The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-07-17
Liberal Viewpoint
by DIR. HARRY ELMER BARNES

TT is quite apparent to most realistic observers
l. that the present era of civilization can not
| long endure Some courageoGsly plan for a new
| and better age while others seek refuge in re-
version TO some variety Of medievalism a re-
| vival of interest in the middle ages need not,
/ however, constitute remuneration Of our inter
| est in the future. For example, the medieval
| emphasis upon the social control of the acquisi-
| ton and expenditure of wealth must be restored
if we hope to attain any high degree Of eco
nomic prosperity and justice
| Professors Scott, Hyma and Noyes have
| brought together extremely useful and COM
prehensive book Of readings on the course of
mediyal history and the civilization of the mid
die ages (Readings in Medieval History. By
Jonathan F. Scott, Albert Hyma Arthur N.
Noyes. Crofts. $3.50. While intended pri-
marily for academic use, it will prove illuminat
ing to any one possessing an interest in the de-
velopment of mankind and human civilization
1t is very usual to look upon the Medieval
Christian church as an informal collection Of
priests and bishops, going their several ways i'll
the task Of saving souls. AS an actual matter Of
fact, the medieval church was knit closely and
well organized. 1t constituted what was, per-
haps, the largest and most impressive inter-
national state down to the rise of the British
empire of today.
Naturally, it took a great deal of money to
run this great administrative machine and fiscal
administration of the Medieval church was
something which would tax the ingenuity of any
American secretary of the treasury.
PROFESSOR LUNT gives us in two volumes
a splendid summary analysis of the f1nan-
cial machinery and income of the Papacy and
large mass of illustrative documents which
buttress his congratulations Papal Revenues in
the Middle Ages BY William E. Lunt. vols.
Columbia University Press. $1250).
If we really are coming to the end of the era,
it is highly desirable that we should know why.
Nothing will go farther to tell us why than a
competent historical survey of the rise, tri
umph and decline of the historical epoch
which brought into existence capitalism and
democracy.
AS a guide it would be difficult to find
more satisfactory work than DR.. Achorn's
sweeping survey of world civilization since
1900, with particular emphasis on the period
since 1915 european Civilization and Politics
Since 1915. BY Erik Achorn. Harcourt Brace.
So. It is a thorough going product of the new
history which gives ample attention to non
political developments. Moreover, the author
succeeds in maintaining very fresh and
original viewpoint throughout the whole book.
1t is a lively as well as a profound and iuum1-
mating volume
In Austria the parliament has been dissolved
permanently and in other countries parlia-
mentary institutions have been all but SuS-
pended In Great Britain, however, parlia-
mentary government has been cherished reso-
lutely ana maintained.
DR. WANG gives us complete analysis of the
IL practices which have been followed in dis
solving the British parliament during the last
century Dissolution of the British Parliament,
1S32-1931 BY Chi Kao Wang. Columbia Uni
versity Press, $3.50. If MoSley and his "black
shirts" get in control of Britain they are not
likely to be guided by the precedents of the past
but in the meantime DR.. Wang's book will re-
main useful contribution to our understand
ming of English constitutional methods and
political practice.
The rapid changes in political institutions and
methods in Europe during the last four or five
wears have made it necessary to recaSt author1ta-
tive descriptions of European political lnstltu-
tons.
Professor Oggs survey of the politics and
governmental machinery of Europe has deSerV-
edly enjoyed wide popularity for nearly twenty
wears He now has brought his work thoroughly
up 10 date and has added comprehensive re-
view of the government and politics OF Great
Britain european Governments and Politics. BY
Frederic A. Ogg. Macmillan, 1929. AS de-
scriptive summary, it would be difficult to i'm
prove upon this book.
While Professor Ogg chronicles many changes
in the machinery of government, Professor Coker
envisages the philosophy and methods OF reyo-
lutionary political programs which may in due
time supplant the older types of representative
government and democracy. CRecent Political
Thought. BY Francis w. Cocker. D. Appleton
Century, So.
His book is the most satisfactory summary
of the ideas represented by the various types of
radical economic and political movements which
today place in jeopardy the capitalistlc and
democratic order.