As an informed commentary on recent and contemporary United States-Panamanian relations this book has some merit. Sheldon B. Liss writes with a lively style, and he is not afraid to express his opinion. He presents the essential problem of the Canal with compassion and insight. The work is not well researched, however, and is plagued with errors in detail and form.
A book on the Panama Canal is a difficult and demanding undertaking. Even if confined to “Aspects of United States-Panamanian Relations,” one must become familiar with a number of highly complex issues embracing the political, economic, social, technical, and military spheres. Liss is aware of this, because he touches upon each of these topics, but his treatment of them is generally superficial and too frequently inaccurate. I am of the opinion that had he consulted another scholar in the field, delved more deeply into the sources, worked over his manuscript a few more months, and checked the galley proofs thoroughly, he would have produced a creditable study.