The core of this post is a twelve printed page bibliography of sociology prepared by the institutional economist, John R. Commons (1862-1945), during the one year he taught at his alma mater, Oberlin College in 1891-92. I have been able to provide links to close to 100% of the items he has listed. From the Oberlin College catalogue for that year I have transcribed the course offerings and their brief descriptions. A brief chronology of Commons’ education and professional career was put together from his very readable autobiography, Myself (1934) for this post.
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John Rogers Commons
Education and Professional Career
John R. Commons graduated from Oberlin College with an A.B. in 1888; A.M. (honorary) awarded in 1890.
1888-1890. Two trustees of Oberlin College lent Commons a total of $1,000 to finance his first two years of graduate work at Johns Hopkins University.
“Within a year and a half came my usual fate. I failed completely on a history examination. This ruined my hopes of a fellowship to carry me through the third year. So I had only two years of graduate work and never reached the degree of Ph.D., the sign manual of a scholar.” Myself, p. 42.
1890-91. Taught at Wesleyan ($1000 salary). Commons’ contract was not renewed, he was considered a poor teacher.
“Three months before the year was ended President Raymond notified me that I would not be needed the next year, because I was a failure as a teacher. My students were not interested.” Myself, p. 45.
1891-92. Associate Professor of Political Economy at Oberlin. The salary at Oberlin $1,200 “would not pay expenses, to say nothing of debts”. Sociology bibliography from that time transcribed below.
1892-95. Indiana University. Increase in salary of $800 to $2,000 was his reason to leave Oberlin to move to Bloomington, Indiana. There he received a job offer for $2,500 at Syracuse in 1895 and went to the president of Indiana, hoping to negotiate a counter-offer. “Evidently he [the President] was loaded, for he immediately pulled the trigger: ‘Accept the offer at once.’”
1895-99. Syracuse University. Mr. Huyler of “Huyler Candy” fame established a chair in sociology at Syracuse.
“Afterwards, when sociology was separated from political economy in university teaching, charity was transferred to sociology. I never could reconcile myself to this separation. I taught “sociology” at Syracuse University and got out a book in 1895 on machine politics, which was to be cured, I thought, by proportional representation.” Myself, p. 43.
“I taught ethnology, anthropology, criminology, charity organization, taxation, political economy, municipal government, and other things, all under the name of sociology.” Myself, p. 53.
The chair for sociology was abolished after the university was confronted with serious resistance from donors who wanted Commons fired for having taken a public stand both against professional baseball with ticketed admission on Sundays and for the right of workers to play baseball on their day off, i.e. Sunday.
1899-1904. Odd jobbing.
Set up a Bureau of Economic Research in New York. Published the first weekly index of wholesale prices. Commons’ sponsor, George Shipley, did not like the fact that the index number stopped showing a decline in prices and cancelled Commons’ contract with him in September 1900. The index number project was discontinued but within a few weeks a former student, E. Dana Durand, hired Commons to finish a report on immigration for the Industrial Commission.
“It was a comparison of ten to fifteen races of immigrants from Eastern and Southeastern Europe, where they knew only dictatorship, in two great American industries to which they had come for what they thought was liberty. In one of these industries, clothing, they knew, at that time, only the cycle of revolution and dissolution. In the other, coal mining, they were learning fidelity to contracts—their trade agreements—in forming which they themselves had participated through representative government. It was their first lesson in Americanization, the union of Liberty and Order. Afterwards I wrote a series of articles for the Chautauqua Magazine and revised them at Madison for a book on Races and Immigrants in America, which was the title of one of my first courses of lectures at the University.” Myself, pp. 73-74.
Commons participated as immigration and labor expert in the writing of the Final Report of the Industrial Commission, Vol. XIX (1902).
Move back to New York, hired as an assistant to the secretary of the National Civic Federation, Ralph M. Easley. Worked on taxation and labor conciliation.
“It was here that I first learned to distrust the ‘intellectuals’ as leaders in labor movements. I have known scores of them since then and have found other scores in my long study of the history of labor movements. Gompers, the clearest and most outspoken of all trade unionists, denounced them as the ‘fool friends’ of labor. I always look for them and try to clear them out from all negotiations between capital and labor, and from the councils of labor. My friends, the economists, often deplored this antagonism of American labor organizations toward the intellectuals. But they simply did not know the kind of intellectuals that come to leadership in labor movements. The kind is not the studious economist and statistician who cannot make an oratorical public speech, and who takes a broad social point of view which neither capitalists nor laborers understand. Such an intellectual is discarded and overwhelmed by the passions and cheers for a speaker who can hold a great audience. I have tried it and know. Such intellectuals are ‘class conscious’ instead of ‘wage conscious,’ to use the distinction proposed by my friend Selig Perlman. But the studious economist is nearly always ‘social conscious.’” Myself, p. 87.
1904-33. University of Wisconsin.
This period is worth its own post, sometime.
Source: John R. Commons, Myself, New York: Macmillan, 1934.
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Course Offerings at Oberlin 1891-1892
Political Science and Sociology.
- Political Economy.—Ely’s Introduction to Political Economy, and monographs on special topics. Professor Commons.
Spring Term. Mo., Tu., Th., Fr., Sa. 55 hours.
Elective for Sophomores.
This course is mainly historical and descriptive, showing the development of modern industrial conditions and the significance of modern problems. It serves as a necessary introduction to the courses in sociology and economics.
- Sociology.—Lectures and Recitations on assigned readings. Professor Commons.
Through the year. We., Fr. 71 hours.
Elective for Juniors and Seniors who have taken Political Science 1.
This course is introductory to Courses 4 and 5 of the Senior year. In the Fall term primitive society is studied with reference to beliefs, the institutions of the family, clan and tribe, and the origins of property and social classes. In the Winter and Spring terms social classes and institutions are traced through English history from the Saxon invasion to the present time. In the latter part of the Spring term the same line of study is followed in the American field. The aim is to show the evolution of modern social classes, and the development of poor laws and class legislation. Students will be examined upon the outlines of English history. It is expected that those who elect the course will continue it through the year.
- American Institutional History.—Fiske’s Civil Government in the United States. Professor Commons.
Spring Term. We., Fr. 22 hours.
Elective for Juniors who have taken Political Science 2.
The work is a continuation of the political side of Sociology into American History. Students are examined upon the outlines of American History.
- General Sociology.—Lectures, Readings, and Recitations. Professor Commons.
Fall Term. Tu., Th., Sa. 38 hours.
Elective for Seniors who have taken Political Science 1 and 2.
The attempt is here made to formulate the general principles of social organization and evolution. Attention is given to the history of social and political theories, and the works of the principal sociologists are studied and compared.
- Social Problems.—Lectures and Recitations. Professor Commons.
Winter Term. Tu., Th., Sa. 35 hours.
Elective for Seniors who have taken Political Science 1, 2, and 4.
The study of Charities, Pauperism, Intemperance, Penology, Education, Immigration, Race Problems, the Family, and Plans for social reform. Reports are made by students on assigned readings and investigations.
- Finance.—Ely’s Taxation in American States and Cities. Adams’ Public Debts, with lectures. Professor Commons.
Fall and Winter Terms. Tu., Th., Sa. 73 hours.
Elective for Juniors and Seniors who have taken Political Science 1.
Attention is given to the history and practice of taxation, to Public Debts and Public Industries. Students are required to consult public documents and to make reports on assigned topics. Those who elect the course are required to continue it through both terms.
- Corporations and Railways.—Lectures, Readings, and Reports. Professor Commons.
Fall Term. Tu., Th., Sa. 38 hours.
Omitted in 1892-93.
Elective for Juniors and Seniors.
The history of corporation laws is studied, and the laws of the United States are compared with those of other countries. Railways are then studied in the same manner.
- Financial History of the United States.—Lectures, Readings, and Reports. Professor Commons.
Winter Term. Tu., Th., Sa.
Omitted in 1892-93.
Elective for Juniors and Seniors.
Historical investigations are made of the different sources of income of the National Government, of the public debt and paper money.
- Economic Investigations.—Two hours per week through the year, counting as a three hours’ course. Professor Commons.
Elective for Seniors who have shown proficiency in economic studies and are able to read German.
The investigations of students are guided by the instructor. Reports on the progress of work are made, and informal discussions and lectures are conducted by both instructor and students. The College libraries are well supplied with material for original study. In 1892-93, the investigations are concerned with economic theories and the distribution of wealth.
Students electing this course are required to continue it through the year.
- Advanced Political Economy.—Lectures with discussions. Professor Monroe.
Original papers by the class.
Spring Term. Tu., We., Th., Fr., Sa. 54 hours. - English Constitution and Government.—The English and American governmental institutions compared. Lectures. Professor Monroe.
Winter Term. Tu., We., Th., Fr., Sa. 58 hours.
Source: Catalogue of Oberlin College for the year 1891-1892, pp. 79-81.
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A POPULAR BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOCIOLOGY
JOHN R. COMMONS,
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY,
OBERLIN COLLEGE.
OBERLIN, OHIO: THE OBERLIN NEWS PRESSES, 1892.
A POPULAR BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOCIOLOGY.
The aim in compiling this Bibliography has been to furnish the general reader, especially the Christian minister and worker, a list of the best available books on important Sociological problems. Specialists, or those who desire to carry their studies further, can find extensive references in many of the books here mentioned to works in English and other languages. A more complete bibliography is the “Readers’ Guide in Economic, Social, and Political Science,” published by the Society for Political Education, New York.
Useful suggestions have been received from Gen. R. Brinkerhoff, of Mansfield, Ohio; Rev. Samuel W. Dike, LL. D., secretary of the National Divorce Reform League; Prof. Richard T. Ely, of Johns Hopkins University; Mr. W. B. Shaw, of the State Library, Albany, N. Y.; A. G. Warner, Ph. D., Superintendent of Charities of the District of Columbia.
The prices given are the publishers’ retail prices. Re ductions can usually be secured from any bookseller.
This is the first of a series of bulletins which the library of Oberlin College hopes to publish from time to time. It can be obtained free of charge on application to A. S. Root, Librarian of Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.
GENERAL SOCIOLOGY.
Ely, Professor Richard T. Social Aspects of Christianity. N. Y., T. Y. Crowell & Co. 132 pages, price 90 cents.
This is the first book recommended for study by the Christian Social Union. It is a reprint of essays given at different times and places. It gives a forcible statement of the present attitude of the church toward social problems, and suggests principles and plans for social reform. It is well suited to arouse interest in, and show the importance of, Christian Sociology.
Ely, Professor Richard T. An Introduction to Political Economy. N. Y., Chautauqua Press, Hunt & Eaton, 1889. 358 pages, price $1.
A solid basis for studies in Sociology can be obtained only by beginning with that branch of Sociology which has reached most scientific development — Political Economy. This book is historical and descriptive, and furnishes an admirable introduction to Sociology. It contains selected bibliographies.
Ward, Lester F. Dynamic Sociology. N. Y., D. Appleton & Co., 1883. 2 vols., price $5. [Volume I; Volume II]
The ablest systematic treatise in English on Sociology. Superior to Comte or Spencer. The author, however, is biassed by grossly materialistic views of Christianity. He should be read with constant reference to works like those of Fremantle and Westcott, mentioned below.
Fremantle, Canon W. H. The World as the Subject of Redemption. N. Y., 1885. 443 pages, price $3.50. A cheaper edition is announced to appear soon by Longmans, Green & Co., N. Y.
“A magnificent description of the purpose of Christianity.” — Professor Ely. It should be in the hands of every minister of the gospel. The author discusses admirably the fundamental principles involved in the practical application of Christianity to Sociology.
Westcott, Canon B. F. Social Aspects of Christianity. London and N. Y., Macmillan & Co., 1887. 202 pages, price $1.50.
Sermons delivered at Westminster in 1886. Many good points.
Crooker, J. H. Problems in American Society. Boston, G. H. Ellis & Co. 293 pages, price $1.25.
Contains chapters on education, scientific charity, temperance, politics, religion. Good.
Social Science Library of the best authors. Edited by Rev. W. D. P. Bliss. N. Y., Humboldt Publishing Co. There have been issued seven numbers, as follows: (1) Rogers, Six Centuries of Work and Wages; (2) the Socialism of John Stuart Mill; (3) and (4) The Socialism and Unsocialism of Thomas Carlyle [Volume I; Volume II]; (5) William Morris, Poet, Artist, Socialist; (6) The Fabian Essays; (7) The Economics of Herbert Spencer. Price, paper cover, 25 cents each, or $2.50 a year for twelve numbers. Cloth extra, 75 cents each, or $7.50 a year for twelve numbers.
Public Opinion. Washington, D. C., Public Opinion Co. Weekly, price $3 per year.
Contains well-selected extracts from representative periodicals, giving all sides of current social and economic discussions. Sample copies may be obtained free on application.
Economic Review. Published quarterly for the Oxford University Branch of the Christian Social Union. First number, January, 1891. American agents, James Pott & Co., N Y. Subscription $2.50, single copies 75 cents.
The Christian Social Union is an organization inside the Established Church for the study of social questions. The Economic Review has been also adopted as the organ of the American Branch of the Union.
THE STATE.
Bluntschli, J. K. Theory of the Modern State. Translated from the sixth German edition. London and N. Y., Macmillan, 1885. 518 pages, price $ 3. 25.
This book is for the Modern State what Aristotle’s Politics is for the Ancient. It cannot be too highly praised, both for its historical and its philosophical insight. It presents the State as the outcome of social and economic forces, and in this regard its discussion of social classes is especially able and important.
Wilson, Woodrow. The State. Boston, D. C. Heath & Co., 1890. 686 pages, price $ 2.
A condensed description of the origin and growth of political institutions, and comparisons of Ancient and Modern States. Able chapters on law and the functions of government.
Adams, Henry C. The Relation of the State to Industrial Action. Baltimore, American Economic Association, 1888. 85 pages, price $1. (Vol. I, No. 6 of its “Publications.”).
An able presentation of fundamental principles regarding the industrial activities of the State.
Bryce, James. The American Commonwealth. [Volume I; Volume II, 3rd ed., 1897)] N. Y., Macmillan & Co., 1891. 2d edition, price $ 2.
THE FAMILY.
Westermarck, E. The History of Human Marriage. London, Macmillan, 1891. 664 pages, price 145.
“The best single book on the history of the Institution.” — Dr. Dike.
Starcke, C. N. The Primitive Family. Translated. N. Y., D. Appleton & Co., 1889. 315 pages, price $ 1. 75.
A valuable collection of facts and review of theories.
The English Bible for the family in Hebrew life.
Coulanges, Fustel de. The Ancient City. Translated from the French by Willard Small. Boston, Lee & Shepard, 1874. 529 pages.
Best for the family in Greco-Roman life.
Report of the United States Commissioner of Labor on Marriage and Divorce. Washington, 1889. 1074 pages.
The most complete source of information regarding the law and statistics of Marriage and Divorce in the United States and Europe. A second edition is already nearly exhausted.
Reports of the National Divorce Reform League contain useful discussions and references to literature. Published annually, 1886 to date. Rev. Samuel W. Dike, LL. D., corresponding secretary, Auburndale. Mass.
Reference should be made to chapters in other works. To writers on Social Ethics: Lotze, Practical Philosophy, translated and edited by Prof. G. T. Ladd, Ginn & Co. Hegel, edited by Prof. S. P. Morris. Wuttke, Christian Ethics, [Volume 1 History of Ethics; Volume II Pure Ethics] American edition. Writers on Political Science: Mulford, The Nation; Bluntschli, The Theory of the State; Woolsey, Political Science [Volume I; Volume II]. Writers on Law and Social Institutions: Sir Henry Maine’ s works, Gomme, Village Communities, Seebohm, The English Village Community. Law Books: Gray, Husband and Wife; Franklin, Marriage and Divorce.
LABOR.
Besides the following, there are also books mentioned under the heading “Remedies,” which describe the history and present conditions of the working classes.
Ely, Richard T. The Labor Movement in America. N. Y., T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1886. 383 pages, price $1.50.
A historical account of Labor organizations and communistic and socialistic movements in the United States. An Appendix gives platforms of Labor organizations and illustrative extracts from labor literature. The best.
Rogers, J. E. Thorold. Work and Wages. N. Y., Putnam. 591 pages, price $3. London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co. Abridged edition, 206 pages, price 25. 6d. Also abridged edition edited by Rev. W. D. P. Bliss, Humboldt Publishing Co., New York. Price, cloth 75 cents, paper 25 cents.
A history of English labor during the past six centuries, condensed by the author from his original investigations. A standard work.
Toynbee, Arnold. Industrial Revolution in England. London, Rivington, 1884. N. Y., Humboldt Publishing Co., 1890. Paper 60 cents, cloth $1.
Contributes admirably to a clear understanding of the rise and causes of present industrial problems.
Booth, C., ed. Labour and Life of the People. London, Williams & Norgate, 1889-’91. 2 vols. Vol. 1, East London, 10s. 6d; vol. 2, London, 215.
By far the most comprehensive and scientific investigation yet made into the actual conditions of a city’ s working population. No student of social science can dispense with it.
Riis, Jacob A. How the Other Half Lives. N. Y., Scribner, 1889. 304 pages, price $ 2.50.
The best description of New York tenements.
Campbell, Helen. Prisoners of Poverty. Boston, Roberts Bros., 1887. 257 pages, price $1.
A startling revelation of the life of women wage -workers in New York city, “based upon the minutest personal research.”
Campbell, Helen. Prisoners of Poverty Abroad. Boston, Roberts Bros., 1890. 248 pages, price $1.
A useful book.
Willoughby, W. F., and Graffenried, Miss Clare de. Child Labor. American Economic Association, 1890. 149 pages, price 75 cents. (Publications of the Am. Econ. Ass’n, vol. 5, No. 2.)
Two prize essays. The first is historical, and deals with general principles. The second gives the results of personal observations. The best.
Smith, R. M. Emigration and Immigration. N. Y., Scribner, 1890. 316 pages, price $1.40.
The best work on an important subject. Contains extensive bibliography.
Howell, George. The Conflicts of Capital and Labour. London and N. Y., Macmillan. 2d edition, revised, 1890, 536 pages, price $2.50.
The best description of trade-unions. Written by a trade-unionist and labor representative in Parliament. The author is not in sympathy with the “new trades unions” and the socialistic movements.
McNeill, Geo. E., ed. The Labor Movement, the Problem of To-day. Boston, A. M. Bridgman & Co., 1886. 650 pages, price $3.75
A co-operative work. Professor E. J. James contributes three chapters on the history of labor and labor legislation in Europe. The editor gives the history of labor in the United States. Leading representatives of labor organizations describe the growth of their own organizations. There are also chapters on arbitration, co -operation, industrial education, the land question and “army of the unemployed.” An important work.
Lloyd, H. D. Strike of Millionaires against Miners, the story of Spring Valley. N. Y., Belford, Clarke & Co., 1890. 264 pages, price $ 1; paper, 50 cents.
A good instance of evasion of responsibility on the part of stockholders for corporate management.
Burnett, John and others. The Claims of Labour. Edinburgh, Co-operative Printing Co., 1886. 275 pages, price 1s.
Contains an able chapter on “Irregularity of Employment and Fluctuations of Prices,” by H. S. Foxwell, professor of economics, University College, London.
Clark, J. B. The Philosophy of Wealth. Boston, Ginn & Co., 1889. 239 pages, price $1.10.
A thoughtful work. Treats of the functions of the church.
Gunton, G. Wealth and Progress. N. Y., Appleton, 1887. 382 pages, price $1; paper, 50 cents.
A discussion of the law of wages and an argument for eight -hour legislation.
Journal of the Knights of Labor. 841 North Broad street, Philadelphia. Price $1 per year.
The best of the labor press. Indispensable for the student of current labor problems.
Reports of Labor Bureaus, especially Massachusetts and the United States Department of Labor. Valuable reprints from Massachusetts reports can be obtained on payment of postage. Reports of the United States Department of Labor are free. Write to the Commissioner of Labor, Washington, D. C., and to the Chiefs of the Bureaus of Labor Statistics of the States, at the State Capitals.
Reports of Factory Inspectors of Ohio, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Can be obtained on payment of postage by writing to the Factory Inspectors at the Capitals of the States.
PAUPERISM. CHARITIES.
Dugdale, R. L. The Jukes; a story in Crime, Pauperism and Heredity. N. Y., G. P. Putnam, 1888, 4th edition. 121 pages price $1.
A wonderful book. Well worth careful study. Shows by personal investigations of a single pauper tribe, traced back a hundred and fifty years, the relations of heredity and crime.
McCulloch, Rev. Oscar C. The Tribe of Ishmael; a story of Social Degradation. With diagram. Indianapolis, Ind., Charity Organization Society. 8 pages, price 50 cents.
A striking summary of investigations into two hundred and fifty related pauper families, extending through five generations. Based on personal investigations and the records of the Charity Organization Society, of Indianapolis.
Loch, C. S. Charity Organization. London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1890. 106 pages, price 2s. 6d.
The best description of the principles and methods of organized charity.
Lowell, Josephine Shaw. Public Relief and Private Charity. N. Y., G. P. Putnam, 1884. 111 pages; price, paper, 40 cents.
An excellent little manual.
Fields, Mrs. James T. How to Help the Poor. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1883. Price 60 cents; paper, 20 cents net.
Describes the work of the Boston Associated Charities. Practical and Helpful.
Peek, F. Social Wreckage; Laws of England as they Affect the Poor. London, Isbister, 1889. Price 3s. 6d.
A short work, but valuable.
Hill, Florence Davenport. Children of the State. Edited by Fanny Fowke. N. Y., Macmillan & Co., 1889. 2d edition. Price $1.75.
Treats of the important subject of the care of dependent and delinquent children. Gives experience in different countries. Opposes “institutions.”
Reports of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections, Mrs. I. C. Barrows, ed., 141 Franklin street, Boston, Mass. Published annually, 1876 to date. The earlier numbers are out of print. Price $1.50; paper, $1.25 each.
“Its sixteen volumes constitute a library upon these subjects of more practical value than all others combined.’—Gen. Brinkerhoff.
Reports of the Boards of State Charities, especially of Ohio, Illinois and New York, which should be secured from the beginning, and Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. These reports can be obtained by asking for them of the secretaries of the boards, at the State Capitals.
Charities Review, A Journal of Practical Sociology. Published for the Charity Organization Society, of the City of New York. The Critic Co. First number, November, 1891. Price $1 per year.
Contains contributions from the ablest specialists in sociological work and study.
CRIME AND PRISONS.
Baker, T. B. L. War with Crime. London and New York, Longman’s, 1890. 300 pages, price $4.
This book is a posthumous edition made up of papers and pamphlets published during the lifetime of the writer, and does not present a digested system, but it is a mine of gold. No other man in England in this generation is the peer of Baker. — Gen. Brinkerhoff.
Winter, Alexander. The New York State Reformatory at Elmira. London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1891. 172 pages, price $1.
This reformatory has done more than any other institution in the world for the solution of the problem of the proper treatment of criminals. Eighty-three per cent. of its commitments are cured. This book well describes the institution and its methods.
Ellis, Havelock. The Criminal. New York, Scribner & Welford, 1890. 337 pages, price $1.
An able summary of recent investigations in criminal anthropology. The best in English.
Morrison, W. D. Crime and Its Causes. London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1890. Price 2s. 6d.
A work of special value. The author antagonizes some of the current opinions. He has had an experience of fourteen years in connection with H. M. Prison at Wandsworth, England.
Wines, E. C. The State of Prisons and Child-Saving Institutions. Cambridge, Mass., J. Wilson & Son., 1880. 919 pages, price $5.
The most comprehensive and exhaustive work extant. Indispensable for a wide knowledge of the subject.
Du Cane, Sir Edmund F. The Punishment and Prevention of Crime. English Citizen Series. London and New York, Macmillan, 1885. 255 pages, price $1.
The writer for years past has had the charge of the entire prison system of England.
Tallack, W. Penological and Preventive Principles. London, Howard Association, Wertheimer, Lea & Co., 1889. 414 pages, price 8s.
A standard work on prison management, yet lagging behind in some lines of progress and to be accepted with allowance.
Rylands, L. G. Crime, Its Causes and Remedy. London, T. Fisher Unwin, 1889. 264 pages, price 6s.
An interesting work. There is a chapter on the prevention of drunkenness. The writer lays special emphasis on the care of children.
Brace, Charles Loring. The Dangerous Classes of New York and Twenty Years Work Among Them. Third edition. New York, Wynkoop & Hallenbeck, 1880. 468 pages, price $1.25.
Mr. Brace was founder of the New York Childrens’ Aid Society. This book, though written in 1872, is still valuable in many points. It deals especially with juvenile delinquents.
Round, W. M. F. Our Criminals and Christianity. New York, Funk & Wagnalls, 1888. 16 pages; price, paper, 15 cents.
Encyclopedia Britannica. Ninth edition. Also American Supplement.
The articles on “Prison Discipline” and “Reformatories” give the best birds-eye view of the whole subject.
Reports of the National Prison Association. W. M. F. Round, secretary, 35 E. 15th street, New York. Published annually, 1885 to date. Price $1.25 each. [Index to the Reports of the national Prison Association, 1870, 1873, 1874, 1883-1904. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1906.]
Lalor’s Cyclopedia of Political Science.
Contains a valuable article on “Prisons and Prison Discipline,” by F. H. Wines.
INTEMPERANCE.
This subject has received indifferent scientific treatment. The best attempts are here given.
Mitchell, Kate, M. D. The Drink Question. London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1891. Price 25. 6d.
A useful discussion.
Richardson, B, W., M. D. Ten Lectures on Alcohol. N. Y., National Temperance Society, 1883. 190 pages, price $1; paper, 50 cents.
Describes the physiological effects of alcohol.
Kerr, Norman, M. D. Inebriety; Its Etiology, Pathology, Treatment and Jurisprudence. London, H. K. Lewis, 1888. 415 pages, price 12s. 6d.
Clum, Franklin D., M. D. Inebriety; Its causes, Its Results, Its Remedy. Philadelphia, Lippincott Company, 1888. 248 pages, price $1.25.
A careful discussion of the causes of intemperance, and interesting suggestions for its cure.
REMEDIES.
Price, L. L. F. R. Industrial Peace; its advantages, methods and difficulties. N. Y., Macmillan, 1887. 127 pages, price $1.50.
Describes the practical workings of arbitration.
Weeks, Joseph D. Labor Differences and their Settlement. N. Y., Society for Political Education. Price 25 cents.
Favors arbitration.
Gilman, N. P. Profit Sharing Between Employer and Employee. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1889. 460 pages, price $1.75.
The standard work on this subject.
History of Co-operation in the United States. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, vol. 6, 1888. 540 pages, price $3.
A comprehensive work. The best covering the entire field in the United States.
Dexter, Seymour. Co-operative and Loan Associations. N. Y., D. Appleton & Co., 1889. 299 pages price $1.25.
The best treatise on Building and Loan Associations. Explains their advantages and workings, tells how to organize them, and gives the laws of several states.
Schaeffle, A. Quintessence of Socialism. Translated from the German, London, Sonnenschein & Co. 1891. 127 pages, price 25. 6d. N. Y., The Humboldt Publishing Co., paper, 15 cents.
“The clearest account of Socialism that can be obtained in anything like the same compass.” — The translator.
Kirkup, T. Inquiry into Socialism. London and New York, Longmans, 1887. 188 pages, price $1.50.
The best presentation of a reasonable and moderate kind of Socialism.
Bellamy, Edward. Looking Backward, 2000. 1887. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co. Price $1; paper, 50 cents.
Has had greater influence in propagating socialistic views among English-speaking people than any other book.
Hyndman, H. M. Historical Basis of Socialism in England. London, Kegan Paul, 1883. 492 pages, price 8s. 6d.
A summary of the works of Karl Marx and Rodbertus. The best introduction to the theories of Socialism.
Gronlund, Laurence. The Co-operative Commonwealth; an Exposition of Modern Socialism. Boston, Lee & Shepard, 1884. Price $1. Also N. Y., G. W. Lovell & Co., paper, 30 cents; London, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 2s. 6d.
An explanation of Socialism as applied to the United States.
Laveleye, Emil de. The Socialism of To-day. Translated by G. H. Orpen. London, Field & Tuer, 1885. 331 pages, price 6s.
A valuable history of European Socialism, and a lucid statement of Socialistic doctrines.
Marx, Karl. Capital. Translated from the third German edition by Samuel Moore and Edward Aveling. N. Y., Appleton & Co., 1889. Price $3.
The “Bible of Socialism.” Very difficult reading, except in the historical parts. Marx’s arguments are summarized by other writers, especially Hyndman.
Barnett, Rev. and Mrs. Samuel A. Practicable Socialism; essays on social reform. London and New York, Longmans, Green & Co., 1888. 212 pages, price $1.
Reprints of magazine articles which appeared during the years 1879 to 1887. The authors are devoted workers in Whitechapel, London. The book gives a vivid picture of their life and work among the poor.
George, H. Progress and Poverty, an inquiry into the causes of industrial depressions, and of the increase of want with the increase of wealth. N. Y., Henry George & Co., 1888. 250 [sic] pages, price $1; paper, 35 cents.
A remarkable extension of the older economic theory, and a proposition to impose a “single tax” on land -values in order to appropriate for the public the “unearned increment.”
Ely, Professor R. T. Taxation in American States and Cities. N. Y., T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1888. 544 pages, price $1.75
Contains descriptions of the present systems and suggestions for better equalization of taxes.
Ely, R. T. Problems of To-day. N. Y., T. Y. Crowell & Co., 2d edition, 1890. Price $1.50.
Reprint of newspaper and magazine articles on protection and natural monopolies. Contains suggestions for reform.
U. S. Department of State. Consular Report No. 117, June, 1890, contains a valuable description, with illustration, of the municipal artisan’s dwellings of Liverpool. The report of October, 1888, No. 98, contains “Homes of the German Working People.” Washington, D. C., Department of State. Free on application.
Woodward, C. M. The Manual Training School. Boston, D. C. Heath & Co., 1887. Price $2.
The best. Contains exposition of the methods and scope of manual training, and discusses its educational, social and economic bearings.
Abel, Mary Hinman. Practical Sanitary and Economic Cooking, adapted to persons of moderate and small means. Rochester, N. Y., American Public Health Association. 182 pages, price 40 cents; paper, 35 cents.
Contains analyses of foods showing nutritive value, and suggestions for varying the diet at small expense.
Booth, General W. In Darkest England and the Way Out. N. Y., Funk & Wagnalls, 1890. 300 pages, price $1; paper 50 cents.
A notable scheme for rescuing the “submerged tenth” of England by means of city refuges, farm colonies, colonies over the sea, and other agencies, to be administered by the Salvation Army.
Loomis, S. L. Modern Cities and their Religious Problems. Introduction by J. Strong. New York, Baker & Taylor, 1887. 219 pages, price $1.
The results of personal study and experience. A useful book.
Gladden, Rev. W. Applied Christianity; moral aspects of social questions. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co, 1886. 320 pages, price $1.25.
Sensible chapters on the relations of Christianity to the problems of the distribution of wealth.
Gladden, Rev. W., ed. Parish Problems. N. Y., The Century Co., 1887. 479 pages, price $2.
An useful hand-book for Christian workers. Valuable chapters by eminent writers on the relations of pastor and people to the community.
Reports of the Convention of Christian Workers of the United States and Canada. Rev. John C. Collins, secretary, New Haven, Conn., price $1. Published annually since 1886.
Valuable reports and discussions on methods of Christian work.
Reports of the Evangelical Alliance, especially the report of the meeting at Washington in 1887, published under the title “National Perils and Opportunities.” Price $ 1.50, paper $1. Parts of this report have been printed in two separate volumes by The Baker & Taylor Co., N. Y., the first entitled “Problems of American Civilization,” the second, “Co-operation in Christian Work.” Price 60 cents each, paper 30 cents. The Report for the meeting at Boston in 1890, entitled “National Needs and Remedies.” Same publishers and prices.
Leaflets of the Christian Social Union in the United States. Professor Richard T. Ely, secretary, Baltimore, Md. Free on application.
Source: Oberlin College Library Bulletin. January, 1892. Volume I, No. 1. Oberlin, Ohio: The Oberlin News Presses, 1892.
Image Source: John R. Commons in the Oberlin College yearbook Hi-oh-hi, 1892 (page 43).