The attempt is made in this book first to give a background sketch of various types of social insurance previously in existence in this country, -- including workmen's compensation, endowment and life insurance, pension systems, relief, etc. Next he gives a bird's eye view of developments in other parts of the world, with emphasis on the British and German systems. Then he devotes the balance of the book to a discussion of the Federal Social Security Act, its provisions, aims, weaknesses and strengths, and to such fly-by-night schemes as the Townsend Plan, etc. The glaring deficiencies and lacks are indicated: the phases open to criticism and probable adjustment, and the importance of the fact that at least the step has been taken of placing such an act upon the statutes and maintaining an open mind as to developments in the near future. Clearly a sympathetic study --but objective at the same time. Not so popular as the Davis book (They Shall Not Want) but sound.