Much of the underdeveloped area of the world is in the tropics. Most tropical countries are underdeveloped. The two facts strongly suggest a connection so largely ignored in discussions of the obstacles to development that Mr. Kamarck, with long experience at the World Bank and a fine command of the literature, somewhat reluctantly felt obliged to study it. The result is a stimulating work that points to many needs and possibilities. It appears to be the first book in English on the subject since that by Douglas H. K. Lee, published by the Council on Foreign Relations 20 years ago (Foreign Affairs, April 1957).