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This work is one of the latter. It is no substitute for Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, the truly definitive work on the subject, which belongs in the library of every PTA president, budding politician, or C-SPAN junkie. But once you've done your homework and understand the principles of parliamentary procedure, it is Garfield Jones' book, not Henry Robert's, that you bring with you to every meeting (or wish you had.)
Thin enough (just 90 pages) to get lost under your agenda, the book is uniquely suited to be used, in real time, in the meeting, in the trenches.
It is one of the most cleverly designed tools I've seen, planned from the ground up, or rather from the middle out, to live up to its "at-a-glance" title. Open it to the center staple, and you'll be looking at the index--two short (literally half height) pages. Above them stand two ranks of staggered-length pages that serve as a table of the various motions, and their order of precedence from the normal order of business, main motions, up through amendment, referring to committee, calling the question, tabling, points of order, adjournment--all visible at once.
The cut pages serve as index tabs, so you can instantly flip to the reference page for that motion. (When you do, motions of lower rank, now out of order, are hidden, while those of higher rank remain visible above.)
A glance at the reference page shows a table of rules pertaining to that particular motion: does it require a second, allow for debate, need a simple majority to pass, or a two-thirds vote?
Then, most useful for the member (or presiding officer) still learning the ropes, is a complete sample dialog of the proper form for making the motion, stating the question, putting to a vote, and announcing the result.
Example: "The 'Noes' have it, and the amendment to the amendment is lost. Is there any further discussion on the original amendment?"
The remaining pages in front and back of the book contain lesser-used but highly valuable material on general parliamentary principles, the strategic uses of some motions (not just how to make them, but when and why), and how-to sections on chairing a meeting, taking minutes, holding nominations and elections, and ballot counting. If it's not applicable, useful, and practical, it's not in there. But if you need it, there's a good chance that you'll find it, and quickly enough to do you some good.
There is one minor error and one intentional rule-bending, both in regard to the Motion to Reconsider, but that's one of the most rarified points of procedure. It occurs on the final exam in Parliamentarian School, but not in real life on this or any nearby planet. If you really need to know it in any detail, you'll need to open two things: your full copy of Robert's Rules and the cork of a fortifying beverage.
Three word review: A real find.
It is much easier to understand than other books on Roberts rules of order that I have read and acts as a quick reference when questions of procedure come up during a meeting.
I highly recommend it to any member of a group which holds meetings using parliamentary procedure.
I particularly recommend it to anyone who has to chair such meetings.
Q: How many IBM types does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Fifteen. One to do it, and fourteen to write document number
GC7500439-0001, Multitasking Incandescent Source System Facility,
of which 10% of the pages state only "This page intentionally
left blank", and 20% of the definitions are of the form "A:.....
consists of sequences of non-blank characters separated by blanks".
The sum of the Universe is zero.
