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In this highly readable book, Dr. John DeWitt, a former foreign service office and professor of geography, explains how the U.S. gained leadership in the global economy, along with Western Europe and Japan, while Brazil remains among the countries on the periphery, struggling to penetrate the inner circle. Other peripheral countries are Russia, China, Mexico, and India. Those still outside the circle are poor Third World nations. The book brings together a fascinating blend of economics, history, anthropology, sociology, and geography to tell the stories of the colonization and economic advancement of the U.S. and Brazil, starting in the14th century.
Until I read Dr. DeWitt's book, I considered global economics, history and geography too abstract and boring to hold my attention for more than a page or two. However, because this book was lent to me by a friend, I was determined to wade through at least a chapter or two. I've been unable to put it down. I'm amazed by the compelling story it tells. For the first time, I'm able to see economic development as a drama, with individual countries taking roles as interesting as characters in a Shakespearean play.
My only criticism of the book is that the title makes it sound dry. It's not. Dr. DeWitt's gift with words and his ability to tie complex ideas together gives untutored readers a new pair of glasses to see the world they live in.
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The farm setting was the family home of aggricultural leader, economist and teacher, Howard E. Babcock, for years Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ithaca's Cornell University. Introducing many new farm practices, he told readers of his popular page "Kernels, Screenings and Chaff," in the American Agriculturist magazine of new ways to manage grasslands, employ used auto tires to ease operation of farm equipment. He counseled them to buy open-formula farm feeds from the huge farm cooperative he organized and managed, The GLF (now Agway).
Babcock also introduced farmers and ultimately all consumers, to prepare and consume frozen farm produce and meats. Home freezers were one of the most important contributers to improved diet and life style not only of farmers, but all consumers.
Young John Babcock tells of shooting woodchucks and rats, tending livestock, and operating new farm machines that his dad started to promote in the midst of the Depression decade. After the 1933 Bank Holiday, loan rates fell to the lowest in many years.
Life was hard, but this farm family never missed a meal, nor the chance to enjoy life to its fullest in an era marked by sweeping change. I submit it as a high spirited and readable account.
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