Helene Lieser · 1936
Helene Lieser’s short book review evaluates the handbook as a practical instrument for observing economic fluctuations. She begins with its stated purpose: to supplement statistical reference works organized on other principles. Its distinctive contribution lies in selecting and grouping statistical series according to their significance as indicators of business conditions, both for the economy as a whole and for individual sectors.
Lieser’s favorable verdict remains explicitly provisional:
Die gestellte Aufgabe erscheint, soweit sich dies bei der ersten Durchsicht feststellen läßt, gut gelöst.
English translation: The stated task appears, insofar as can be determined on a first examination, to have been well accomplished.
The review then moves from purpose to usability. Lieser notes that comparability between series has been established wherever this seemed practicable. Her concluding assessment connects the handbook’s value to the organization and accessibility of its evidence:
Die Anordnung ist übersichtlich, das alphabetische Sachverzeichnis, das bei statistischen Publikationen oft fehlt, erscheint sorgfältig angelegt und erleichtert das Aufsuchen der Daten.
English translation: The arrangement is clear; the alphabetical subject index, which is often lacking in statistical publications, appears carefully compiled and makes locating the data easier.
The review’s significance lies in these concrete evaluative criteria: economically informative selection, comparable series, and efficient retrieval make statistical compilation useful for economic observation.
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