The book is the story of the Navajos during the decade of forced stock reduction on the Navajo Reservation. This decade was marked by confusion, frustration, and bitterness on the part of the Navajo Nation. It is of the 1940's, during which the Navajos faced their greatest crisis since their removal to military confinement from 1864 to 1868, that the author writes a personal footnote to Navajo history. He tells a behind-the-scene story of conditions under the heavy hand of bureaucracy, until public notice of the plight of the Navajos finally led Congress to pass the $88 million Navajo-Hopi Rehabilitation Act. During this period as well, Indian life was being subjected to change. In education, welfare, social services, and economic conditions, there was a sense of urgency which the Navajo situation served to emphasize. It was the author's privilege to be involved in some critical areas of Indian affairs during this time. This book is therefore not only the story of the Navajos at the time of their own crisis, but also a reflection of many other aspects of Indian affairs. The 15 chapters go into the economic development, social change, educational development, and cultural background of the people. Also included are 2 appendixes, one of which has 13 tables covering land management and education. The second gives House Concurrent Resolution 108. (FF)