The book is superbly organized and features a star-studded cast of economists in policy, business and academia (though it is fairly heavily slanted towards academics). All the major topics relating to IMF conditionality are covered; the effectiveness of IMF programs, contrasts between stabilization and structural adjustment (and the Fund vs. the Bank), and the impact of IMF programs on poverty and income distribution. Every few chapters is followed by comments by such noted individuals as Jeff Sachs, Richard Cooper, Bela Balassa, and Rudiger Dornbusch. The book thus covers a range of individual attitudes and opinions. The third major section, which consists of "opinion pieces" and summaries, is particularly valuable in providing interesting insights and policy suggestions to the overall picture.
Given the increasing importance the International Monetary Fund has assumed in the post-Cold War world, books such as this should assume increasing importance. It does tend towards the technical, but given its origins, this should not be seen as much of a liability.