Modern Industry

Abstract

IN their book on “Modern Industry” Messrs. Bogart and Landon have systematised the subject and co-ordinated the various aspects, striving to arrive at, and drive home, their views by the rigid application of a logical decision based upon the consideration of contrary arguments. But whilst admitting their skill, differences of opinion may still arise. They exhibit an American crispness of diction, which is incisive and pleasant, and with much of the text there cannot fail to be agreement; but in some places the authors attempt to prove too much; one example will suffice: “the soldiers, policemen, judges, and others who have maintained peace and order” may all claim a share in the production of any stated sample of manual labour; they would also allot a share to “the owners of the land and buildings where the work is produced,” and there are still others to be regarded as co-operators. Such notwithstanding, the book is replete with cogent statements and well-conceived arguments; but no good is effected by depreciating the scientific attainments of past civilisations, in order to enhance the reputation of to-day. The six hundred pages are full of interest, and to very many of us the work will appeal as the gospel of machinery and mass production in contrast with individualism and the satisfaction of human needs as and when they arise.

Modern Industry.

Prof.

Ernest L.

Bogart

Prof.

Charles E.

Landon

By. (Longmans' Economic Series.) Pp. x + 593. (New York and London: Longmans, Green and Co., Ltd., 1927.) 16s. net.