Author Description

Frantzich has produced a number of studies on the everyday workings of Congress. In this book, he turns attention to one of the most important activities in any congressional office--managing the mail. The book is sensibly organized and clearly written. The author begins with a discussion of mail in the context of the constitutional responsibility of Congress. The most important contribution comes in the chapters that treat the types and volume of mail, the resources available to the members for responding to constituents, and the manner in which members handle casework and issue mail and newsletters. The last third of the book contains examples of some of the silly mail members get, along with brief discussions of the political implications and technological developments associated with constituency communications. Frantzich draws on congressional documents, interviews, and available studies as sources. Selected bibliography. Though treating a narrow subject, the book offers useful data and would be a sensible purchase....