In their debates over the functions of advertising (such as “tell versus sell” and “inform versus manipulate”), practitioners have employed various conceptualizations of the “nature” of man. Implicitly and explicitly, as Professor Curti reveals, these views also tell us much about the “nature” of American society in the twentieth century.

Railroads were unquestionably a leading sector of economic development in the American South following the Civil War. By appraising the growth strategies followed by southern roads as functions of their profitability, the authors illustrate how the supply of regional transport in the South was patterned by the decisions of competing groups of businessmen.

Because of a scarcity of economically informed and managerially experienced personnel within the government, a large share of American mobilization during World War I was planned and executed by businessmen in temporary federal service. By focusing on the crucial question of military procurement, Professor Koistinen illuminates the war's legacy for government-business relationships.

In the rush to gear-up the American economy during World War I, what role did those business executives who were recruited into government service play? This study of a notable example of the “dollar-a-year man” suggests that a reciprocal learning experience on the part of both business and government was the result.

In the manner of the Creole tradesmen of Louisiana, whose lagniappe to their patrons is legendary, the Editor offers a similar bonus to readers of the Review. Instead of trifling presents added to a purchase, however, our lagniappe will be notes and documents illustrative of the evolution of business enterprise.