Books and reading

Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza (left) presents a book about the ancient capital city of Ecuador, Quito, to President Harry S. Truman. They are in the Oval Office. From the Department of State Album: "Visit of His Excellency, Galo Plaza, President of Ecuador to the United States of American, June 20 to 29, 1951"

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews standing on the right with hat in hand is seen while on an inspection tour of the Naval Supply Center (later called Fleet and Industrial Supply Center) located in Oakland, California. He is accompanied by an unidentified Navy officer and a woman and appears to be touring a book distribution area of this military supply center.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews standing second from the left is seen while on an inspection tour of the Naval Supply Center (later called Fleet and Industrial Supply Center) located in Oakland, California. He is accompanied by two unidentified Navy officers and a woman and appears to be touring a book distribution area of this military supply center.

Senator Harry S. Truman is standing in front of a bookcase holding a publication called "Automatic Arms." The original newspaper caption for this photo is, "Senator Truman reads a lot, his book fare covering a wide range." The photo is a reprint from the Detroit News Pictorial.

Margaret Truman Daniel (center) reads to Clifton Truman Daniel (left) and William Wallace Daniel (right).

Margaret Truman Daniel (sitting) reads to Clifton Truman Daniel (right, on couch) while her younger son, William Daniel plays with toys on the coffee table. The photograph was scanned from a negative.

Margaret Truman Daniel (sitting, center) reads to Clifton Truman Daniel (left) and William Daniel (right). The photograph was scanned from a negative.

John F. Melby (left) discussing his book, "The Mandate of Heaven" with an unidentified man.

John F. Melby (right) autographing his book, "The Mandate of Heaven" for an unidentified man.

John F. Melby (center) talking to two unidentified men about his book, "The Mandate of Heaven."