In trod uc ti onThe Research Institute for Cooperatives of the University of Vienna headed by Prof. Wilhelm Weber has published an excellent collection of articles analysing the progress of consumer cooperative movements in nine Western European countries plus Japan (Brazda & Schediwy, 1989). The movements are analysed by tracing their historical development and attempting t o identify the critical decisions that have fostered or retarded their progress. The two volumes provide a rich description of the rise and fall of the various movements. With the exception of a few glaring mistakes', the authors provide a good historical summary that frames the discussion of the present problems. The book is straight forward in identifying the critical issues and does not gloss over current problems. It also * We have been assisted in the preparation of this article by a number of cooperative leaders of Western European Movements who helpfully responded to a questionnaire we had circulated to them.

No abstract