About the Book: equality has been conceived, contested, and transformed across civilizations—from prehistoric society, world religions, and the Enlightenment to revolutions, totalitarian regimes, the U.N., and contemporary identity politics Barnes & NobleLibrary JournalThe Washington Post. McMahon illuminates the paradox that moves toward equality frequently coexisted with hierarchy and exclusion, showing how the notion of equity could reinforce divisions even as it aimed to dissolve them PublishersWeekly.comThe Washington Post. Ultimately, he argues that equality remains essential yet elusive—and only by grappling with its historical contradictions can we reimagine it for our own age