Product Description
This is the first volume in a new series for the Miller Center and includes chapters from several well-known authors and professors, including Hans J. Morgenthau, Kevin Phillips, Norman Graebner, Michael Riccards, Merrill Peterson, Ralph Ketcham, Alf Mapp, Mortimer Sellers, and Garrett Sheldon. Co-published with the Miller Center for Public Affairs. ... Read more

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This study seeks to resolve differences among various types of political leaders and to link broad historical patterns with the idiosyncratic circumstances of individual lives and careers--to integrate the micro and macro levels of understanding in the field of leadership studies. To accomplish this task, a vast array of previous scholarship and primary documents has been assembled. Comparison with parallel data developed for other types of leaders permits U.S. presidents to be analyzed in comparative perspective for the first time. Against this background, the study creates a unique collection of medical and psychological profiles for the entire set of presidents--a body of data that allows us to discover new patterns in presidential traits. ... Read more

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How much does the average American actually know about the men who have served as president of our country, especially when it comes to their lives before the presidency? For example: One of the biggest influences in George Washington’s life was his older half-brother, Lawrence. Lyndon Baines Johnson was nameless until he was almost three months old. During his college days, Franklin Pierce formed lasting friendships with Nathaniel Hawthorne (who later wrote his campaign biography) and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Calvin Coolidge was sworn into the presidency by his own father. These and other fascinating facts regarding the American presidents can be found in this book. From George Washington to George W. Bush, this book, ideal for students, compactly recounts the formative years of each president. Following each from childhood to young adulthood, it examines the events and influences that led each to the presidency and influenced his actions while in office. A concise summary of each presidential term is also included, along with notes regarding the post-presidency activities of each man. Finally, individual bibliographies offer sources for more information on each president. ... Read more

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This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

OK book.
This Book is the only APL(American President Lines LTD) Book Out there, it only covers up until 1984 as the name implies(around the time it was published) The book is pretty good and offers the read background on this once mighty American Company(Now sadly part of A Singapore Owned Co.-Human Rights Violator) and like Sea-Land A Giant that once was bigger than the foreign guys.From the time of The American Mail lines, to the governments ownership stake at one point in history to the Ships named each one "President". Good Book.

Book is a History on APL up until 1984(When Book Was Published) only APL book.
This Book is the only APL(American President Lines LTD) Book Out there, it only covers up until 1984 as the name implies(around the time it was published) The book is pretty good and offers the read background on this once mighty American Company(Now sadly part of A Singapore Owned Co.-Human Rights Violator) and like Sea-Land A Giant that once was bigger than the foreign guys.From the time of The American Mail lines, to the governments ownership stake at one point in history to the Ships named each one "President". Good Book. ... Read more

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Shortly after the end of the Second World War, President Harry S Truman declared his support for the creation and maintenance of the modern state of Israel, basing that support on religious and theological grounds. This is the first book to explore the connection between the religious backgrounds and beliefs of U.S. presidents in relation to their policies toward Israel. From Truman to Ford, U.S. presidents relied, in part, on their religious and moral commitments to support their policies and views toward Israel. Beginning with Carter, however, presidents have abandoned the role of champions of Israel to become champion of the Peace Process, stressing peace and a secular approach that rises above the religious and theological fray. And yet, even in the context of this attempted fair-mindedness, U.S. presidents reveal their personal religious and moral beliefs in their responses to the issue of Israel. Today, George W. Bush, one of the most vocally religious presidents, seems poised to take up the tradition once again of relying on his religious convictions to justify his positions toward the Arab-Israeli conflict. Here, Merkley argues that while faith alone does not determine action, or that it even has a controlling influence, religious belief does play a role in the policies that U.S. presidents, and the nation, adopt toward Israel.

When Truman declared, I am Cyrus, he was emphatically grounding his support of the modern state of Israel in his belief in the Bible. Referring to the Persian king who allowed the Jews to return to Israel, and to build the Second Temple, Truman revealed his religious commitments and supported his policies on biblical grounds. Bringing to the fore neglected evidence of the role of religious belief in policies toward Israel, Merkley explores an overlooked aspect of presidential decision-making, suggesting that religion, while not the only factor, is at least among the influences that determine a president's view of the Arab-Israeli conflict. From Truman to Ford, policies often reflected the Evangelical traditions that dictated unyielding support of Israel, but with Carter's commitment to the peace process above all else, the trend turned toward moral absolutes and more general religious beliefs that could sustain arguments for a negotiated peace. George W. Bush, thus far, however, has clearly demonstrated his personal religious beliefs and may, in the end, reclaim the mantle of Cyrus.

Product Description
Each volume in this series is organized around an individual presidency and gathers a host of biographical, analytical, and primary source historical material that analyzes the presidency and brings the president, his administration, and his times to life. The series focuses on key moments in U.S. political history as seen through the eyes of the most influential presidents to take the oath of office. Unique head notes provide the context to data, tables and excerpted primary source documents. ... Read more

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This compilation of notable quotations is a treasure of perceptive wisdom, beautiful thoughts, and sharp wit gleaned from the words of American presidents of the past. ... Read more

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What makes a president great?
Here is the ideal source for students, scholars, and the general public as we approach the 2000 presidential election.The American Presidents is a collection of articles that analyze and evaluate the presidential careers of the men who have occupied the office since its inception in 1789.In this volume, the leading presidential historians in the United States offer insights into what makes a president great, mediocre, or--in the case of most of them--something in between.

The contributors to The American Presidents were not asked to write straightforward biographies of the presidents; other sources are available for that.Rather, they were asked to evaluate their subjects.No strict patterns were imposed by the editor; each author approached his or her subject in the way thatbest illustrated the strengths and weaknesses of the president under consideration.

Forty-one have held the office of president and all, in one way or another, were exceptional men.Some, like Andrew Jackson and Harry Truman, are usually thought of as representing the "common folk," but nothing was common about either of them.Each proved to be an extraordinary and singular politician able to rally and represent the country through the challenges of their times.
Some presidents had achieved brilliance in other fields (Ulysses Grant in the military and Herbert Hoover as an engineer and humanitarian, for example) but had presidencies that are considered unsuccessful. What accounts for this seeming paradox, in which insight, sensitivity, and competence suddenly become "nontransferable" when the man reaches the White House? This book offers the reader multiple perspectives on this and other issues.

Examination of the ways in which challenges affect presidential greatness
Theodore Roosevelt, a successful president by any standard, was acutely aware that the prosperity and peace the country enjoyed during his two terms in office would, ironically, prevent him from reaching the upper tier of greatness enjoyed by Washington and Lincoln. Afte he left office, he yearned to return in hope of finding the challenge that would seal his greatness. Earlier, in the late nineteenth century, the electorate placed competent men such as Rutherford B. Hayes, Grover Cleveland, and Benjamin Harrison in the White House, but they are little remembered today. None faced earth-shaking challanges at home and abroad, and their presidencies slipped into obscurity.

Discussion of personal characteristics and presidential performance
For more than two centuries the presidency has proved a remarkably durable institution. Presidential personalities have varied widely from the patrician aloofness of Washington to the moody introspection of Lincoln to the noisy exuberance of Theodore Roosevelt. The articles inThe American Presidents consider the ways in which personality has affected performance.
Special features
*41 signed essays by the leading experts, illustrated with portraits of the presidents
*Selected bibliographies
*At-a-glance summaries of each president's achievements
*Useful charts and tables on cabinet members, first ladies, and vice presidents from Washington to Clinton
*Addresses and Web sites for major presidential libraries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An essential, core, benchmark reference title
The American Presidents presents a comprehensive collection of highly informative articles analyzing and evaluating the presidential careers of the men who have occupied the office since its inception in 1789 down to the present day. The contributors consider the nature of presidential greatness, examine the ways in which challenges affected presidential greatness, and discuss personal characteristics and presidential performance. Very ably edited by Melvin I. Urofsky, The American Presidents is an essential, core, benchmark reference title for students of American political history, the American presidency, and political science studies. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1853.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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The underappreciated presidency of the military man who won the Civil War and then had to win the peace as well

As a general, Ulysses S. Grant is routinely described in glowing terms-the man who turned the tide of the Civil War, who accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and who had the stomach to see the war through to final victory. But his presidency is another matter-the most common word used to characterize it is "scandal." Grant is routinely portrayed as a man out of his depth, whose trusting nature and hands-off management style opened the federal coffers to unprecedented plunder. But that caricature does not do justice to the realities of Grant's term in office, as Josiah Bunting III shows in this provocative assessment of our eighteenth president.

Grant came to Washington in 1869 to lead a capital and a country still bitterly divided by four years of civil war. His predecessor, Andrew Johnson, had been impeached and nearly driven from office, and the radical Republicans in Congress were intent on imposing harsh conditions on the Southern states before allowing them back into the Union. Grant made it his priority to forge the states into a single nation, and Bunting shows that despite the troubles that characterized Grant's terms in office, he was able to accomplish this most important task-very often through the skillful use of his own popularity with the American people. Grant was indeed a military man of the highest order, and he was a better president than he is often given credit for.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Nice companion to Grant's Memoirs
Descriptive, with fascinating observations about Grant's life and beliefs.This is a terrific introduction to Grant from a historical viewpoint as I read Grant's own writings.Thank you Josiah Bunting III!

Too Short
The first book on Grant that I read was "Grant- The Soldier and the Man" by Edward Longacre.

This was a wonderful insight into Grant and certainly exposing his personal foibles. The details into Grant's life from childhood through the Civil War were wonderfully presented.

I had just finished biographies on Lincoln and Johnson and was hungry for more reading on the post civil war era. Unfortunately, Longacre ended the book right after Grant was elected president- which is why I purchased Bunting's work.

The first 90 pages are an abbreviation of Grant's life through the war. Not nearly as detailed or informative as Longacre's.

The book ends 60 pages later and frankly, it kept me wanting for more. It just skimmed over too much of Grant's presidency (and hardly touches on his life after he was president).

Other reviewers have lauded this book. In my opinion, the author seems to have been in too much of a hurry to finish it and could have certainly provided a much more in depth rendition.

Poorly Written
The author expresses his opinions, just like the news media does. I bought this book for its value as a history book. I am not particularly fond of reading the authors slanted opinions. Not a good read for me!

Just the facts
This biography was very short and linear. The facts of Grant's life are told and very little else.

A hero for all ages.
Grant may rank as one of the worst US Presidents, but this book makes it plan he was a man of principle.He was associated with scandals, but many were not his fault.Grant was a single minded general who pursued victory over the Confederate forces.For this he was listed as a butcher.His earlier travails with alchohol resulted in him being termed a alcholic.His associated with disreputable people was caused him to be associated with scandals.Late in life he was defrauded and his memoirs were a way for him to guarantee a life after his death for his beloved wife Julia.

This is a nice read on a noble General and President.Honor was a way of life with U.S. Grant, and that is how we should remember him. ... Read more

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The American presidency has held a unique role within the realm of the nation's culture. From the character of George Washington in early American mythology, to Richard Nixon's now famous utterance of Sock it to me!? on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In to George W. Bush waving the starting flag at a NASCAR event, the leader of the executive branch has often taken stage in the forum of American popular culture. This edited collection presents chapters that survey the ways popular culture has both reflected and been influenced by presidents throughout history. Chapters focus on Birthplaces and Homes; Drama; Film; Libraries; Memorabilia; Magazines and Tabloids; Myths, Legends, Stories and Jokes; Newspapers; Paintings and Sculptures; Political Cartoons and Comics; Popular Music; Radio; and Television. A timeline traces intersections of the presidency and popular culture, and a subject index provides an additional resource for researchers.

Product Description
In this fascinating book of presidential profiles, you will meet the 42 men who have shaped the Presidency-and the course of our country. From George Washington to George W. Bush, here are the stories of their trials and triumphs, their ambitions and achievements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

One of the better books covering the Presidents

We have been truly blessed with good men in the White House.Through the brilliant Constitution our founding fathers set up for our republic we emerged a country for all nations to envy.Through checks and balances we have created a system that works; it is at times not perfect, but there is none better.

Like any history book, "American Presidents" should not be used alone.It can not fulfill the task of evaluating the office of each of these men on its own.The author covers in detail each President's life growing up, offices held, as the executive and his achievements after the Oval Office.The vice president's, the cabinet, and historical sites are found at the end of the book.Photos are displaced throughout.One of the better books covering the Presidents.

I became increasingly interested in our Presidents, so I decide to research each one further, going as far as rating them.This is nothing new; there have been many such ratings done by scholars and intellectuals over the years.Of course I am neither.But I do find the ratings systems tend to focus on single merits and not the whole presidency.I have decided to do my own rating through these recourses:

"The American Presidents"-----Whitney
"A Patriot's History of the U.S."-----Schweikart and Allen
"The Oxford Companion to U.S. History"-----Boyer
"The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History"-----Woods
"Character"-----Wallace
"A Republic Not An Empire"-----Buchanan
and other misc. books

There is no way to fully list all of the positives and negatives of each Presidency.I have compiled a list of just a few of the important issues, then rated each according to the overall effect on the nation and the world.I admit bias cannot be removed totally.There will be some who will completely disagree with my system.You will find that I have lowered some who have been praised as great leaders and raised others that have been overlooked.

It can be hard to compare a Washington to a Bush, because these men lived at different times.The state of affairs and who they followed will have a major impact.I added W. Bush with reservation.His rating, along with the others are subject to change over time.In some cases I have added the same issue or attribute in both the pro and con column.Enjoy, take your time and feel free to comment:

After I copied and pasted I realized I could not fit the pros and cons on Amazon, so I deleted them.If any of you wish to have them you can write to me.


RatingPresident Held office Party
1George Washington1st 1789-97 Federalist

2Thomas Jefferson 3rd 1801-09 Democrat-Republican(new)

3Abraham Lincoln16th 1861-65Republican (first)

4Calvin Coolidge13th 1923-29Republican

5James Monroe 5th 1818-25 Democrat-Republican

6Ronald Reagan40th 1981-89Republican

7Grover Cleveland 22nd 1885-89Democrat
24th1893-97

8James Madison4th1809-17Democrat-Republican

9John Adams 2nd1797-1801Federalist

10 Warren Harding 29th1921-23 Republican

11 William McKinley 25th1897-1901 Republican

12 Rutherford Hays19th1877-81 Republican

13 George W. Bush 43rd 2001-Republican

14 Dwight Eisenhower34th1953-61 Republican

15 Andrew Jackson 7th1829-37Democrat (first)

16 George H.W. Bush 41st1989-93 Republican

17 Chester Arthur 21st1881-85 Republican

18 Andrew Johnson 17th1865-69 Unionist (only)

19 Franklin Pierce14th1853-57 Democrat

20 Gerald Ford38th1974-77 Republican

21 Richard Nixon37th 1969-74Republican

22 James Polk 11th1845-49 Democrat

23 Martin Van Buren 8th 1837-41 Democrat (father of)

24 Harry Truman 33rd 1945-53Democrat

25 John Kennedy 35th1961-63 Democrat

26 Theodore Roosevelt 26th1901-09 Republican

27 James Garfield 20th1881Republican

28 John Tyler 10th1841-45 Whig

29 Benjamin Harrison23rd1889-93 Republican

30 John Quincy Adams6th1825-29Coalition (mix)

31 James Buchanan 15th1857-61 Democrat

32 Franklin Roosevelt 32nd1933-45 Democrat

33 Herbert Hoover 31st1929-33 Republican

34 Jimmy Carter 39th1977-81 Democrat

35 Woodrow Wilson 28th1913-21 Democrat

36 Lyndon Johnson 36th1963-69 Democrat

37 Zachary Taylor 12th1849-50 Whig

38 William Clinton42nd1993-2001 Democrat

39 William Harrison 9th1841 whig (first)

40 Ulysses Grant18th1869-77 Republican

41 William Taft 27th1909-13 Republican

42 Millard Fillmore 13th1850-53 Whig (last)

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
THIS IS A WONDERFUL OVERVIEW OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS, AND QUITE ACCURATE.I HAVE READ BIOGRAPHIES OF MOST PRESIDENTS, VISITED MOST PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES, AND THOUGHT DAVID WHITNEY DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS SERIES.

Excellent book
This is an excellent book. It is great for people beginning to learn about American politics. It's a great source for quick handy reminders. It's a great gift. ( I bought seven copies for that reason). This would be a great book for teachers to have their high school students study.
While it is not possible to have one book completely cover all the Presidents, this single volumn outlines many important events.
There is an index in the back for quick searches.
Political views?
I have heard people claim this book is written with a Republican slant, and other claim it's written with a Democratic slant!
Using the above paragraph, one would have to think it was pretty fairly written.
I have went back to this book more often, during the election season, to brief my memory.

As a single volumn book; I repeat, this is an excellent book.

Scholarly accuracy and appealing informality
U.S. history, the government, and personae of American Presidents is a fascinating subject. While many scholarly work in the market have done in-depth investigation to profile American presidents, this title by David C Whitney and Robin Vaughn Whitney in its 9th edition from Reader's Digest is classically written and readily accessible to the general audience. Its objectivity and candor serves well as a gentle and educational introduction, an abridged version, on the development of American Presidents in relation to the unfolding drama of U.S. history.

The perennial best-seller, an enjoyable reading, excels in its elegance and clarity in comparison to many (auto)biographies of modern day C(orporate)EO/leadership titles. ... Read more

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My destiny with God is a testimony of my family life during the Communist era in Romanian - 1947 - 1989, where my husband was in political prison for 9 years as an American Citizen. He survived and came back to America after 43 years, with his family. This book is a testimony for all American Military, for all denominational churches for evangelistics crusades, and for all the people of the world, to put their trust in Almighty God and His love, that endures forever. I am writing this book at my advanced age (77 years old) that God granted to me, to be a living testimony of God's miracles. H. Ginga ... Read more

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This work represents the first comprehensive study of the involvement of American presidents in educational policy making. Tracing the efforts of administrations from Washington to Bush, Berube analyzes presidential programs in education, the reasons for their implementation, and their correlation to national educational outcomes. He examines both successful and less successful endeavors, the constitutional constraints of the president's role in education, and the increasing national and international pressures to shape educational policies that have characterized the post-World War II era. ... Read more

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Between Hope and History is the President's articulation of his political philosophy - a philosophy that underpins all his policies and programs as America enters the twenty-first century.

The book is also a concise statement of the fundamental principles and values that have guided his administration since its inception in 1993. It continues, as he writes, "the conversation I have had with the American people about our destiny as a nation."

In Between Hope and History, President Clinton sees America poised on the edge of "the age of possibility." He declares that "the era of big government is over," and asserts his belief that the global economy will place a premium on education. The President also discusses the roles that individuals, families, businesses, and government must play as America prepares for the twenty-first century.Amazon.com Review
President Clinton offers his vision for the country as weenter the twenty-first century.The president sees the nation poisedon the edge of what he calls "the age of possibility."With eloquenceand clarity, he details the broad values of opportunity,responsibility, and community that he regards as critical to helpingAmerica meet its challenges in the years ahead.He also discusses theexperience of his presidency - mistakes made, lessons learned, andunprecedented successes - and his plan to lead America into the nextmillennium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Clinton's vision for his second term shows his grasp for history while still in the process of making it
During his administration of President Bill Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic well being than at any time in its history as unemployment and inflation were at their lowest rates in decades.The book, written with Clinton consultant William E. Nothdurft, is Clinton's second book as he also co-authored the book Putting People First with his running mate Al Gore during his presidential campaign in 1992.

The U.S. was at a pivotal stage during the presidential election of 1996 between incumbent Democrat Bill Clinton and Republican challenger Bob Dole.Clinton had taken office in 1992, inheriting a staggering U.S. economy, a huge national debt, and a country fed up with many of its politicians and demanding change.Third party candidate Ross Perot had received 19% of the vote in 1992, showing how Americans were not satisfied with the two major parties.During Clinton's first term there were successes and failures, but his determination for reform kept his approval ratings high.Through various welfare reforms and economic policies, inflation and the unemployment rate dropped to their lowest numbers in years.Clinton's administration was the first to cut he deficit in all four years since the 1840s, all while strengthening social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and helping finance higher education for many. He fought hard to finally pass a balanced budget.The Republicans won control of Congress in the mid-term elections and spoiled some of what Clinton wanted to get done, but still much was achieved his first term.
As 1996 arrived Americans were in transition, both at home and abroad.The economy was in transition from the old "trickle down economics" system employed by most Republicans to a more progressive system invoked by Clinton and Democrats that started at the opposite end: helping poor people get off welfare, increasing the minimum wage, and providing tax exemptions for middle class families.Many new jobs were created.Social programs were strengthened, not cut.The Internet had begun to revolutionize the way people interacted and received information.

Thought the Cold War was finally over, the world was now becoming globalized -- with the U.S. leading the way -- as countries constantly interacted with one another and borders were opened like never before.Clinton's "global village" also meant protecting people from tyranny, and the U.S. military was engaged in Serbia and Bosnia, as well as Iraq and Somalia, though never becoming involved in a traditional war.Terrorism was a reality Americans were forced to come to grips with as Muslim radicals bombed the World Trade Center's lower floor in 1993, the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed by a domestic terrorist in April 1995 killing168 and shaking the psyche of the nation, and a bomb went off in July 1996 at the Olympic Village in Atlanta, Georgia during the Olympics killing one and injuring many. Fighting crime was an issue and many were torn on gun control laws such as the Brady Bill.There was a move to get people involved in their communities and a move to solve social problems such as unplanned pregnancies and drug use.American culture was in transition as well as television programs and movies pushed the limits of what was allowed and political correctness became more of an issue than ever before.

The election of 1996 was a decision by Americans to keep up Clinton's trends of economic responsibility, strengthening social programs, and his vision of a "global village" in the world or to go back to the way things were the twelve years before he assumed office.Between Hope and History describes the accomplishments of Clinton's nearly four years in the White House and cites his values and beliefs about governing and leading America for another four years.President Clinton's vision for America has three primary components.Not surprisingly, these three components also are the titles of the book's three chapters: Opportunity, Responsibility, and Community."It was clear to me that if my vision of 21st Century America was to become reality, we had to break out of yesterday's thinking and embark on a new and bold course for the future, with a strategy rooted in three fundamental American values: ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to make the most of their lives; expecting every citizen to shoulder the responsibility to seize that opportunity; and working together as a community to live up to all we can be as a nation" (7-8).

As a campaign document in an election year, Between Hope and History sweeps Bill Clinton from Hope, Arkansas, into the ranks of the Democrat Party's greatest leaders during the 20th Century.In the book Clinton compares himself to both President Theodore Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson in their need to lead the nation through a time of change in domestic matters and in foreign policy. He uses some of this book to take to task some of those who have disagreed with his policies.The book portrays Clinton as a compassionate centrist and succeeds in its intention to show the President's purposes as a moderate Democrat, blurring the line between him and the liberal wing of his party. It mixes anecdotes about Clinton's life with boasts about his accomplishments and takes shots at the Grand Ole Party throughout.

The book does not offer much as a literary piece, nor does it intend to.It is a work that was created from many of the president's speeches, and basically outlines the Democratic platform for 1996.It does offer a look inside Clinton and shows what motivates his thinking regarding policy, as well as providing a glimpse into his childhood on up through his political career.For someone studying about the Clinton administration, this book is a good starting point. For someone that opposed Clinton's policies, this book will be filled with things that make them want to cringe.Clinton sees evil Republicanism as a cyclical phenomenon as he compares the 1980s Republican-led "decade of neglect" to the period of G.O.P. prominence in the 1920s that led up to the Great Depression.Perhaps some of his claims are farfetched, perhaps they are not, but I am sure some reading this might think the book's acknowledgments should list Oliver Stone as an historical adviser. Clinton calls for responsibility for all Americans, yet, as the world would see in his next term, he was not responsible for himself and he crippled his chance to push his vision for America.

Between Hope and History offers Bill Clinton's vision of America, as is required of all candidates during an election year.The president can be questioned about a number of his assertions by the other side; however, he clearly articulates his agenda in a style that reminds you of some of his best speeches. Clinton's plans for deficit reduction, an improved economy, environmental protection, expanded educational and training opportunities, and peace and security are worthy of bipartisan support. However, presidents are judged on their achievements far more than on their plans and visions.

Good book!!
The world's busiest man took enough time out of his schedule to give us this excellent book.It's well worth a read.Imagine if W could write and be President at the same time.Hell, he can't even read speeches prepared by others.Bush's arrival showed us just how great President Clinton was, and is.

A synthesis and distellation of bill clinton's thought
this book sums up bill lcintons thought and views on many issues that are important.He has some interesting observations about how we have the power to impove ourselves with our power.

it is written in his smooth style and is an easy read. I don't think he used any speech writers with this book.I really felt his passion of his convictions here.I hope he can keep busy now he is out of office.

he uses some form of the word "is" 104 times in the book, soIguess he now kwos what the word means.

This [...] used copy will be a collector's item!
[ The clever Mr. Clinton knew he could not get the big bucks for simply spouting a lot of earnest policy palaver, as he did in his 1996 "Between Hope and History," reviewing lessons learned in hispresidency and offering his vision of opportunity, responsibility and community. The book tanked, and is out of print. [....]]

[....]

inspiring
In former-President Clinton's "Between Hope and History" he discusses topics ranging from crime to globalization to education reform to the pride of being an American and living in the best democratic model of governance in the world.The book is very inspirational.My favorite quote is on page 175; "I believe that America today stands between hope and history---at the edge of a moment when these two powerful forces are as one, when we can embrace the dawn of the new century, drawing strength and guidance from our past, filled with confidence that in this new age of possibility, our best is yet to come." ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive one-volume biography of the man who oversaw Operation Overlord and D-Day, written by the number 1 bestselling author of BAND OF BROTHERS. 'In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck!' With these words, on 6 June 1944, Supreme Commander General Dwight Eisenhower sent his troops to liberate Nazi-occupied France. Eisenhower was one of outstanding leaders of the twentieth century. As a soldier, he was decisive, disciplined, courageous and popular with his men, thus commanding the victorious D-Day landings. As President, he was a leader who made peace in Korea and kept the peace thereafter, a statesman who safely guided the free world through one of the most dangerous decades of the Cold War. He was the only president of the twentieth century who managed to preside over eight years of peace and prosperity.Drawn from numerous interviews with Eisenhower himself, and peopled with such eminent figures as Roosevelt, Churchill, de Gaulle, Nixon and Khruschev, EISENHOWER: SOLDIER AND PRESIDENT brings to life an incomparable leader. From bestselling historian Stephen E. Ambrose, this is the fullest, richest, most objective rendering yet of the soldier who became president. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great book of a great man
Stephen E. Ambrose has created an awesome biography about a man that realized his importance and task in a critical part of the history. Dwight Eisenhower was not necessary a great soldier, but a tremendous leader and general. He united the countries that was known as the allies(WWII), a task that was very difficult at that time. With his big smile and a well of energy and straight forwardness he motivated the soldiers to attack the beaches of Normandy with precision and rage. For his greatest military success was "Operation Overlord". The book gives the readers an insight of the life of a person that have to carry the big burden of responsibility, and how he later, at a relatively high age, went for the presidency. It shows how the tide can turn and how destiny brings a man from an average officer into the corridors of power. Stephen E. Ambrose has managed to involve Eisenhowers ups and downs in a good manner. Recommended for people that is interested in leadership. ... Read more

Product Description
Understanding foreign policy has become more essential than ever in today's integrated world. How the United States acts as a nation has far-reaching consequences, especially in times of war. To better understand America's stance on foreign policy today, it is helpful to analyze how U.S. presidents and leaders have acted in the past, particularly throughout the 20th century. Thornton argues that descriptions or the classification of presidents have been misleading since presidents are often reacting to unique foreign policy crises and at times may have, through good diplomacy, forestalled serious crises from developing. Basing his insights on numerous first-hand sources such as handwritten notes and memos taken during meetings of heads-of-state, he portrays the presidents as very human individuals struggling with difficult questions and the responsibilities only men of their position have to deal with. Topics examined in the book include but are not limited to:

• Events leading up to the Cold War
• 1946-1952: Truman and Containment
• 1953-1960: Eisenhower and Military Challenge
• 1961-1963: JFK and Foreign Policy Leadership
• 1963-1968: Johnson and War Home and Abroad
• 1969-1974: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Search for Peace
• 1974-1976: Gerald R. Ford
• 1977-1980: Jimmy Carter
• 1981-1988: Ronald Reagan
• 1989-1991: George H. Bush and the End of the War

Product Description
Their personalities often set the tone for Washington society, from Julia Tyler’s open hospitality to Sarah Polk’s somber religious devotion. Some, like Abigail Adams, had little formal schooling. Others, such as Pat Nixon and Hillary Clinton, earned college degrees. There were those who outlived their spouses as well as women who died before seeing their husbands realize their presidential dreams. In spite of differing circumstances, these presidential wives influenced—sometimes overtly and often inadvertently—everything from domestic political agendas to foreign policy through their relationships with their husbands.

From Martha Washington to Laura Bush, this book discusses the lives and circumstances of the 47 women who have been married to an American president. It emphasizes the relationship each wife had with her husband and the ways in which this contributed to the success or failure of his presidency. Details include birthplace, upbringing, political viewpoints and final resting place. Chapters are also included on women such as Hannah Van Buren and Jane Wyman, who although married to men who eventually became president, never became first lady. ... Read more