"Accounting Theory and Practice, Volume 1 (of 3)" by Roy B. Kester is an academic textbook written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a foundational guide for students pursuing the study of accounting in colleges and business schools. The text aims to convey the principles and techniques of accounting in a systematic manner, designed to foster understanding and application of the concepts involved in financial record-keeping. The opening portion introduces the objectives and methods of instruction employed in the book. It emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of accounting records and their functions within business units. Kester outlines the importance of financial management and how accounting serves as a critical tool in this context. He provides a brief preview of the subjects covered in the book, such as basic relationships in proprietorship, the balance sheet, and the fundamental equations of accounting—all of which lay the groundwork for a more in-depth exploration of accounting theory and practice in subsequent chapters.