Review by Choice Review
Observing the struggles of the economically less developed world as it attempts to create at least modestly optimistic future scenarios for its inhabitants is a sobering exercise. The problems are deep-seated, complex, and seemingly intractable; solutions are difficult and demanding. Seitz's contribution to the vast literature on the subject has the virtues of providing concise definitions of the topic's often arcane terminology, of being clearly and unpretentiously written (if at time a bit chatty), and of utilizing a wide range of newspaper, magazine, and other ephemeral supporting references, some dated as recently as 1986. Much in the tradition of Paul Ehrlich, Garrett Hardin, and Lester Brown (all of whom are cited extensively), Seitz considers the classic global problems: population, food, energy, environment, and technology, adding a brief, low-key suggestion of "alternative futures." A few tables and graphs illuminate the work, which makes much of the term "development," although any implication of a focus on the "developing" world is partially misleading, since many of the problems are correctly described as being at least as great a concern for the already highly developed nations. This book breaks little new ground, but summarizes the various problems and choices facing the developing nations (and indeed the entire world) in a well-organized and easily comprehended form. Solid bibliography and useful index. Academic and public library collections. J. McDonald Eastern Michigan University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
