On an August morning in 1938, Franklin Roosevelt, the thirty-second president of the United States, received an honourary degree at a special outdoor convocation on the Queen's campus. He pledged that day, in a speech that has gone down in Canadian history, that his nation would defend Canada if the Dominion was ever attacked. This speech was examined in world capitals as the outbreak of war became imminent. His address is widely considered one of the most significant speeches ever given by a United States president on Canadian soil.

In Roosevelt's Bright Shadow highlights Roosevelt's speech and examines his visit to Kingston. The volume delves deeper into the topic by providing all the subsequent addresses to Canada's Parliament made by U.S. presidents after Roosevelt. Many individuals associated with Queen's University feel abundant pride in their connection to President Roosevelt through his visit to the campus 70 years ago, and the visit 10 years later by the late president's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. By assessing Roosevelt's speech in its greater context, this book is a testament to those feelings.

"That Franklin Roosevelt, a man beloved by Canadians in his lifetime, chose our campus to make such a highly significant address is a matter of pride for all members of the Queen's community." Principal Tom Williams, Queen's University