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This work argues that if America is to move into a socialist government, it should avoid the extremes instituted by the rigid regimes of Communist Russia and East Germany. The author begins his argument by first explaining the fundamental concepts of socialism and capitalism and presenting reasons for the preference of the capitalist form of governance. Discussions of Karl Marx and Marxian socialism, differences between socialism and communism, socialist central planning, and the benefits of the competitive market are included in "Chapter One." The second chapter discusses life under a socialist government with sections about contemporary Venezuela, the German Democratic Republic, and the Soviet Union. Bryson continues his argument with chapters concerning socialism and the consumer, centralized economic planning, bureaucracy in market and socialist economies, and modern Swedish capitalism. Extensive notes are included at the end of each chapter. An appendix further explains the author's position.
Bryson is clearly well versed in the historical concepts of socialism and its application in various countries. His conclusions are founded on years of study and his work as an economics professor at Brigham Young University. His arguments are presented in a conversational manner, making them easy to comprehend. Though heavy on the economic concepts and implementations of socialism, the presentation of the author's ideas is well organized and straightforward. Bryson sees the United States making strides toward a socialist government. His argument for a "soft" socialism gives readers plenty of information about the historical implications of such a government. Though it is clear throughout which side of the economic argument the author falls, anyone wishing to gain a historical perspective on the concept of socialism and its implementation worldwide will find it here.