Economists, about half with the World Bank, review the evolution of financial systems in eight countries of eastern Europe and Central Asia since their transition from socialist economies began. To the extent possible, they also project the outlook in the medium and long terms. Primarily their data extends only to the end of 1997, but they say the importance of the study is the patterns and processes rather than the latest data. There is no index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)