Dear FDR: A Study of Political Letter-Writing

Sussmann, Leila A.

Published by The Bedminster Press, 1963

About this Item

DEAR FDR: A STUDY OF POLITICAL LETTER-WRITIng, Leila A. Sussmann, introduction by Robert K. Merton, hardcover, 1963. BOOK CONDITION: very good. The text block is in near fine condition, with no tears, dogears, or marks. No bookplate or signature of a prior owner. Not a library book or remainder. Binding is inexplicably visible between first pastedown and first free endpaper, but there is no split or tearing. The black cloth boards are in very good condition (bumped spine top and bottom, slight scuff marks on front and back covers). 8 ¼ x 5 ½, 194 pages, 15 ounces XX [From review in the American Political Science Review for September 1964]: In his extensive introduction to Dr. Sussmann's book, Robert K. Merton neatly summarizes the volume as follows: This tightly organized and unpretentious book reports varied aspects of a developing pattern of communication between a self-selected part of the American people and men in high political office. It has many stories to tell. The social historian, the sociological theorist and political sociologist, the social psychologist and the intellectual historian will each find much in the book of direct interest, depending upon the perspective from which it is read. The full impact of Dr. Merton's statement became obvious to this reviewer upon reflective contemplation of the total content. Dr. Sussmann has admirably minimized verbiage and produced a truly multifaceted approach to an important topic. Unlike some other studies of letter writing, Dr. Sussmann does not simply present an editorialized version of actual correspondence received by the late President Roosevelt. Direct quotes from letters are utilized for illustrative purposes only and have been well-selected to bolster the author?s conclusions. The major emphasis of this volume is directed to the thesis that FDR purposely and carefully developed the direct mail technique as a political device. While summarizing the historical evolution of letter writing to the chief executive, Dr. Sussmann emphasizes that Franklin D. Roosevelt and his aides Louis Howe and James Farley deliberately set about to encourage and refine direct mail correspondence as a major facet Of FDR's political campaigns. While the author notes that because of illness Roosevelt had a real need for a meaningful substitute for direct personal contact, the trend established during his long years in office has continued unabated to the present time. In short, a technique which was established by FDR even before he became President as a personal modus operandi served to establish, to a considerable degree, a permanent public impression of the accessibility of the President through letter writing. Dr. Sussmann concentrates on the correspondence Of FDR in 1932, his first bid for election, and in 1940 when the third term issue was involved. The comparative analysis of the correspondence in two divergent situations provides several insights into the developing nature of the Roosevelt technique of political letter writing. Evidence clearly exists that attention to personal correspondence proved to be a more valuable gauge of public opinion than polls or newspaper reports.

Seller Inventory # 002992

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dear FDR: A Study of Political Letter-Writing
• Publisher: The Bedminster Press
• Publication Date: 1963
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Weight: 15 ounces
• Seller catalogs:
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • Government
  • Letters