Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 11.djvu/722

 706 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Generalbericht uber die Tdtigkeit dcs deutschen Vereins fur Armenpflege und Wohlt'dtigkeit, 1880-1905. Von EMIL MUNSTERBERG. Leipzig: Duncker & Humblot, 1905.

This important summary of German relief, by the director of the Berlin city system and secretary of the German Conference of Charities, is worth special notice. The most significant discus- sions of a quarter of a century are here analyzed and their main principles interpreted. The first part gives a sketch of the rise and activity of the union of relief administrators ; the second contains a chronological list of the papers and of their authors ; the third is a systematic survey of the contents of the reports and discussions, relating to relief and welfare work. Dr. Miinsterberg remarks that recent discussions tend to lay more stress on preventive measures, as care of children and of the sick. The workingmen's insurance laws have modified relief methods at many points. The book is more than a report of proceedings ; it is a real contribution to the scientific treatment of the whole subject of charity.

C. R. H.

The Saloon Problem and Social Reform. By JOHN MARSHALL BARKER. Boston: The Everett Press, 1905.

The author's argument is in the form of a direct plea for local- option legislation. He would evidently have absolute prohibition, if such a law could be enforced. For purposes of persuasion the arrangement of the discussion is effective, but the absence of references makes it impossible for the critical reader to verify many very important statements.

C. R. H.

Family Monographs. By ESA G. HERZFELD. New York : The James Kempter Printing Co., 1905. Pp. 150.

This is an interesting study of twenty-four families living in the middle West Side of New York City. The economic facts are given, but in subordination to the manifestations of beliefs, ideals, interests, amusements, superstitions. Fragmentary as the study is, it is an authentic document by a shrewd observer and interpreter of social motives.

C. R. H.