Reviewed by Gary John Previts Case Western Reserve University

For those who can overlook poor typeface, inconsistent style and proof-editing—that is for those of us who put substance over form— this monograph represents a treasure. In three compact sections, the authors provide a description of the evolution of Spanish ac-counting and record keeping practice, with illustrative appendices and citations. This is not an analytical work—rather it is a complete and well documented “map” of Spanish accounting—the artifacts, artisans, and influences.

The initial brief section provides a perspective on the roots of Spanish accountability. The appendices of the Datini Accounts of 1399 (Barcelona) suggest the importance which accounting historians, such as deRoover, have accorded to Spanish accounting history.

Part II of the monograph by Dr. Hernandez Esteve is an important compilation of the stages of Spanish accounting history from as early as the 1304-1322 period. The author cites archival sources and establishes a chronological array of books of account. He reviews the legal background of accounting developments and traces the origin of early texts. The influence of the royal house in advancing the use of account records is described throughout this section. A useful bibliography completes Part II—including a citation of the important work of Karl P. Kheil (1898) in the early study of Spanish accounting.

Part Ill is most useful as a contemporary guide to accounting in Spain. This section includes a review of current education in accounting and an outline of the role of Censors (Auditors), as analogous to the French Experts-Comptables.

The origin and role of the Spanish Association of Accountancy and Administration in Business (A.E.C.A.) formed in 1979 and the influence of the Institute of Accounting Planning are considered as background for the description of the General Accounting Plan— and its ten classes of accounts, (Numbers 1 through 9, with Class “O” being reserved for contingencies).
The Commercial Code, including the 1973 revisions, is set forth as it influences record keeping and accounting. The legal section also summarizes company law and concentrated or consolidated firms. The section concludes by describing the community cooperatives as an important factor in the economic activity of Spain. The role which accounting plays in the operation of the cooperative is alluded to briefly in this section.

As an historian, Sections I and II are helpful additions to the slight taxonomy of Spanish accounting history. Section Ill is not historical material—albeit useful to anyone who is interested in the European scene.

This work will be of value to all historians because it represents a compendium that is convenient and authoritative. It is unfortunate that the many typing errors, the irregular spacing, inconsistent typeface, and confusing system of page numbering (pages are numbered by section, not in one entire sequence) detract from the substance.

I judge the book by its contents—not its cover—but the advocates of accounting history will not be well served if good materials are afforded second tier style and format. The authors who contributed to this monograph have made important contributions. Hopefully their efforts will not be too badly injured by the irregular quality of the publication format.