In 'Distributive Justice: The Right and Wrong of Our Present Distribution of Wealth,' John A. Ryan delves into the ethical considerations of economic distribution among the primary agents of the industrial age landlords, capitalists, merchants, and laborers. Utilizing a methodical and exhaustive approach, Ryan critically examines the moral underpinnings governing the allocation of resources and wealth. His prose, steeped in the rich tradition of socio-economic analysis, not only articulates the existing inequities but also elucidates the complex interplay between ethical theory and economic realities. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th-century industrial milieu, the work's literary style echoes the progressive era's concern for social reform and egalitarian principles. John A. Ryan, a champion of social justice and an influential figure in the American Catholic social movement, was deeply motivated by the core teachings of his faith to address the societal ills of his time. His scholarly background, anchored in Christian moral theology and the keen observation of the socio-economic landscape, equipped him with the insights to rigorously scrutinize the distribution of wealth. Ryan's impassioned advocacy for economic reforms and his deep-seated belief in the dignity of labor shine through in this seminal text, as he weaves together ethical argumentation with practical reformist ambitions. 'Distributive Justice' is recommended for readers interested in the intersection of ethics and economics, historical perspectives on wealth distribution, and the philosophical underpinnings of social reform movements. As a classic work in the canon of economic justice, it remains a salient treatise fostering thoughtful discourse on the nature of equitable societal structures. It is essential reading for students of social policy, theologians, economists, and anyone drawn to the ongoing debate over fair distribution in a modern economy.

John A. Ryan was a prominent figure in the American Catholic social thought of the early 20th century. As a priest, theologian, and economist, he was pivotal in shaping the discourse on social justice within a religious framework. Born in Minnesota in 1869, Ryan was ordained as a priest in 1898 and embarked on an academic and social advocacy career that would influence both the Church's and public policies for decades. He obtained a doctorate in theology and later pursued graduate studies in economics and sociology, which laid the foundation for his critical stance on social issues. His seminal work, 'Distributive Justice: The Right and Wrong of Our Present Distribution of Wealth', published in 1916, is a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching and a testament to his commitment to economic fairness. In it, Ryan addressed the moral implications of wealth distribution, arguing for a living wage as a right due under the natural law, and highlighting the responsibilities of state and individuals to correct inequities. His literary style was a blend of academic rigor, moral clarity, and a prophetic voice that called for societal reform. Ryan was a precursor to, and influential in, the drafting of the Bishops' Program of Social Reconstruction in 1919 and was a key figure in the implementation of New Deal policies. His legacy remains in the form of the Church's ongoing social justice initiatives and his contributions to the economic thought in the context of ethical imperatives.