Synopses & Reviews
Few American politicians have enjoyed greater popularity than Ronald Reagan. Humor, charm, good looks, an intuitive feel for national concerns, and an extraordinary ability to speak persuasively to millions of people were major assets. But his fundamental appeal went deeper: a blend of Catholic and Protestant, small-town boy and famous entertainer, Horatio Alger and P. T. Barnum, traditional moralist and media celebrity, Reagan spoke for old values in current accents.
Robert Dallek presents a sharply drawn, richly detailed portrait of the man and his politics--from his childhood years through the California governorship to the first years of the presidency. It is an essential guide for all observers of the presidential election of 2000, and a starting point for anyone wanting to discover what the Reagan experience really meant.
Review
We are in desperate need of a better 'fix' on Reagan ... and this is the kind of reasoned, factual, non-polemical book that will attract attention. James MacGregor Burns
Synopsis
Robert Dallek presents a sharply drawn, richly detailed portrait of Ronald Reagan and his politics--from his childhood years through the California governorship to the first years of the presidency. It is an essential guide for all observers of the presidential election of 2000, and a starting point for anyone wanting to discover what the Reagan experience really meant.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 197-210) and index.
About the Author
Robert Dallek is Professor of History at Boston University. He is the author of several books, including a two-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson.
Table of Contents
I. The Making of a President 1. Origins
2. The Ideologue as Politician
II. The Domestic Leader
3. Symbolic Victories
4. Real Defeats
III. The World Leader
5. Cold War Certainties
6. Cold War Confusions
Notes
Index