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Presents a biography of Calvin Coolidge ... Read more

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Although Calvin Coolidge is widely judged to have been a weak and even an incompetent president, this study concludes that he was a leader disabled by a crippling emotional breakdown. After an impressive early career, Coolidge assumed the presidency upon the death of Warren Harding. His promising political career suffered a major blow, however, with the death of his favorite child, 16-year-old Calvin Jr., in July 1924. Overwhelmed with grief, Coolidge showed distinct signs of clinical depression. Losing interest in politics, he served out his term as a broken man. This is the first account of Coolidge's life to compare his behavior before and after this tragedy, and the first to consider the importance of Coolidge's mental health in his presidential legacy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

very, very interesting
This is only the second Calvin Coolidge biography I have read, but it was far more insightful. It concentrates on who Coolidge was as a human being rather than on his political career. In popular history, President Coolidge's personality during his presidency (1923-28) was dour and of few words; politically, he was unusually detached, passive and even disinterested in everything going on in the country and the world.
Author Robert Gilbert's thesis is an explanation for that. Calvin Jr., the younger of he president's two sons, died in 1924 after getting a blister, during a tennis match, that became infected. (This was the pre-antibiotics era.) The president and first lady were distraught, of course; but based on Calvin Sr.'s subsequent behavior, Gilbert believes the former never recovered from Calvin Jr.'s death; and specifically, that he was disabled by major depression (due to unresolved grief) for the rest of his presidency and beyond. This ruined his presidency and made him decline to run for reelection.
Besides the behavior he became most famous for--sleeping most of the time, which is a symptom of depression--and general passivity, the book states that he started displaying strange and unpleasant behaviors with everyone--Mrs. (Grace) Coolidge, his surviving son (John), his Secret Service men, the entire White House staff, etc. His physicians believed he was having (or approaching) a mental breakdown, and didn't understand that it was a crippling episode of depression.
I'd like to own this book, but it's hard to find (probably due only to limited printing) and expensive. (I got it on interlibrary loan.

Outstanding Research on Silent Cal
Professor Gilbert has written an excellent book detailing the depression that Coolidge encountered while in the White House and beyond, after the death of his younger son, Calvin, Jr.The research presented here is ground-breaking, and provides a new and important picture of a president normally thought to be silent, reticent, and unproductive while in public office.

An excellent case is made for Coolidge as an energetic and diligent public servant prior to the death of his youngest son, due to blood poisoning from a blister received, while playing tennis on the White House lawn, wearing shoes without socks.

Coolidge's' abrupt change in demeanor, attitude toward his work, and outlook on life was apparent after the death of his favorite youngest son.This is an important book not to be missed for anyone wanting to know the "real" Coolidge, behind the often mentioned silent mask.

I consider Professor Gilbert to be the first to thoroughly research this aspect of Calvin Coolidge, and have noticed that other historians and doctors are now paying attention to this well-written volume.I found it engaging, factual, and one I could not put down.Highly Recommended.

glimpse at a slower tempo of American society
Calvin Coolidge is barely remembered today, as a minor US President. But for those who are interested in his life, Gilbert gives a retrospective of Coolidge's last years. While it may seem incredible nowadays, given the contemporary intensity of press coverage about the White House, back then things were far more private. So much so that we see how Coolidge's deterioration was largely successfully concealed from the general public.

The book is more than just about Coolidge. It affords us a glimpse into a far slower tempo of American society at its highest levels. With what seems to us like a casual approach to decision making. But remember too that at that time, the US was not the world's pre-eminent superpower. In the book's narrative, what is also striking is how relatively little foreign issues intrude.

Gilbert also supplies in the text copious references to mostly original sources. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume was published in 1923.


From the book's Preface:

FATE:

It was only a plain New England farm among
the folks of the hills of Vermont. There was
neither train nor telephone nor trolley. It was much
as God had made it. There lay a child, young and
weak and helpless, and a mother proud in the gift
of prophecy. And there stood by the child's cradle
one great and powerful, Fate. She had sought him
out in his simple atmosphere. Her protecting arm
she raised above him. She took him by the hand
and ever led him on. She saw in him virtue to be
recognized. Capacity was quick to see and to seize
opportunity. She commissioned into the service a
good and a great merchant of Boston. She cried
gangway to a creditable public servant, who stood
high and third on Beacon Hill, who blocked his
progress, who was then drafted into the grand army
of the politically dead. She commanded striking
policemen to open a path before him. A great Police
Commissioner gave wings to his feet. She led him
towards horizons as boundless as the seas, fame,
power and financial freedom. She set him in the
seats of the mighty. Even Death rode on before him
and cleared the way.

I have known him for sixteen years, since we were
in the House in Massachusetts in 1908. In 1913,
when he was Senate-Chairman of the Committee on
Railroads, I was House-Chairman. For five years
we were legislative colleagues.

His First Biography is an attempt to write of a
personal friend as he is. He has a marked indi-
viduality which appeals and stimulates an honest,
human story; history and romance, fact and fancy.
It seeks to cover the whole keyboard, setting out
cheerfully into the happy notes of the treble and
venturing at times among the gloomier notes of the
bass. It ventures to touch upon his particular indi-
vidualities, not only for the truth but also to lighten
the portrait with amusement, it is thought innocent.
It thus cinches its sincerity, sets off its praise. It
analyzes honestly his success and its causes. It also
attempts to respect the proprieties of the Presidency.

It drives at quality not quantity, symbolized by
the man and by his characteristic caution to the
Massachusetts Senate:

"Be Brief',
R. M. W.

236 Bay State Road,
Boston.
September 15, 1923
... Read more

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The Inaugural Speeches of the President - Calvin Coolidge ... Read more

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State of the Union Address by Calvin Coolidge

Here it is, the State of the Union Address. Every president makes them.

Kids need a quick and easy school report, trying reading these in class.

Need a quote to spruce up any report or presentation then this is for you.


... Read more

Product Description
This volume was published in 1923.

From the book's Foreword:
In the spring of 1910 Calvin Coolidgc was under con-
sideration as a candidate for the Republican nomination
for the presidency. An organization in behalf of this
candidacy had begun operations when Governor Cool-
idge issued a formal statement saying that he was not a
candidate. He did so because he regarded it as not proper
for the Governor of Massachusetts to enter a contest for
delegates. This statement by him placed those advocat-
ing his nomination in a difficult position. The movement
to nominate him continued, but without his consent,
and without any consultation with him thereafter.

When the delegates and others arrived in Chicago in
June for the Republican National Convention, one of his
friends undertook to draw from Mr. Coolidge a statement
which might be helpful. He drafted a telegram thus :

" Your friends here all send their best wishes and want
to know if you arc a candidate. What shall I tell them?"

He believed this telegram would produce an interesting
reply. It did. The reply was this :

" Thank my friends for their good wishes and tell
them the truth."

It is in accord with the spirit of the Governor's tele-
gram on that occasion that this book is written: "Tell
them the truth."

E. E. W.
October 15, 1923
............................................................................................

Contents:

I.Early Years in Vermont
II.At School and College
III.Law and Politics
IV.In the State Service
V.As an Executive
VI.The Police Strike and its Consequences
VII.A National Figure: Nominated for Vice-President
VIII.Vice-President and President
IX.Looking Forward
Address on 300th Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims







... Read more

Product Description
A treasury of the wit and wisdom of Calvin Coolidge, America's surprisingly eloquent 30th President.

Silent Cal's Almanack includes:

* The ultimate distillation of Calvin Coolidge political wisdom.

* A selection of Silent Cal's key speeches.

* A thought-provoking original biographical essay.

* A fascinating and unique 50-page portfolio of Coolidge photos, editorial cartoons and campaign memorabilia.

* A Coolidge timeline.

* A Coolidge bibliography.

"He wrote simply, innocently, artlessly," H. L. Mencken once noted regarding Coolidge's prose, "He forgot all the literary affectations and set down his ideas exactly as they came into his head. The result was a bald, but strangely appealing piece of writing-a composition of almost Lincolnian austerity and beauty. The true Vermonter was in every line of it."

Supreme Court Justice David Souter recently wrote of Calvin Coolidge: "The simple beauty of his English prose exceeds anything I could say in praise of it."

About the author:
David Pietrusza is the award-winning author of:

* 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents (included among Kirkus Reviews Books of the Year 2007; a Selection of the History Book Club)

* 1960--LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon: The Epic Campaign That Forged Three Presidencies (Library Journal [starred review]: "raises the bar." Booklist: "an outstanding re-examination." Kirkus: "colorful . . . lively")

* Rothstein: The Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius who Fixed the 1919 World Series (an Edgar Award Finalist; its audio version captured the AUDIOFILE Earphones Award)

* Judge and Jury: The Life and Times of Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis (a CASEY Award Winner; Seymour Medal Finalist; and NASSH Award Nominee).

Pietrusza's powerful historical story-telling has been compared to that of Doris Kearns Goodwin, Theodore S. White, and Gene Fowler.

An expert on the 1920s, Pietrusza has served on the Board of the Directors of the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation.

He is also the author of The Roaring Twenties, an examination of the era for younger readers.

A respected commentator, Pietrusza has appeared on C-SPAN BookTV, The History Channel, NPR, the Fox News Network, ESPN, WCBS-TV, and the Fox Sports Channel.

C-SPAN has selected Mr. Pietrusza's talk on "Silent Cal's Almanack' for inclusion in its online "C-SPAN Classroom" initiative for the nation's social studies teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Silent Cal's Almanack
A great collection of President Calvin Coolidge's wisdom.He said a lot and made great sense, with an economy of words,and using wit and wisdom.A man like Calvin Coolidge is what we need today as our President to return this nation to its roots, God and the Constitution.

One of the most enlightening books of the year
Calvin Coolidge has been relegated to the dustbins of history by folks who don't much like his ideas.Given what a mess those folks have made of things since Coolidge left the White House, maybe it would be worth our while to be brave, and go back to take a look at Coolidge for ourselves.

This compulsively browseable book makes it clear that, when Coolidge said that "The business of America is business" (certainly true enough) he was in the middle of a pattern of thoughts which included not just the business of America, but also the ideals of America.Calvin Coolidge was a man who admired character, and thought the government should stay out of business affairs.Economically, he was a stunning success as President, and he was one of Reagan's favorites.

He also had a dry wit, sometimes a VERY dry wit.Confronted with a cute young thing who bubbled that she had made a wager that she could get at least three words out of Coolidge, Cal simply replied, "You lose."He could also put an awful lot of truth into six words, like so: "Normals can take care of themselves."Count them: six words.Normal people should be able to take care of themselves, and should do just that.They don't need a damned thing from the government, except to be left alone.In Coolidge's world, the people who could not do that needed to be assisted by LOCAL CHARITY, not some vast incompetent bureaucracy which simply mailed out checks.I think that we all know that a local priest, or rabbi, or whatever, who actually knows the people in question, will do a much better job of assisting them than the Department of Health and Human Services.

A question: if we all know that, why have we turned this task over to a faceless (and enormously expensive) government bureaucracy?Is it simple laziness?

Buy this book, and enjoy it!

The "quiet" president who presided over the "roaring 20s!"
Silent Cal's Almanack
By David Pietrusza

A review by M. DeStefano:

"Restricted immigration is not an offensive but purely a defensive action. It is not adopted in criticism of others in the slightest degree, but solely for the purpose of protecting ourselves. We cast no aspersions on any race or creed, but we must remember that every object of our institutions of society and government will fail unless America be kept American."
Ref: David Pietrusza, ed., Silent Cal's Almanack, (United States: David Pietrusza, 2008, p. 70.

This was the straight-forward observation of an American President!But not from someone you would normally have suspected. These words are not tinged with racism or hate, but logic.These words were not exclusive, but inclusive--inclusive of a nation who welcomed industrious, hard-working immigrants, but wanted them to come through the front door.

These were the words of "Silent" Calvin Coolidge as he accepted his party's nomination for President of the United States.

This is but one example of the "homespun wit and wisdom" of our 30th President, a man who was famous for not saying a thing and doing very little as president in the most `roaring' and prosperous period of our nation's history--the 1920s.

In assembling the wide array of verbal and written gems uttered by the alleged "Silent Cal," the author, David Pietrusza had ripped the veil of obscurity from the false premise that our 30th President said very little.Quite to the contrary, his brilliant ability to employ economy of words while saying something surprisingly profound, enamored another future president who would be known as "the great communicator," President Ronald Reagan!

Pietrusza makes note that Reagan, "replaced a portrait of Harry Truman that had hung in the Cabinet room with that of Silent Cal...Reagan wrote, `(Coolidge) had been badly treated by history. I've done considerable reading and researching on his presidency.He served his country well and accomplished much...'" (Ibid, p. 4)

In fact, as I read the numerous, categorized quotes, selected addresses, and witticisms, I could actually hear the voice of Ronald Reagan, since similar values and the principled mindset of both men were so completely complimentary to each other.

Pietrusza introduces us to the myth of Silent Cal as described by the Joe Klein of Coolidge's day, Walter Lippmann.And the author very quickly shatters that perception with a definition of Coolidge's political philosophy that was very much "Jeffersonian" in scope where government was `limited' and the Constitution was the supreme law of the land.

Following a brief "Biographical Portrait" that included some highlights of the Coolidge presidency, (such as the Immigration Act of 1924, the Kellogg-Briand Pact, and the release of the last victims of the Wilson Administration's unconstitutional Sedition Act of 1918), Pietrusza shares a few anecdotes that describe Coolidge's penchant for subtle wit and ingenious insight disguised in the brevity of his remarks.

Then, the author/editor takes us on a journey through the mind of our "Eloquent 30th President" as he `speaks' to us on a myriad topics of paramount import that reverberate with essential meaning--even today! The quotes cited range from short, 3-word quips to whole paragraphs, but always with the flavor of common sense.

For example, Coolidge realized the gravity of responsibility the office of President held in the eyes of the public and the world when he said, "The words of the President have an enormous weight and ought not to be used indiscriminately." (Ibid, p. 88)

And under the heading of Legislation, something I was thinking right around the time the Tax-care bill was signed into law, "It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones." (Ibid, p. 76)

To complete the cannon of quips, quotes, and wisdom, the author not only supplied us with selected speeches and a timeline of Coolidge's life, but he was equally generous with abundant photographs and rare political ads from not only the Library of Congress, but from the author's own personal collection! And for sharing with us that exclusive pictorial insight, this commentator is eternally grateful.

In this current pressure-cooker environment of third-rail politics, it takes a man (or woman) of considerable conviction to stand on principle regardless of the prevailing political winds.And in our increasingly divisive society, our citizens need heroes to look up to.

If you haven't discovered the facts behind the man called "Silent Cal," I highly recommend you pick up this book and allow the author to shed a public light on the genuine words of the `quiet' president who presided over the "roaring 20s!"

Enthusiastically recommended to anyone seeking to better understand the mind of America's most notoriously nonvocal president
Silent Cal's Almanack: The Homespun Wit and Wisdom of Vermont's Calvin Coolidge is an absorbing compendium of eloquent, pithy, insightful, and intelligent quotes from Calvin Coolidge, a.k.a. "Silent Cal", America's 30th President. Cal's thoughtful verbal gems are arranged by topic, and include "There can be no national greatness which does not rest upon the personal integrity of the people," and "Selfishness is only another name for suicide." Also present are some more questionable comments that reveal Cal's personal biases (he was unquestionably a product of his time), such as "Savages have no history," and "Religion has laid the foundation of government." A fifty-page portfolio of black-and-white photographs, editorial cartoons, and campaign memorabilia as well as an original biographical essay of Silent Cal round out this treasury, enthusiastically recommended to anyone seeking to better understand the mind of America's most notoriously nonvocal president.

What made the "Roaring 20's" roar?
Haven't you been wondering about the Roaring 20's?What made them "roar?"It had to be more than just the Charleston, right?WWI ended and industrial manufacturing was humming along.This book, while never mentioning the roaring 20's, made it perfectly plain that sound policies can fuel a decade of prosperity and plenty.

I had no impression at all of Calvin Coolidge.Something Jay Nordlinger wrote in an Impromptus column made me pick up this book, and what a find!

ON WEALTH:
"Our country is an exceedingly good example of the fact that if production be encouraged and increased, then distribution fairly well takes care of itself.Other countries, by their actions in stopping production, in penalizing industry and economy, and rewarding indolence and extravagance, have been able to bring about a very general and equal distribution of misery, but no other country ever approached ours in the equaland general distribution of prosperity."Coolidge, 1923

ON TAXES:
"That tax is theoretically best which interferes least with business.Every student knows that excessively high tax rates defeat their own purpose.They dry up that source of revenue and leave those paying lower rates to furnish all the taxes."

AND ALSO:
"There is no escaping the fact that when the taxation of large incomes is excessive, they tend to disappear."

AND ALSO:
"Ultimately, property rights and personal rights are the same thing."

Having read this book and thought about it a bit, I might have to conclude that Coolidge is one of the most underappreciated presidents in the bunch.

This book is well worth buying.I sat and laughed out loud for an entire evening, reading some of the stories surrounding the President.I read some to my darling husband, too.It's an enjoyable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Calvin Coolidge chapter from the book-Facts about the Presidents, featuring data on the president-s background, life, and administration. Here you will find comprehensive,-uniformly arranged data on birth, family, education, nomination and election, congressional sessions, cabinet and Supreme Court appointments, vice president, first lady, and more--highlighting both the personal and political. Bibliographies guide readers to additional information on the president. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Facts about the Presidents
I know this product well of old. I have previous editions. I enjoyed the current edition. I am a history lover so this well within my experience

Now in a fully updated eighth edition
Now in a fully updated eighth edition, "Facts About The Presidents From George Washington To Barack Obama" is an essential, core addition to every school and community library. Divided into two distinct parts, "Facts About The Presidents" offers biographical data on all 44 of America's presidents, as well as comparative data with respects to presidential chronology, family history, personal background, education and career, residence, physical characteristics, death and burial, commemoratives, and general statistics. Of special note is the section devoted to presidential elections, conventions, candidates, election returns, the vice-presidents, and more. "Facts About The Presidents" is an 816-page compendium of superbly researched, organized and presented information covering everything from presidential vetos to presidential salaries, making it an invaluable reference for students as well as an engaging browse for non-specialist general readers with an interest in those who have held the office and responsibility of presiding over the nation from its founding to the present day.
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Product Description
This small book was published in 1913.

Excerpts from the Foreword:
A whole literature is destined to spring up concerning Calvin
Coolidge, as has already been the case with Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and others. This is a certainty. Of this literature these pages are but a humble fore-runner, born as they have been of a fervent enthusiasm, a desire, a prayer — a prayer, which today is in part fulfilled. For seven years we have seen Calvin Coolidge trudging the path that lead to the White House. He has been sure-footed, not in haste, working with conscientious precision and devotion. To do the day's work has been his creed, which is orthodox for efficiency. Destiny, or God, or both, have been taking him to the top of the world; now he has arrived, and we find contentment in it. But it has been the order of things. Without financial prestige, without the control of any great newspaper, without patronage or promise, without the accustomed style of oratorical power or a compelling, magnetic personality, without resort to the camouflage that
plays on the popular imagination, this silent, unassuming conscientious, mysterious, clear-seeing and clear-thinking man has gone from a little country home of his boy-hood in the Vermont hills, the road of duty and of work, and that road has led him by some strange providence, to the greatest political position on earth. We are not afraid of the outcome. He is there for a purpose.

Already some of the politicians are out gunning for him. Mr.
Coolidge has stepped into the coveted place of honor and power.
Jealousy and ambition are active. But Mr. Coolidge can be counted upon to read these designs. He has been in politics long enough not to be caught in the trap of easy credulity. He is one of the sharpest and shrewdest of politicians, and one of the cleanest. He will not fall or fail. He will so commend himself to all America as a clear-minded and true-hearted citizen, great but unassuming, that his election for the four-year term will be by a tidal wave. America will talk for him in majorities, every vote being a testimonial of admiration, confidence and faith. All America, will be saying "We have faith in Calvin Coolidge." His poise, his silence, his compact speech, his undramatic labor, his candour and courage in a critical crisis, his analysis and comprehensive grasp of the truth, his intellect, and in particular his conception of the spiritual origin and purpose of government will win for him the enthusiasms both of faith and affection. ... Read more

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Since the close of the last Congress the Nation has lost President Harding. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness and his character. He has left his mark upon history. ... Read more

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Volume 3

The State of the Union is an annual message which the President of the United States gives to Congress, usually an address to a joint session of Congress which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

George Washington gave the first State of the Union address on January 8, 1790 in New York City which was then the provisional United States capital. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead, the address was written and then sent to Congress to be read by a clerk until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson re-established the practice.

The speech was originally referred to as "the President's Annual Message to Congress." The actual term "State of the Union" did not become widely used until after 1935 when Franklin D. Roosevelt began using the phrase. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 2

The State of the Union is an annual message which the President of the United States gives to Congress, usually an address to a joint session of Congress which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

George Washington gave the first State of the Union address on January 8, 1790 in New York City which was then the provisional United States capital. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead, the address was written and then sent to Congress to be read by a clerk until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson re-established the practice.

The speech was originally referred to as "the President's Annual Message to Congress." The actual term "State of the Union" did not become widely used until after 1935 when Franklin D. Roosevelt began using the phrase. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 1

The State of the Union is an annual message which the President of the United States gives to Congress, usually an address to a joint session of Congress which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

George Washington gave the first State of the Union address on January 8, 1790 in New York City which was then the provisional United States capital. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead, the address was written and then sent to Congress to be read by a clerk until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson re-established the practice.

The speech was originally referred to as "the President's Annual Message to Congress." The actual term "State of the Union" did not become widely used until after 1935 when Franklin D. Roosevelt began using the phrase. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 4

The State of the Union is an annual message which the President of the United States gives to Congress, usually an address to a joint session of Congress which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

George Washington gave the first State of the Union address on January 8, 1790 in New York City which was then the provisional United States capital. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the address in person. Instead, the address was written and then sent to Congress to be read by a clerk until 1913 when Woodrow Wilson re-established the practice.

The speech was originally referred to as "the President's Annual Message to Congress." The actual term "State of the Union" did not become widely used until after 1935 when Franklin D. Roosevelt began using the phrase. ... Read more

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The complete texts of all U.S. presidential inaugural addresses from George Washington in 1789 to Barack Obama in 2009.

The Kindle Edition includes a full Table of Contents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All the speeches, in one place
Following Obama's inauguration speech, I was interested in comparing it to the ones that had come before. This book brings them all together, and, through the hyper-linked front index indicating the president's name and the year of the inauguration, they are very easy to browse and read. Fascinating stuff. ... Read more