"WHEN HISTORY AND FACTS HAVE A PLACE IN THE STUDY OF ECONOMIC PROBLEMS, WE BELIEVE THAT THEY MAY EASILY BY OVEREMPHASIZED… WHAT WE HAVE HAD IN MIND IS THAT THE STUDENT SHOULD HAVE A CHANCE… TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT"

GEMMILL, Paul Fleming, et al. Contemporary Economic Problems. New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1932. Octavo, original brown cloth, original dust jacket. $500.

First edition of this intriguing collection of essays by six prominent University of Pennsylvania economists on 1930s problems ranging from unemployment to high taxes to international interdependence.

Through a collection of essays by leading University of Pennsylvania economists, this work addresses contemporary 1930s economic problems such as outstanding war debts, inflation, unemployment, monopolies, faltering credit availability, and the plight of farmers. Instead of becoming bogged down in the underpinnings of the problems or offering analysis without solutions, the economists in question attempt to provide evidence-based, workable solutions. Gemmill and his colleagues did not prevent war (and, indeed, did little to shorten the Great Depression), but in this work there are bits and pieces of economic genius that are not diminished by a government's failure to recognize them. Pencil owner signature of prominent sociologist Jesse Howell Atwood, known for his important work on race.

Book extremely good, with interior fine, slightest soiling to cloth and toning to spine. Scarce dust jacket near-fine, with slightest soiling and mild toning. A desirable copy.