Review by Choice Review
Western Europe is the primary focus of this overview of the economics of European integration--now in its third edition. Although the text acknowledges the prospect of the admission of several Central and Eastern European countries into the European Union (EU) in the next ten years, the economic issues involved in this further enlargement of the EU are not explored. Tables that highlight long-term trends are brought up to date (1996-97), and most include data from all 15 EU members for the period 1950-90, even though only the original six members were involved in the early years. Recent developments in socioeconomic policies that create the conditions for continued growth of the EU are outlined, and special attention is paid to the policies that relate to the introduction of a single European currency over the next few years. Despite the fact that this work is presented as a general introduction for students following European integration, undergraduates new to the subject might need access to other introductory materials about the EU before taking on this publication. The extensive bibliography (30 pages) of books, scholarly articles, and official publications should be useful to well-informed readers who wish to explore specialized fields in greater depth. For European and international economics collections serving upper-division undergraduate through professional audiences. G. T. Potter emeritus, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
