of structural violence-poverty and chronic illness. It highlights the role of political and commercial interests that facilitate and perpetuate this violent state of affairs. The book thus presents a stunning view of our violent world and how violence is reproduced daily by those who benefit from it.