Books and reading

President Harry S. Truman (left) accepts a new Revised Standard Version of the Bible from Dean Emeritus of the Yale Divinity School, Dr. Luther A. Weigle (right), in a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House. Dr. Weigle gave the book on behalf of the National Council of Churches as the chairman of the American Standard Bible Committee. Fifteen years of labor by 32 Protestant scholars went into the crafting of the RSV Bible, which was written in contemporary language. Other people are unidentified.

In the Oval Office of the White House, President Harry S. Truman receives the gift of a first edition book, Kentucky on the March, a story of social progress in Kentucky, from Vice President Alben Barkley and the book's author, Harry W. Schacter.

Archivist of the United States Dr. Wayne C. Grover, (left) presents former President Harry S. Truman (center) with a copy of the first published volume of his Public Papers as President. Also present is Missouri Congressman Richard Bolling (right).

Archivist of the United States Dr. Wayne C. Grover, (left) presents former President Harry S. Truman (center) with a copy of the first published volume of his Public Papers as President. Also present is Missouri Congressman Richard Bolling (right).

Archivist of the United States Dr. Wayne C. Grover, (left) presents former President Harry S. Truman (right) with a copy of the first published volume of his Public Papers as President.

Archivist of the United States Dr. Wayne C. Grover, (left) presents former President Harry S. Truman (right) with a copy of the first published volume of his Public Papers as President.

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.