This is one of the best books in economic development ever published. Written in plain english, so it's easy to understand, even for non-economics students. Highly recommended for graduate students, professors, and professionals interested in economic issues of developing countries.

This is an excellent academic book ,but it needs updating in light of the recent global developments. Basically it is missing a detailed analysis of The spread and effects of Globalization. Maybe there is a new edition in print now ???

This a great and invaluable analysis of the universal human effort to figure out who we are through narrative. From ancient drama to contemporary TV, Mr. Roemer investigates the changing art of narrative in Western culture. His extra-ordinary walks through the terrain of etymology, mythology, religion, literature, film, psychology and philosophy are compelling. From its provocative first sentence -"Every story is over before it begins"- till the very last ones, this is an excellent read: -"(For) what we call 'fiction' embodies a reality we cannot afford to face in life, and what we call 'reality' is, in fact, a fiction that allows us a measure of consciousness without casting us into despair. It may well be the reality and contradictions we can face only in fiction that give our lives meaning and shape". This book has some fabulous chapters on Plot, Postmodernism, Traditional Aesthetics, Popular Stories, The Death of God and The Death of Man. It contains remarkable and refreshing notes on 'classic' works of literature: Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, Madame Bovary, Crime and Punishment, The Portrait of a Lady, and many others... A must rea

Never mind the fact that it was written by my father... Michael Roemer's book is clearly written and most original. It weaves together strands of contemporary culture while remaining mindfully respectful of our collective past.