The fourth volume of Chamberlain's letters encompasses economic recovery, the lead-up to war, and his installation as prime minister. An introduction sets the scene as the then-chancellor, "driven by a combination of restless energy and overwhelming self-confidence...turned his attention to everything from a plan for fundamental reform of the system of unemployment insurance to subsidy support for sugar beet and the formulation of a new housing policy which attempted to deal systematically with some of his old preoccupations with town planning and the 'reconditioning' of slums." Appendices detail the Chamberlain household and family and primary sources consulted for vols. I-IV. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)