The utility of the book is very evident. It apparently began in order to provide a wider context for serious students of Thailand and agriculture, and expanded with the realization that related fields were inadequately linked to this central theme of the country. Previous books, out of Harvard in the 1930s, Stanford in the 1950s, and Cornell and the World Bank ever since, each met there own particular aims, but are surpassed by Professor Falvey's obvious labor of love. His 25 years in the field and research for the book at these US institutions is evident. The book will prove essential to students of Asia around the world, and to anyone remotely connected to development in Thailand.
All books have their faults.
This one has its own, but it seems petty to list these against the overwhelmingly positive aspects which I hope I have conveyed.