Synopses & Reviews
During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day occurrences of his presidency. Now, nearly two decades after he left office, this remarkable record--the only daily presidential diary in American history--is available for the first time.
Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader. Whether he was in his White House residence study or aboard Air Force One, each night Reagan wrote about the events of his day, which often included his relationships with other world leaders Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, Mohammar al-Qaddafi, and Margaret Thatcher, among others, and the unforgettable moments that defined the era--from his first inauguration to the end of the Cold War, the Iran hostage crisis to John Hinckley Jr.'s assassination attempt.
The Reagan Diaries reveals more than just Reagan's political experiences: many entries are concerned with the president's private thoughts and feelings--his love and devotion for Nancy Reagan and their family, his belief in God and the power of prayer. Seldom before has the American public been given access to the unfiltered experiences and opinions of a president in his own words, from Reagan's description of near-drowning at the home of Hollywood friend Claudette Colbert to his determination to fight Fidel Castro at every turn and keep the Caribbean Sea frombecoming a Red Lake.
To read these diaries--filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor--is to gain a unique understanding of one of the most beloved occupants of the Oval Office in our nation's history.
Synopsis
During his eight years as president, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary where he recorded his personal insights into the extraordinary, historic, and even routine events of his time in office. From his first inauguration to weekends at Camp David to the end of the Cold War, these presidential diaries are the most detailed in American history. They are filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor, while shedding a new light on the character of the 40th president of the United States. To read these diaries is to gain a unique understanding of the Oval Office and one of the greatest presidents in our nation's history. This #1 New York Times best-seller is expertly edited by Douglas Brinkley.
Ronald Reagan was born in 1911 in Illinois. After a career as a television and film star, he was twice elected the governor of California before becoming the 40th president of the United States. He died on June 5, 2004.
Editor Douglas Brinkley is professor of history and Baker Institute Fellow at Rice University. He is the author of numerous best-selling books including The Unfinished Presidency, The Boys of Pointe du Hoc, and The Great Deluge. A contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the in-house historian for CBS News, he divides his time between Austin and Houston, Texas.
"Historians will treasure Doug Brinkley's superbly edited version of President Reagan's diaries for generations to come. In one remarkable entry after another, the president's compelling voice, strength of character and sunny personality comes vividly to life." -- Doris Kearns Goodwin
Synopsis
#1 New York Times Bestseller
"Reading these diaries, Americans will find it easier to understand how Reagan did what he did for so long . . . They paint a portrait of a president who was engaged by his job and had a healthy perspective on power."
--Jon Meacham, Newsweek
During his two terms as the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine occurrences of his presidency. To read these diaries--now compiled into one volume by noted historian Douglas Brinkley and filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor--is to gain a unique understanding of one of our nation's most fascinating leaders.
Synopsis
During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day occurrences of his presidency. Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader.
About the Author
Douglas Brinkley is professor of history and Baker Institute Fellow at Rice University. He is the author of numerous bestselling books including The Unfinished Presidency, The Boys of Pointe du Hoc, and The Great Deluge. A contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the in-house historian for CBS News, he divides his time between Austin and Houston, Texas.