Bane (public policy and management, Harvard U.) and Mead (politics, New York U.) are well known social scientists who have worked for years on issues of poverty and welfare, but many of their readers may not know that they are also people of faith. In alternating chapters, Bane sets out a Catholic perspective on poverty, and asserts that personal responsibility means social responsibility; and Mead sets out a Biblical response to poverty, and advocates guaranteeing work rather than aid. The volume inaugurates the series. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)