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For the best American biography teaching patriotic and unselfish services to the people, illustrated by an eminent example, excluding, as too obvious, the names of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, One thousand dollars ($1,000).

Benjamin Franklin , by Carl Van Doren (Viking )

The Jury

Royal Cortissoz(Chair)

Faculty, Columbia Journalism School

Richard Burton

Faculty, Columbia Journalism School

Henry S. Canby

Faculty, Columbia Journalism School

Winners in Biography

Marquis James

Comprising two volumes: "The Border Captain" and "Portrait of a President."

1939 Prize Winners