Synopses & Reviews
From birth to manhood, presidency and post-presidency, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS brings to life the men who have shaped the highest office in the land and affected the course of the United States from its founding to the present day.
Beginning with George Washington, who had already refused to be made king of this country when he reluctantly accepted the office of president, this fascinating book takes the reader all the way through the 2008 election of Barack Obama. Each comprehensive yet concise portrait is written to bring the man behind the office vividly to life, including the influences of childhood, education and previous careers, style, and his successes and failures as president. Revealing anecdotes, famous (and infamous) quotes, and scholarly interpretations by historians capture each man's philosophy of leadership and his vision for America.
A special section of tables at the end of the book summarizes important facts about the presidents and their terms of office, including information about first ladies, vice presidents, presidential elections, Cabinets and leading officials, political control of Congress, presidential historical sites, and much more.
Synopsis
With scrupulous scholarship and engaging immediacy, The American Presidents illuminates the lives, times, and legacies of the 44 men who have shaped the office and our nation. This perennial best-seller is now completely up-to-date, including a full profile of the first African American commander-in-chief, President Barack Obama. Includes: *Close-up portraits capturing each president's trials and triumphs, ambitions and fears, battles with Congress, bold decisions, and haunting mistakes *At-a-glance tables highlighting key facts about the presidents and their terms, first ladies, vice presidents, presidential elections, cabinets, and political control of Congress *A sweeping tour of presidential historic sites, including the Eisenhower Center in Abilene, Kansas, and the Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth, Vermont *Timelines at the start of each section, which provide a brief overview of each president's major life events *Lively anecdotes revealing the influence of each man's childhood, education, and previous career on his style, successes, and missteps in office *Quotes from the presidents and reflections from their contemporaries and historians REVIEW
Synopsis
The American Presidents covers the history of the presidents of the United States of America from George Washington to Barack Obama and contains information on the influences of our country's leaders including the people in their personal and professional lives.
From birth to manhood, presidency and post-presidency, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS brings to life the men who have shaped the highest office in the land and affected the course of the United States from its founding to the present day.
Beginning with George Washington, who had already refused to be made king of this country when he reluctantly accepted the office of president, this fascinating book takes the reader all the way through the 2008 election of Barack Obama. Each comprehensive yet concise portrait is written to bring the man behind the office vividly to life, including the influences of childhood, education and previous careers, style, and his successes and failures as president. Revealing anecdotes, famous (and infamous) quotes, and scholarly interpretations by historians capture each man's philosophy of leadership and his vision for America.
A special section of tables at the end of the book summarizes important facts about the presidents and their terms of office, including information about first ladies, vice presidents, presidential elections, Cabinets and leading officials, political control of Congress, presidential historical sites, and much more."
About the Author
The late David C. Whitney was an author of American history. His books include Founders of Freedom, The American Legacy, Two Dynamic Decades, and The People of the Revolution: Colonial Spirit of ‘76. His wife, Robin Vaughn Whitney, has revised and updated the 8th and now the 9th edition.