This book provides an exceptionally thorough treatment of the Hungarian economy and its experience of economic reform. Within a wider discussion of the appliance and success of Soviet-type economies (STEs), the author investigates the decentralizing measures and market mechanisms which have been progressively introduced and considers the limits on and limitations of the Hungarian economic model. The reforms adopted since 1968, known initially as the New Economic Mechanism, were intended to build a system of market socialism combining micro-economic efficiency, indirect regulation and socialist ethical principles. However, the predicted improvements in the economy still have not fully materialized: living standards have begun to drop, output is sluggish and hard currency trade and payments have been a real difficulty. Indeed, change in the country's leadership is perhaps a recognition of the need for a clearer direction in the field of social and economic reform. This English version of Xavier Richet's French original provides much insight into what has gone wrong in Hungary and also suggests ways future pitfalls might be avoided.

This book provides an exceptionally thorough treatment of the Hungarian economy and its experience of economic reform. Within a wider discussion of the appliance and success of Soviet-type economies (STEs), the author investigates the decentralizing measures and market mechanisms which have been progressively introduced and considers the limits on and limitations of the Hungarian economic model. The reforms adopted since 1968, known initially as the New Economic Mechanism, were intended to build a system of market socialism combining micro-economic efficiency, indirect regulation and socialist ethical principles. However, the predicted improvements in the economy still have not fully materialized: living standards have begun to drop, output is sluggish and hard currency trade and payments have been a real difficulty. Indeed, change in the country's leadership is perhaps a recognition of the need for a clearer direction in the field of social and economic reform. This English version of Xavier Richet's French original provides much insight into what has gone wrong in Hungary and also suggests ways future pitfalls might be avoided.

"The Impostor" is a searching account of the torment that besets Father Cenabre, historian of mysticism and controversial star of the Parisian clergy, when his faith suddenly deserts him. As the priest struggles to cope secretly, he crosses paths with associates on the complex margins of a Church facing modern politics in the early twentieth century. Georges Bernanos's compelling and dark portraits of that shadowy world's inhabitants throw into stark relief the determination of a humble priest, Father Chevance, who alone knows Cenabre's secret and struggles to save him. By turn touching and scathing, The Impostor explores the delicate balance between redemption and damnation and illuminates the fragility of our constructed selves. Georges Bernanos (1888-1948), one of the twentieth century's most powerful and idiosyncratic writers, was also the most original Roman Catholic writer of his time. "The Impostor," the second of his novels published in French, is the last to be translated into English.