2 MARCH 1956, Page 6

El El /3 artistic activity; and a discussion of two

sociological methods II of approaching the study of culture. 25s. net FAMILY, SOCIALISATION & INTERACTION PROCESS

Talcott Parsons and Robert F. Bales

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Investigates the transitional disorganization of the American family and considers the wider implications for society of

the new 'nuclear' family. 30s. net

SHIFTING CULTIVATION IN AFRICA Pierre de Schlippe

Examines the methods of shifting agriculture among Azandes and the restrictions it places upon the develop- ment of the communities it upholds. Because of the system's close integration in the community, the author pleads for the

caution of all agrarian reformers. 42s. net

A GENERAL HISTORY OF THE PIRATES Capt. Charles Johnson

A Reprint of this famous classic. 30s. net. ri ■

12 ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL ):1

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This trade played a vital part in the economy of the American plantations, enabling them both to accumulate capital and to discharge some of their constantly increasing obligations to London financiers. Yet for so vital a commerce it was curiously haphazard—conducted largely in ignorance of markets or prices, in tiny ships, and with few capital resources. Losses were frequent but the gains, when made, so great that State legislatures and town councils attempted by restrictive practices to secure protected markets, and beggar their neighbours. One of the most fascinating aspects of this study is the clear demonstration that a nation stumbles on riches and acquires great prosperity almost in spite of itself. Almost equally remarkable is the lack of foresight' administrative skill, and intelligence shown by the merchants themselves.

Indeed when one considers the casual, incompetent procedure'; the petty jealousies, and the great encumbrance of debt, the rapt

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development of America as a mercantile nation seems trinr mysterious and incomprehensible than before. Perhaps no hunle",, blunders could prevail against such vast natural resources. 0 Professor Pares has produced a most revealing study of , difficult time, and one with wide implications. Few historian; could have handled such difficult material with such skill. And li has done far more than investigate a narrow field of history; be has illustrated one of the most fundamental of human activities trade. J. H. PLL314

Rude Housekeeping

HOUSEKEEPING IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. By Rosain- Bayne-Powell. (Murray, 18s.)

MRS. BAYNE-POWELL darts in each chapter from one end of tb,,e century to the other, from town to country, from north to sout!:, from rich to poor. In the end one is neverquite sure of the conn"r tions in any one household at any one time. We are told, fu instance, that a daily change of linen was usual among the LIPPlyer and middle classes, yet that in many households clothes were nttlie washed once a quarter. Surely not in the same classes, or