It must be emphasized that this is not a detailed technical account of rice from any one particular aspect, but a general survey of the rice industry throughout the world, with the exception of the USSR. Much of the information on production methods, marketing practices and local problems in different countries results from personal observations made by the author during his tour of the important rice growing areas in 1948 and 1949, while serving as International Rice Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture. The illustrations alone give an immediate impression of the wide range of conditions under which rice is produced; the methods are more varied than those used for any other major crop. It is in fact the first time that a complete survey of rice production has been attempted in a single volume.