One Of The Best Presidential Histories I have Read
584015
The 1950s are often remembered as a quiet period of stagnation presided over by a kindly grandfather type president.  A study of the Eisenhower Administration proves that it was anything but that.  It included the end of the Korean War, the invasion of Lebanon and the Suez Crisis.  It was a period of covert action that effected pro-American regime change in Iran and Guatemala but also saw the U-2 crash and the rise of Castro.  The Army was challenged by Sen. Joseph McCarthy who was, in turn, defeated by Ike.  It was a decade of accomplishment that saw the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the start of the interstate highway system and the admission of two new states.  Eisenhower participated in summits with Khrushchev in the United States and the aborted one in Geneva.

President Eisenhower is presented as a general, family man, politician and world statesman.  He had his successes in his own electoral victories but failed to rebuild the Republican Party.  He was disappointed in some of his personnel selections, such as Chief Justice Earl Warren, Vice-President Nixon about whom he harbored reservations and aid Sherman Adams who fell from power over a vicuna coat.  He battled back from a series of health problems including a heart attack, ileitis and a stroke that would likely not be tolerated in a president today.

"Eisenhower: The White House Years" is a well organized narrative of a crucial part of our post-war history.  It guides the reader through the challenges and the steps Eisenhower took to meet them.  It reminds us of the extraordinary men who played important roles in bringing Ike to the White House and worked with him in it, men like Herbert Brownell and John Foster Dulles.  The Epilogue tells of Ike's retirement and an assessment of his legacy.  As readers of my reviews know, I have read many presidential histories and this is one of the best.  I have rarely such a well ordered explanation of a president's service.
4270020
One of my favorite subjects has long been the presidents of the United States. I enjoy reading books on them and picked up many facts along the way. In high school, I participated in President's Bowl (a presidential trivia challenge) and won. My friends knew me as the guy who was hopelessly obsessed with presidential trivia. While visiting Florida I found this book and picked it up.

Turns out my knowledge of presidential facts wasn't as good as I had thought. This volume is full of information that surprised me and everyone around me. I learned a ton from this book and was able to stump those who knew more about American history than I did including some history teachers! I read this whenever I have the chance not only to keep sharp on my knowledge, but also to pick up more information.

This is a must-have for anyone who likes the presidents or American history in general. You won't be disappointed and you'll definitely learn a lot about the past rulers of the country!
1017188
This is a well-researched book which gives you a real feel for Coolidge and for the times in which he lived in.  At some points in the book I found the author's writing style to be a bit tedious, but perhaps that is the price you pay for such an informative biography of a president who is not particularly well known today.  I am very glad I read it.
3715110
I saw this book at a friend's house.  Being a history buff, I was drawn to the title.  My friend recommended I get a copy and read it, which I did and I'm glad for having done so.

The book was well written and an easy read.  There is a short chapter on each President beginning with Teddy Roosevelt and ending with Bill Clinton.  So it's easy to read a few chapters at a time and then pick up where you've left off a few days later.

I found it fascinating to learn more about these men and their life's.  Some things are commonly known but I learned many other things about these men that I would otherwise never have known.

I think the author did an excellent job combining interesting facts about each man while also providing insight into some issues of concern regarding both the Office Holder and the Office itself.

I highly recommend the book.  Anyone interested in politics, history, and/or biographys' of great people will find the book of interest, young and old alike.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Profiles-of-American-Presidents-in-the-Twentieth-Century-Merits-and-Maladies-From-Theodore-Roosevelt-Jr-to-William-Jefferson-Clinton-Contributions-Mental-and-Physical-Illnesses/dp/1461009014/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Profiles of American Presidents in the Twentieth Century: Merits and Maladies: From Theodore Roosevelt Jr. to William Jefferson Clinton: Contributions, Mental and Physical Illnesses</a>BB
1933539
I really enjoyed this book.  I learned so much that I did not know or even think about the White House.  When it is told through the words of the staff that has been through all the years with each President and their families it is so much more interesting.  Some of the things we know already but to see it in a different light makes for a fun and sometimes sad read, but all the time you will think...this really happened.  Enjoyed it.
1080352
This is one of the best books around about a past American president. Mr. Ackerman writes extremely well, and brings to life the subject of James A. Garfield's short presidency. The book leaves one sorry that Garfield could not have lived to see out his full term. It is obviously very well researched by an author who has done extensive research into the tragic events which led to the second of four assassinations of U.S. presidents. The feud between two factions of the Republican Party at the time of the Garfield presidency was one that included this great human tragedy. Anyone who has a love for American history should pick up this book. It's a must-read!
3015381
'Almost President' has been one the best history books I've purchased on Amazon yet, and I own tons of them. Every subject was someone on a colossal scale I'd wanted to know more about but only found dry interpretations of, up until now. I believe this is a book that one would have to know a bit about American history to fully appreciate, although not totally necessary. People like myself who grew up during the 60's and 70's who'd hear or see some of these subjects mentioned on TV can appreciate the chapters on Stevenson, Goldwater, and McGovern---esp. if their knowledge was a little lacking on the specifics of those events as mine was. Great writing, great presentation, I couldn't find a fault throughout the whole book. I hope Mr. Farris' book on Kennedy and Reagan is just as good or better than 'Almost' because it'll be my next purchase for sure.
2726358
I am surprised at how little I really knew about President Jefferson before reading this book.  It is clear that Mr. Meacham did an extraordinary amount of research for this book.  The book seemed to flow fairly well with the occasional tedious/boring parts.  I think that is a given though when reading biographies and about history.  I think that Mr. Meacham writes very well overall.  I would recommend this book to anyone interested in American history, politics, and biographies.  President Jefferson "came to life" for me and that is all I can ask for when reading a biography.  Overall, a great book about a great president.  It is a must-read.
2792169
Nigel Hamilton's "American Caesars" is much more than a Presidential refresher. He adds well-reasoned perspective and context to the ups and downs - professional and personal - of past U.S. Presidents from FDR to W. Thus it's both a fast-paced but thorough look back at the major events of the past 80 years or so, and a refreshing take on them from a wise and progressive thinker. Nigel frames his work along the lines of Suetonius's first twelve Caesars of Rome but don't let that deter you. Who doesn't need to learn a few lessons in life from the original power guys?

Nigel nails the U.S. Caesars, one by one, from the wily FDR to the hapless W. I particularly enjoyed his portraits of LBJ, Ford, Reagan and Carter. As a former Carter man in Washington, I was dreading another bashing of Jimmy Who? But the author's retrospective of the 39th President, world peacemaker and Nobel Peace lauraete is incisive and fair. He devastates Bush/Cheney/Rove/Rumsfeld - justifiably so - and in so doing gives the lie to the contention that one cannot hope to write instant history of any lasting quality. Buy and read this book if you enjoy Presidents, history and great story-telling from a master biographer.
2994374
This book exceeded my expectations.  McClellan comes across as extremely credible.  He was a trusted employee of Bush and a loyal supporter with great optimism for what Bush stood for and was able to accomplish as Texas governor.  It was fascinating for me to see how that optimism and affection slowly transformed into disenchantment and dismay, and he was only fully able to realize this once he left his job as press secretary and had a chance to fully reflect on the amazing events that transpired around him during the seven years he spent with Bush from the end of Bush's term as governor and six years in the white house.

McClellan's attention to detail is most impressive, so impressive that I would be amazed if he didn't keep a detailed journal or diary during his tenure with the administration. He employs a careful and thoughtful analysis of the decisions and actions of the key players, especially the President.  He presents a fair account of administration's accomplishments, but more importantly, he is appropriately critical of the missteps and failings of one of the most consequential administrations and Presidents in the history of our country.

His writing style is sharp and entertaining.  Our leaders would benefit greatly by heeding some of McClellan's well thought-out ideas on improving the system of governance through greater unity and less partisanship,  greater transparency, and acting with higher standards of ethics -- all things that this administration is sorely lacking, as this book details.  Many lessons will surely be learned as more key players come forward, but this book may be one of the best close-up accounts we ever get of the Bush administration.
4388749
Upstairs at the White House was written so well.  The personalities of each "first family" were revealed by a man who knew  each family member well and had been, surprisingly, taken into their confidences.  We've all heard the background stories which have been given to the media; but these stories came from the intimate knowledge of someone who served these families and arranged all the details of their lives for at least four years. I had no idea that Mr. West's job was so comprehensive. Congratulations to him for being able to maintain his own family life while putting in untold stress-filled hours making the White House and it's functions memorable  I only wish that he could have gone on to serve a few more Presidents so that their lives could have been shared with the readers.  If you like History or lived through these years, as I did, then you will really enjoy this book.  It engages you from the first word to the last.
1264538
The late Elbert Smith had an interesting career to say the least. Besides his work as a professor and writer, he made two U.S. Senate bids in Iowa back in the 1960s in which he came up short. Whatever his merits and deficiencies on the campaign trail, Smith was a fine historian and writer and is in excellent form with his look at the administrations of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore. This book--part of the excellent American Presidency series from Kansas--is the best place to start on both of those neglected presidents. Smith is able to offer an excellent narrative of both presidents and their administrations. Long forgotten politicians and events are chronicled in this engaging book. Smith is at his finest when he brings out the human sides of these lost men and Fillmore in particular stands out. The book also offers something of a reevaluation of two presidents who are, too often, simply dismissed. Highly recommended.
3217570
J.B. West was the chief usher in the White House for 30 years which means that he did a little of everything to keep the first families' lives running smoothly and, believe me, he had one demanding job.

I love personal stories. Many times when I write a review I'll say that I was hungry for more personal stories. Well, there were many interesting tidbits about the first families, mainly the first ladies, beginning with Eleanor Roosevelt and closing with Pat Nixon. Mr. West told enough stories to pique one's interest without being overly revealing. Sure, I would have liked more personal stories and probably a little bit less about the White House itself, but I admire the author for his discretion.

I seem to recall reading parts of this book many years ago, but I didn't stick with it. This time I read every word. Much of the time I wasn't fascinated but I was interested. And then there were moments when I laughed and when I cried--always the sign of a good book for me--when my emotions are touched. I was 16 when Kennedy died. So I have memories of that time. But there is nothing like reading how Jacqueline Kennedy handled those final days in the White House. A first lady and then some. I cried and my tears were unexpected because obviously I knew the story.

All the ladies were interesting in their own way. Mr. West gives us a rather delightful picture of each one. I think I'll always picture Mamie Eisenhower propped in bed doing her morning correspondence and reading. Very pleasant reading!
2811647
Brands covers Grant from beginning to end, detailing his achievements and his critics' sharp voices at every stage of his life in this biography.  It is long, but easy to read.

Some may appreciate the long chapters on his military leadership, I needed help from other resources to be able to understand the geography of the drama of the civil war.

The chapters on the reconstruction years told a clear and important story on the roles of Federal authority and political imperatives to assure the reestablishment of the Union, a story which I had never properly appreciated.  For that section alone, I would have awarded this book five stars.

In addition to the formidable job of a better overview of the progress and logic of the civil war battles, the book could have been strengthened by more depth on the monetary decisions made by Grant as President, especially as these appear to have contributed to a major ten year depression. Finally, Brands addresses the scandals of his Presidency, many the responsibility of men selected directly by Grant.  Brands makes clear the personal integrity of Grant. However, the author could have done more to inform the reader as to whether Grant's administration was weighed down more than others by the number and seriousness of these scandals and, if so, why.

Grant himself emerges as one of the most admirable of American leaders in this well researched history.  A deeply satisfying read.
536440
"Failures of the Presidents" is an extremely informative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated book, almost handsome enough to be displayed as a coffee-table book. The work discusses and analyzes twenty incidences of failure by eighteen U.S. presidents, ranging from George Washington to George W. Bush. It is tempting to argue with the main author about the inclusion of some of the failures or the exclusion of others but, after all, he was not writing an encyclopedia of presidential failures; one has to be selective, some boundary has to be imposed.

However, as I first perused the table of contents, I noticed that President Bill Clinton's name did not appear and that raised a question with me since I consider his administration, despite some obvious political and economic successes, to be a fundamentally flawed one, a failure regarding moral turpitude and perjury because of the Monica Lewinsky matter and other incidences of moral laxity which dogged his presidency. Well, to his credit, Craughwell explains in his Introduction why Clinton is not included and I am satisfied with his decision and the reasons for it. Had I written the book, however, Clinton would have been in it!

This is a book which I think should be in the personal library of every serious reader of history and politics. The book is, however, obviously meant to be read by anyone and I applaud that since Americans definitely need to know more about their past presidents and the failures they engendered. We need to always recall to mind the philosopher Santayana's warning that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to fulfill it.

A few of the presidential failures particularly resonated with me since I have studied them in some depth. For example, the so-called "Whiskey Rebellion" in the 1790s during Washington's administration has been of special interest to me but most texts in American history don't spend much time on the subject. This book does an excellent job of explaining the whys and wherefores and places the incident in context. By the way, when I taught American history many years ago, I always sympathized with the whiskey rebels and was and still am highly critical of Washington and particularly of Alexander Hamilton (Washington's secretary of the treasury). Similarly, I always sided with the strikers during the great Pullman Strike in 1894 and consider this incident and the way he handled it to be President Grover Cleveland's greatest failure. Certainly the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during President Franklin Roosevelt's administration has to be included in any work of this kind and it is. There are a few others I could mention but these few examples should suffice.

Now, I need to mention one unfortunate thing I discovered during my reading of this book. There is a very serious factual error which, for the sake of the general public who are not widely read in matters historical or regular readers of world history, needs to be corrected in any future printing. On page 163 the following statement appears: "On December 7, 1941, in what President Franklin D. Roosevelt described as 'a day which will live in infamy' in his address to Congress the following day, an attack force of Japanese emperor Tojo's warplanes blitzed the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii." The fact is that Hirohito (1926-1989) was the emperor of Japan at the time; Hideki Tojo was the Japanese minister of war and premier during World War II and hanged as a war criminal in 1948 -- Tojo was not the emperor.

For those readers who want to learn more about each of the subjects covered in "Failures of the Presidents," there is a very helpful list of suggested readings at the end of the book, as well as a comprehensive index of topics. I might also mention that the dozens of beautiful and informative illustrations included are a genuine plus (I wish more popular history books included such), as are the extra-wide margins and free space. The overall design of the book is among the best I've seen. I highly recommended this fine work to all readers.
977928
Brilliant well-researched and credible history of the Clinton's, Bushes, and the untoward behavior of prominent political figures.  There are over 900 footnotes in the book, and some of them take you to websites where you can read the testimony of the corroborating witnesses to the various chapters and episodes.  I could not stop reading it even though it was hard to read.  It made me laugh and cry and roll my eyes and wonder how people can get away with this, or how they could do it and call themselves public servants.
4435058
First, the title of this story can be misleading. In highschool, college, at Oxford and Yale, Clinton was never "first in class," based solely on grades. But, who cares? Clinton is one of the best presidents in United States history and Maraniss gives an inside look into the life of this great man despite not interviewing anyone in the Clinton family. He uses research based solely on interviews from those people closest to the man himself. When you reach for this book don't think it will give you an inside look at the presidency. It rolls along in chronological order from birth to announcement of candidacy for the 1992 presidential election so never gets to the presidency. It does however provide some interesting insights into the Clinton marriage, and the Clinton psyche. His temper, although rare is described well in this biography. Overall, it is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about a former president. Everything from his Oxford years and apparent affairs with other women not named Monica Lewinsky or Paula Jones. Perhaps the greatest thing about this book is how Maraniss remains neutral. Regardless of his like or dislike of Clinton, he never shows it.