Robert R. Wilson

Presidential Papers , 1937–1941

The four volumes of Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt published late in 19411 record expressions of the President during his second administration. They represent a continuation of the five volumes which appeared in 1938 and which covered the Presidents first term and his two terms as Governor of New York. The compiler and arranger of material in each case was counsel to Mr. Roosevelt while he was Governor of New York. Each volume in the new series contains a special introduction and a carefully prepared index, in addition to a Topical Table, which should enable the reader to follow a single subject through the four volumes. A record of Presidential leadership in this form is of definite usefulness to the political scientist. The scientific analyst will naturally not attempt to evaluate that leadership on the basis of this material alone. He will find in it, however, an authentic collection of pronouncements conveniently arranged. They are more useful by reason of the fact that there are, on subjects of special importance, notes from the Presidents point of view summarizing not merely the Chief Executives words and actions but the general developments. Among the most readable material in the volumes is that recording press conferences. It would be unprofitable to try to summarize here the contents of the four volumes. The substantive contents of the Papers and Addresses may be illustrated by reference