People who work but do not earn enough to live decent lives are no longer found just in the US; Western European social scientists describe how the problem is returning there, delve into its possible causes, and suggest remedies. Introductory chapters look at the continent as a whole, then case studies focus on eight countries. Overall explanations and policy options conclude. Among the country studies are discussions of the silent transformation of the Dutch welfare state and the rise of in-work poverty, the working poor in the two countries of Italy, and low pay and household poverty during Ireland's economic boom. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)