This scholarly book considers the modern history of Ethiopia -- from an admired independent empire to unraveling bureaucratic state. Its final chapters examine the social policies and ambitions of the new state. This is an in-depth, marvelously written study of the causes and consequences of the revolution, placed in its historical context. While this book is free from political grandstanding, it is an academic book -- with plenty of theoretical arguments.  (ETP07, $12.95)