In Pauline Periwinkle and Progressive Reform in Dallas, Jacquelyn Masur McElhaney weaves together the development of women journalists as reform advocates, a chronicle of Periwinkle's life describing her talents for raising public consciousness about various problems and promoting solutions, and excerpts from her columns. She creates an informative and moving story of a resilient woman who expressed her opinions to a generation of Texas women just beginning to find a political voice.

As the first woman's editor for the Dallas Morning News, Periwinkle was a catalyst for numerous reforms. Viewing women's clubs as an ideal vehicle for familiarizing women with community needs, she was a driving force behind the establishment of the Women's Congress, the Dallas Federation of Women's Clubs, the Equal Suffrage Club of Dallas, the Dallas Women's Forum, and the Texas Women's Press Association.

Those interested in Texas history, women's history, and the history of journalism will find Periwinkle's writings and the author's analysis valuable for understanding how women journalists furthered Progressive Era reform.