“The World We Live In" series appeared in LIFE at intervals of approximately two months from December 8, 1952 to December 20, 1954. It consisted of 13 parts. Each one of these parts was researched by one assistant editor or reporter, who devoted an average of eight months to the exacting job of gathering, evaluating, and organizing data for the writer, supplying the art director and artists with material for paintings and working with photographers in the field. “The World We Live In” book is basically a compilation of the thirteen parts of the series.