THE ECONOMIC STATE OF NEW ENGLAND.

LAND. Edited by Arthur A. Bright Jr. '39and George H. Ellis. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1954. 738 pp. $6.00.

The Economic State of New England presents twenty reports by the Committee of New England organized by the National Planning Association. It was composed of 95 leaders active in the region's agriculture, business, manufacturing, labor organizations, educational and financial institutions, government agencies, press and radio. The objective was to produce an honest self-appraisal of New England's economic problems on which strong, effective future action might be taken.

Each report is an independent document combining intensive investigation of critical topics with a description and review of general economic issues. Topics include reports on the forests, fisheries, agriculture, minerals, water, fuel and power, importance as a resort area, human resources (people, employment, wages, labor and management relations), financial resources, freight rates and transportation systems, management research, taxes, public expenditures, and relations with the federal government.

These reports are the most recent authentic studies of New England. They are full of detailed information and suggestions for future research and methods of improving the region's already advanced economy. Prospects for future growth are bright for this region whose economy is sound and neither stronger nor weaker than the national economy. Critical self-appraisal in light of new economic conditions and changing technology, actively indulged in by individuals and organizations other than government, will assure good living in the years ahead.

The book is dedicated to Arthur A. Bright Jr. '39, its co-editor and director of research for the Committee of New England, who died in May 1953.