Review of the Book

Man At The Crossroads
by Francis Neilson

Clifford Kendal

[Reprinted from Land and Freedom, January-February 1939]

In the dilemma in which the world finds itself, Man at the Crossroads offers a way out. It is not a new way to the Georgeist but those readers who look for a constant reiteration of the Single Tax idea will be disappointed. Yet, underlying the entire book is the vibrant philosophy of Henry George and the historical data and contrasts illustrate how far the world has disregarded economic law, and the consequent evil results.

Man at the Crossroads is written in the author's usual flowing style. It is easy and interesting reading for the layman and an intellectual treat for the trained economist of any school. For Georgeists it gives a much needed historical perspective, the realization that world as it stands is the cumulative product of the ages and even at the Crossroads we have a long way to go. It will not diminish the zeal of the Georgeist but it should make him more tolerant under existing conditions.

The material and scope of this work is so extensive that it cannot be reviewed in detail. From prehistorical ghost fears and theories through discourses covering inherent rights, and the abuses of powers by States, it treats of the mistakes of organized labor, the difficulties of the politician, the nature of the political machine, and the destiny of spiritual man. In his treatment of the State the author considers the actual not the ideal and outlines its evolution and the effort of society, through the State to obtain its natural rights.

With other thinkers the author feels that the time has come when society (Man at the Crossroads) must choose whether man is to be the servant of the State or the State is to be the servant of man.