When it was originally published in 1963, this was the first full study in English of French economic planning in the 20th century and appeared at a time when the UK was beginning a similar experiment. The book is an extensive source of information on the 20th century structure of the French economy, economic and governmental institutions and post-war French economic history that until this publication, was not conveniently available to English readers. The book will appeal to economic historians, and anyone concerned with French banking, taxation, government and agriculture. The book discusses the relations between the various public departments, in particular the Ministry of Finance, local government, the political parties, the consultative bodies, Parliament and the Plans as well as the attitudes of the trade unions, of French business and farmers.
