Book Description

Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only twentieth-century presidentconsistently ranked by historians with the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln.His leadership in the dark hours of the Depression and the Second World War hasendowed him in the eyes of many with an aura of greatness, and his presidencyhas been the explicit or implicit model for all of his successors, from Trumanto Clinton. In this concise biography, Patrick J. Maney provides an original andinsightful reexamination of Roosevelt's life and legacy, carefully sifting factfrom myth and showing how the Roosevelt legendfor good and for illhas shapedthe modern presidency. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Apologist History
In The Roosevelt Presence, Maney does his best to justify and explain away issues relative to the New Deal, the Roosevelt administration, and various methods the Roosevelt administration created or implemented to solve various crises, chief among them economic difficulties in the '30s and war issues in the '40s. Maney clearly exposes his liberal, left-leaning stance by being critical of Roosevelt in certain areas but being supportive in other areas. As a historian, Maney should have presented the facts and let the reader decide. If Maney wanted to voice his opinion or other relevant personal position information, he should have included that in an introduction or in the endnotes. The fact that the University of California press published this book also speaks to the left-leaning position.

Disappointing, at times bizarre!
Other reviewers have accurately noted that Maney both praises and criticizes Roosevelt. I based my purchase on this expectation of a balanced portrait. What they didn't note is that both the criticism and the praise are done from an extreme left perspective.

Unlike most books written about FDR from the left, Maney does address some of the low points in Roosevelt's presidency. However, when doing so he at times goes into bizarre explanations/justifications which left me scratching my head. For example:

1) Roosevelt's plunging the recovering economy back into depression in 1937 by deliberately shrinking the money supply and reducing government spending. Explanation: He only meant to slow down the growth of the economy, he couldn't have expected this to slow down the economy.
2) Roosevelt's decision to imprison Japanese Americans in WWII against the advice of J. Edgar Hoover (no softie on security!). Explanation: It wasn't his fault, he was given bad advice by the people he appointed.
3) Roosevelt's postwar plan to create a soviet style economic model in the US where the government could dictate which job any person had ("labor draft"), and guaranteed food, shelter, clothing, and recreation to all in return. Explanation: The fact that he didn't advocate the abolition of corporations and the total redistribution of all wealth shows that Roosevelt was becoming a moderate.

I wouldn't have believed these examples (and others), had I not read the book! The other thing that surprised me were some of the horrifying things Roosevelt did which clearly didn't bother the author at all. For example, neither Roosevelt's attempt to "purge" the Democratic party of those he deemed not ideologically pure, nor his breaking the back of the supreme court in the infamous "court packing" case troubled the author.

With all this said, the worst part of the book by far was the concluding chapter "Reputation and Legacies". This last rambling chapter bemoans the fact that President Carter could not have predicted from FDR's experience that restricting the national oil supply would create a recession. He drones on for several pages on this theme of how FDR let the world down by not having the foresight to give advice to future Democratic presidents. The final paragraph concludes with "There is much to admire about Roosevelt... yet as the experience of his successors helped confirm, his greatness was much too deeply rooted in the circumstances of his own times... Among presidents, alas, [FDR] was not a man for all seasons." While I'm not opposed to criticizing Roosevelt, this is as unfair as it is disappointing. How can we blame FDR for addressing the key issues during his presidency? At the same time, important topics like the legacy of Social Security, FDR's decision to give Stalin N. Korea, the complicity of members from the Roosevelt administration in bringing Mao to power in China (to name a few) are left undiscussed.

an excellent and perceptive book
Despite its lack of heft, Patrick Maney has produced a wonderfully balanced and nuanced portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Indeed, Maney's book may be the finest jumping off point for those looking to get acquainted with FDR in full bloom, and not just with the nostalgic, sometimes mawkish, remembrances of politicians.

When it comes to FDR, far too many readers, including a number of other reviewers here, only want to hear about positive aspects: the New Deal, winning World War II, etc. As a professional historian, Maney is not in the business of producing such hagiographies. As such, what we have here is the cool judgment and dispassionate analysis of a writer who is constructing a narrative of the historical record; not someone who is cheerleading for a particular political persuasion. Those who want a softer and friendlier treatment of Roosevelt should look elsewhere.

In addition to Roosevelt's many triumphs, Maney provides great detail about some of FDR's more negative aspects, such the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, or his near pathological secrecy that kept him from grooming a successor. Maney also lays bare Roosevelt's personal peccadilloes, such as his long-term affair with Lucy Mercer.

In the end, Maney has done a fine job of presenting Roosevelt, and he should be commended.

Ya'll need to step off
All ya'll been about misreviewing this book, but it was tight, yo! My man Maney gets scientific in his approach of talking about a cat nobody can touch, and he has the cojones to take a stand, and tell that s--t real. And none of you ever been to the Depression, so don't be even trying to talk about how he was wrong about it. Give Maney props, he gives an even-handed book telling of the many things, good and bad, or Franklin Roosevelt, our former president.

A confused and error-laden examination
If you are seeking a hatchet job on the greatest President of the 20th century, this is your cup of tea. Maney attempts to paint FDR with a black brush, but makes so many factual mistakes in his narrative, that his attempt is weak and ultimately pathetic. His gross lack of understanding about the causes of the Depression and the impending European crisis are almost laughable.

FDR made mistakes in judgment (attempting to pack the Supreme Court), but he was the quintessential and perfect leader for this country in the midst of its greatest crisis of the past 100 years. Imagine Tom Dewey or Wilkie leading this nation against the Axis powers. Contemplate that one... if you dare!

There are many outstanding examinations of Franklin Roosevelt and this is certainly not one of them. It's a polemic and poorly written attempt to diminish FDR's influence and greatness. It fails on all levels. The only people who would embrace this treatment would be the die-hard Roosevelt haters. ... Read more

Book Description

From the Oval Office to Camp David to Air Force One, a portrait of thereal Ronald Reagan, away from the journalists, cameras, andmicrophones.

During his White House years, President Reagan earned the love andadmiration of millions, and altered the course of history.Jim Kuhn,his executive assistant, was one of the very few people privileged tosee the Great Communicator not just during his historic public events,but also behind the scenes, during quiet moments.

Kuhn was responsible for helping the most powerful man in the worldmanage his time and information. His memoir of an unguarded andunedited Ronald Reagan captures the laughter, resolve, sensitivity, anddiscomforts of the man who won the Cold War and restored America’sconfidence.

President Reagan frequently shared with Kuhn his personal views onmatters great and small, including his thoughts about world leaderssuch as Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher, and controversialissues such as nuclear weapons, taxes, and women’s rights. Kuhn recallsmany poignant moments that will surprise readers, no matter how muchthey already know about President Reagan. For example:

· How the President reacted when staff disappointed him and thingsdidn’t go as planned
· The time he felt distraught over arms negotiations with theSoviets
· President Reagan’s true personal thoughts about abortion
· What aspersion bothered him more than any other
· How President Reagan felt about the Iran-Contra scandal and thefigures involved

During his 13 years of service to Ronald Reagan, Kuhn discovered a manwho acted the same off camera as he did in front of the world; whoshowed the same respect to an anonymous caller to the White House as hedid to Pope John Paul II; who was more nuanced and perceptive than thepress would ever admit; who never let the power and prestige of thePresidency go to his head.

Now that Ronald Reagan has passed away, there is a hunger for a deeperunderstanding of what made him a great President. Jim Kuhn offers aunique perspective on the private Ronald Reagan that will fascinate hismillions of admirers. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether it was traveling with Ronald Reagan on endless campaign flights, discussing day-to-day issues in the Oval Office, or surviving the harrowing assassination attempt, former aide and longtime family friend Michael Deaver offers his warm recollections of Ronald Reagan -- governor, president, and friend.

In A Different Drummer, Deaver writes of the Reagan he has known: a man who was shy and deplored talking about himself, who would rather spend a party talking to a laborer than policy wonks; a man whose convictions remained unchanged over the. course of his life, who never used pollsters to decide In's position on issues; a man whose idea of relaxation was riding a horse, fixing fence posts, and chopping wood until his muscles ached and In's hands blistered.

Writing not only of their dizzying highs, Deaver also shares the lows, including the tough times that would test the strength of their friendship. Finally, lie shares a poignant look at Reagan today, as lie battles Alzheimer's disease, and at Nancy Reagan, as she stands by his side in her finest hour.

Reviews (40)

Lessons from the Master
For twenty years, Michael Deaver had the best job in the world (second only perhaps to Ronald Reagan himself): standing by the side of probably the most important, most inspiring leader of the American Century. A Different Drummer gives us a close-in look at our 40th President, and accomplishes what the biographers-of-record only struggled at: explaining Reagan the man.

For years, frustrated Reaganologists like Edmund Morris have told us Reagan's mind was too hard to penetrate. Getting "close" to the private man was very difficult for most people. That Reagan possesed a genius for leadership that hasn't quite been approximated is probably what made them try so hard. Deaver's central message is that Reagan was really a simple man who was utterly and completely confident in who he was, and in the greatness of his countrymen. This self-assuredness could explain his supposed lack of introspection so obsessed over by the historians. The outward self-pity of presidents like Johnson, Nixon, Carter and Clinton have made for abundant and fascinating psychological profiles of these men. Not so with Reagan. Reagan knew who he was, and had no time for self-doubt.

Regretably, Deaver's volume is all too slim. But his memories of Ronald Reagan are gripping, and will give you a more complete picture of the whole Reagan than will the works of the often confused historians.

Reagan. From a man who knew him well.
Few people ever really knew Ronald Reagan. He was a very private person. This fact led to Edmund Morris writing a semi-fictional biography of Reagan, because he just couldn't understand his psychology. Thankfully, longtime Reagan friend, Mike Deaver, decided to offer a personal memoir of his time with the ex-president.

Deaver goes way back. Back to California when no one thought Reagan could be elected governor. He spent a total of 20 years with Reagan the public figure. In those 20 Years, he understood the private Reagan and his devoted marriage to Nancy. Reagan didn't need anyone else but her. He liked and even loved others, but if they drifted in and out of his life he didn't fret. She filled his every void.

Deaver tells the story of a very involved president who read through stacks of position papers and briefings. It was Reagan's mother who told him that if he learned to love reading, he would never feel alone. The intellectuals have never understood Reagan. They have always been willing to dismiss his substance as play acting for the camera. But Reagan had the kind of vision that is rare for a leader. He saw the shining city on a hill long before the rest of us. He had the humility to think of himself as a regular guy. He felt as comfortable with laborers as he did with Prime Ministers. This was ultimately the reason he could connect with the American people.

After reading more than one account of the distant Ronald Reagan, I was very happy to read a telling that was reminiscent of the man I grew up with in my adolescent years. When Reagan spoke, I heard the voice of a calm experienced captain that was taking the ship to port. It was my misfortune, maybe, that I was too young to know how important he really was at the time. I remember the last public speech he gave in 1993, where his ad-lib humor was a great reminder of what's been missing in politics ever since. Michael Deaver helped me to remember the great man once more.

Both comfortable and comforting
No review of this book would be complete without addressing the first point to be made by the author -- a description of what this book is not.

It is not an exhaustive biography, an apology for Reagan's policies, or a criticism of his opponents. It is simply an accounting of Mike Deaver's time with Ronald Wilson Reagan.

This is a comfortable book, because it is written with an ease and familiarity born of friendship. It is comforting, because it shows that behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, Ronald Reagan was as genuine as he appeared to be. His integrity and conviction was not an act.

Deaver could easily have used this book for self-promotion, but he wrote it in the same way he served Reagan -- with wholehearted committment to his friend and boss.

Reagan's person and policy has been, and will continue to be studied, criticized, and defended. Biographies and collections of works will tell much of the story. But none of them will offer such a simple glimpse into the public and private nature of the 40th President as does this recounting of memories shared by a loyal friend and advisor.

In the wake of Ronnie's death, indispensable
After the massive disappointment of Edmund Morris' "Dutch", I thought I would give up on outside accounts of the Reagan legacy. Mike Deaver's book, however, brought me out of the disappointment of "Dutch" and in this week of mourning, has brought this reader many smiles. Let not the slimness of this volume dissuade you: Deaver, having been close to Reagan from before the Governorship of California, understands his subject in a way that completely eluded Morris' bloated opus and what emerges from these pages is a picture of an introverted extrovert. One sees a complex Reagan - but where "Dutch" seemingly gives up and fails in trying to understand the complexity, "Drummer" seems to draw a picture of a man who simply wanted to share his very personal life with Nancy - and respects him for it.

I also salute Deaver's work for its assessment of Reagan as bringing about the end of the Cold War, for the little-trumpeted Reagan reaction (or lack thereof) to the shooting down of Korean Air flight 007, thereby isolating the Soviets further. Hopefully, history will follow Deaver in marking this as the non-shot that saved the world from a nuclear winter.

I highly recommend buying this book now; it will become _the_ definitive Reagan assessment in the years to come.

Working with the Gipper
Michael Deaver served as the White House Chief of Staff during most of the Reagan White House years. During that time, and during the previous decade, he came to know and love the man who served first as California governor and later as U.S. President during the 1980's, Mr. Ronald Reagan. In this book, he talks about his relationship with the former president, including how they first met, how they formed a friendship, and how their bond remained strong through Reagan's presidency and beyond.

Deaver first met Ronald Reagan in 1966 when he was about to run for the governorship of California. It was here that Deaver first got to know Reagan from a political standpoint. Before long, however, the friendship grew beyond politics and Deaver and Reagan became friends for life. They didn't always agree on everything, but they were still able to separate the disputes from the fact that they were still friends. Deaver points out that the Reagan he got to know personally was very different from the image that the public was used to. Reagan was popular with the people and was known for his good looks and sense of humor. He was also perceived as very outgoing, but Deaver indicates that this was not really the case at all. Ronald Reagan was actually rather shy and would prefer to talk with only one or two people at a party rather than work the crowd, like a more gregarious type of personality would do. These facts might surprise some readers who always assumed that Ronald Reagan was the life of the party in any social situation.

One thing about this book that makes it a little different from other political books is the fact that it keeps a positive attitude from beginning to end. Unlike other politically influenced books that devote a large number of pages to negative criticism and outright bashing of opponents, "A Different Drummer" remains optimistic. There is really nothing negative in this book, so don't read it if you are expecting to hear Deaver lash out at Reagan's many enemies or talk openly about Iran Contra or other scandals. It isn't that type of book at all. Deaver focuses on Ronald Reagan as a person, and he remains upbeat and optimistic throughout.

Deaver speaks very affectionately about Ronald Reagan, and this fact will turn some people off right away, particularly those who are liberal in their thinking and cannot handle hearing anything positive about Reagan or any other Republican. I admit that Deaver's words can go a little overboard, and they often overflow with excessive admiration. But before a potential reader writes this book off for political reasons, he or she should reconsider. It's true that the book is written about an important political figure, but it isn't really a political book, in the purest sense. It is really a personal book about one man's relationship with a man he admired to the extreme.

I didn't necessarily learn a lot more about Ronald Reagan when I read this book. What I learned instead was the power of friendship. Micheal Deaver has known Reagan for more than 30 years. He has been with the president during his highest achievements (like winning the governor's race and the two election victories for the White House) and during his lowest and most difficult personal crises (like his battle with Alzheimer's disease- a very touching part of the book). And through it all, Deaver has remained a friend. "A Different Drummer" is a nice tribute from Deaver to Reagan, showing how two men can remain loyal and steadfast to the very end. It's not the best book about Ronald Reagan as a whole, since it doesn't cover very much about the president's early life or achievements. But it's a good book about the relationship that formed between these two political allies and how the friendship blossomed and grew over the 30- year period that they worked together. It's full of charm and sincerity, and it makes for a good read regardless of your political affiliation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent book for the serious student of Reconstruction
As a person with some knowledge of the Civil War and Reconstruction, I found LET US HAVE PEACE extremely well written, very readable and highly informative. However, I do not believe that it is for the casual reader. The book deals with a very specific time and a very specific subject: Grant's transition from general to president. The author shows Grant's involvement in Recontruction and the peace process before the end of the war and during the Johnson administration. For example, I was unaware that Grant was secretary of war after the removal of Stanton and his role in the controvery over the Tenure in Office Act. The book gives an interesting view of Grant's role in the impeachment of President Johnson and shows the interworking of the relationship between Grant and other generals, espcially William T. Sherman. I found the chapter on the rise of Grant as a presidential candidate extremely interesting contradicitng the general consensu that he was an shoe in for the nomination.

The epilogue which is historiographic in nature was very helpful in terms of putting Simpson's thesis in context.

Once again, for the student who already has knowledge of the cast of characters and the interworkings of the politics of Reconstruction, this is a must read. It was also refreshing to read a book on Grant that avoids references to his drinking. As I recall there are three references in the entire book and they are well placed and put in proper context. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anthony Summers is the past master of scandal, the man who brought you Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe and that unforgettable (alleged) eyewitness account of J. Edgar Hoover in a flouncy black dress. Greater experts than I must rule on Summers's exhaustively researched portrait of Richard Nixon, The Arrogance of Power, but it sure is one racy read. Summers depicts a Nixon stoned out of his mind on Seconal, single-malt Scotch, Dilantin, speed, and clinical paranoia, pummeling his wife, Pat (who was rumored to have once been rescued by the Secret Service from drunkenly drowning in a bathtub). Summers's Nixon apparently took Mickey Cohen Mob money to fund his anti-Semitic, salacious smear campaign against Helen Gahagan Douglas to get his Senate start; framed Alger Hiss with a fake typewriter; traded gold for POWs with Vietcong; and issued orders to bomb Damascus and Jordan and nuke Vietnam and Korea (orders that were ignored until Nixon sobered up in the morning). His favorite limo was the SS100X that JFK died in. Nixon's shrink reportedly also treated Rita Hayworth, spoke like Dr. Strangelove, and used "Pavlovian technique" to "brainwash Nixon into becoming a better person." No luck.

Summers's Nixon favored the Greek generals who tortured pro-democracy types, and took a bribe from Göring's pal Nicolae Malaxa, who, thanks to Nixon, traded his Romanian mansion (in which thousands of Jews were tortured and killed) for a posh Manhattan apartment. Summers's most fascinating stuff concerns the Howard Hughes/Castro/Watergate connection. Did Nixon order CIA/Mafia plots to kill Castro? Did Robert Maheu (said to have inspired Mission: Impossible) arrange "sex services" and "assassination planning" for the CIA, and spy on Jean Peters and Ava Gardner for Howard Hughes? Did Hughes give big money to Nixon under the guise of saving the fast-food "Nixonburger" franchise of Richard's brother Donald Nixon (whom Richard had the FBI spy on)? Did the Castro plot get JFK killed, as Haldeman suspected? Was the Watergate break-in (one of perhaps 100 Nixon break-ins) intended to seize information about Nixon's Hughes loans and Castro plots?

Summers tries to assess his massive data while he's presenting it, and he doesn't credit every wild tale equally. Still, without him, I would never have heard about Castro's alleged ex-girlfriend, "the Mata Hari of the Caribbean," hired by future Watergate burglars to re-seduce Castro and slip two poison pills in his coffee. But she hid the pills in her cold-cream jar, and when she took them out in their Havana Hilton bathroom, they'd melted. Besides, her close encounter with the leader left her "torn by feelings of love." The Arrogance of Power won't give you this feeling. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (60)

An Obituary
Anthony Summers setting of his decision to spend five plus years working the details of the life of Nixon is important. Along with Norman Mailer, he was pissed off at the obits cranked out in 1994 on Nixon's death, Obits written in the spirit of the cover-up. Perhaps the best way to frame this book is an obit crafted by an enemy list wanna-be. As yet another citizen still distressed at being left off that famous list -- I think Summers got Richard M. Nixon right on.

"Arrogance" is a full biography crafted around a collection of psychological insights into the subject -- it is a tale of one soul's journey through 20th century American Politics -- a tale of predictable disasters. It is so much more than Watergate, though readers knowledgable of Watergate detail will find much here that is new, and demands integration into one's Watergate fact file. But since Nixon materials are scheduled to be opened by various archives well into the second quarter of the 21st century, we probably will need more Summers-like books, books that synthesize new materials either as additions or corrections into the detailed analysis of Nixon.

But in year 2000 Summers adds it up as follows: Nixon as a kid learned telling the truth frequently led to a whipping, telling lies avoided that possibility. He learned to stuff his emotions so deep, they never really matured. He came to doubt his parents evangelical Quaker piety -- but he never explored so as to replace it with a mature value and belief system. He was ripe to be caught by that place where the American Mafia and American Business intersect, and need presentable political actors. In 1946 they needed a vet, good education, someone with a velvet fist to bust the labor movement, someone who would serve interests so long as he was well paid, (under the table mind you). Nixon got and took the offer -- and Summers details the whole long list of transactions that salt Nixon's rise...all the way to the post resignation annual visits to his secret Swiss Bank Accounts.

Much has been made in the press of the possible physical abuse of Pat Nixon at her husband's hand -- the sources are interesting, but not convicting. Nonetheless, the narrative is filled with instances of psychological abuse, a profound story of attachment disorder. One wonders why no one speculated about this during the long Nixon public career?

Summers provides the basis for raising the question needing debate -- how was it that a political party selected this flawed person for leadership? Just reading through the sources one understands Nixon's intimates knew something of the truth -- but they nominated him twice for Vice President, and three times for President -- we need to comprehend why. His own psychologist seemed to know in 1951 that he could not handle stress, but professional ethics of course kept him from speaking out. His profound problems with truth and trust were apparent to his political allies -- but they turned away from the responsibility to act. Summers does not ask these questions, but readers ought to consider them.

Tricky Dick Was One Ambitious Crook
Summers is one superb writer who had weaved together Nixon's heretofore largely unknown background. Because his work was published 26 years after Nixon's fall from office, Summers had benefitted from newly declassified documents, newly released White House tapes and the latest published memoirs and articles of Nixon's players. Additionaly, he and his staff had interviewed 1000 people, including some in prison. The author is a diligent researcher who had corroborated his 5 year effort with 120 smaller print pages of source notes.
Irrespective of Nixon's political achievements, the unbiased reader will become convinced that Richard Nixon was one overly desperate man: One insecure politician obsessed with challengers; he had bluffed his way to power by fraud, trickery and cunning media showbiz.

Most citizens are aware only of the Daniel Ellsberg and Watergate break-ins, not of the 100 other smaller scale office and apartment break-ins of Nixon's adversaries.

Whether the reader wants to believe if Nixon was a crook or not: The bottom line is that Richard Nixon became the first president of the United States ever to resign from office in disgrace.

Propaganda--not history
"No President since Abraham Lincoln has recieved such negative press as Richard Nixon," was the comment of one writer. Without a doubt, while Lincoln was president in 1860, he was ridiculed by his own cabinet, called a tyrant, demonized in the press, dealt pragmatically with a divided nation, and was perhaps one of the most hated individuals in the United States.
Furthermore, he suffered from great depression, and according to some of his closest associates was even suicidal. It was not until nearly 50 years after his death that the nation and the world began to appreciate the sacrifes he made for the U.S. Likewise, like the hostile press towards Lincoln, Anthony Summers is comparable to a Southern fire-eater trying to destroy a courageous and competent President who was forced to make decisive decisions in the most turbulent decade since the Civil War.
To begin with, Summers methodology of research is very troubling. Rather than sift through primary sources and interpret history for himself and others, he has largely taken "claims" of secondary sources and sensationalized them. Furthermore, many of the individuals he interviewed, particularily those close to Nixon, claim that Summers was dishonest with them and that he distorted their answers. Many of Summers' claimed interviews were with people that are now dead. So, this forces one to ponder, based on Summers' dubious interviews that are documented, if he also fabricated the interviews of those who are now unable to speak.
As for the content, Summers really offers nothing new on Nixon. Summers basically takes claims by Nixon's opponents and acts as if its some new groundbreaking discovery. Take for instance Nixon beating his wife Pat black and blue. There is no substantial evidence to back this up. As for Nixon sabotaging LBJ's peace iniative, Dr. Robert Dallek had already explored the possibility of Nixon contacting Thieu in 1968. As Dallek, the definitive expert on LBJ has written, it is only a possibility with no evidence to back it up. It is not a "new revelation" as Summers claims.
Moreover, Summers fails to address that Dean Rusk admitted that LBJ and Humphreys and the North Vietnamese engineered the bombing halt so Nixon would not get elected. There was never a Johnson peace iniative, the North Vietnamese wanted Humphreys to get elected because they knew they could manipulate him as easily as they had Johnson. Furthermore, LBJ believed that Vietnam was a just cause and he supported Nixon's stand on Vietnam. Once again, Summers fails to provide the whole picture of the 1968 election.
In conclusion, it is evident that none of Summers claims are nothing but sensationalistic journalism being used by a babyboomer tabloid reporter who does not have an objective opinion of Mr. Nixon. The facts are this, Nixon was a dedicated father, a brilliant man, and a master of foreign policy.
In the end, history will record that Nixon was right about Vietnam all along. Ho Chi Minh was not an Agrarian Reformer and he did not have overwhelming support of the people. While the war-protesters were blowing up buildings, assasinating innocent americans, and rooting for 'Uncle Ho,' Nixon always proclaimed that if the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam, the North would invade and massacre the South. After the Democratic Congress cut off all aid to South Vietnam, Nixon was forced to sign an imperfect agreement. And what happened was exactly what he predicted: the North Vietnamese invaded the South and slaughtered thousands and thousands more died trying to flee the oppression of the North. Thousands more were sent to re-education camps or executed. So much for the "national war of liberation" that the opponents of the war proclaimed.
It is obvious that Summers is a tabloid journalist and not a historian. Rather than write history he is trying to create it. There are no substance to any of his charges, his evidence is without basis, and his methods are dubious.

The Nixon Century
After reading Anthony Summers book and reading a number of the customer reviews, I would have to conclude that "The Arrogance of Power" was indeed propaganda rather than fact. I have read many books on Watergate and Nixon, and many of them were very unfair to Nixon, but Summers takes the cake. The book is based on mainly secondary sources and the opinions of others. Infact, on the very first page there is an inaccuracy: Summers states that John Ehrlichman knew Nixon better than most, but, if Summers had read Ehrlichman's book "Witness to Power", he would have known that Ehrlichman only had a professional relationship with Nixon that went as "sour as a relationship could." Even Ehrlichman admited he hardly knew Nixon, so why can't Summers discern the facts. Books like Summers are very frustrating because the purpose is not to seriously study a subject but to distort the truth. And, that is what Summers does, as you read the book and notice errors and the weak footnotes, you realize that the author's purpose is to decieve the reader. And, unfortunately, according to the number of positive reviews customers gave this book, Summers has decieved many.

Propaganda---Not History
"No President since Abraham Lincoln has recieved such negative press as Richard Nixon," was the comment of one writer. Without a doubt, while Lincoln was president in 1860, he was ridiculed by his own cabinet, called a tyrant, demonized in the press, dealt pragmatically with a divided nation, and was perhaps one of the most hated individuals in the United States.
Furthermore, he suffered from great depression, and according to some of his closest associates was even suicidal. It was not until nearly 50 years after his death that the nation and the world began to appreciate the sacrifes he made for the U.S. Likewise, like the hostile press towards Lincoln, Anthony Summers is comparable to a Southern fire-eater trying to destroy a courageous and competent President who was forced to make decisive decisions in the most turbulent decade since the Civil War.
To begin with, Summers methodology of research is very troubling. Rather than sift through primary sources and interpret history for himself and others, he has largely taken "claims" of secondary sources and sensationalized them. Furthermore, many of the individuals he interviewed, particularily those close to Nixon, claim that Summers was dishonest with them and that he distorted their answers. Many of Summers' claimed interviews were with people that are now dead. So, this forces one to ponder, based on Summers' dubious interviews that are documented, if he also fabricated the interviews of those who are now unable to speak.
As for the content, Summers really offers nothing new on Nixon. Summers basically takes claims by Nixon's opponents and acts as if its some new groundbreaking discovery. Take for instance Nixon beating his wife Pat black and blue. There is no substantial evidence to back this up. As for Nixon sabotaging LBJ's peace iniative, Dr. Robert Dallek had already explored the possibility of Nixon contacting Thieu in 1968. As Dallek, the definitive expert on LBJ has written, it is only a possibility with no evidence to back it up. It is not a "new revelation" as Summers claims.
Moreover, Summers fails to address that Dean Rusk admitted that LBJ and Humphreys and the North Vietnamese engineered the bombing halt so Nixon would not get elected. There was never a Johnson peace iniative, the North Vietnamese wanted Humphreys to get elected because they knew they could manipulate him as easily as they had Johnson. Furthermore, LBJ believed that Vietnam was a just cause and he supported Nixon's stand on Vietnam. Once again, Summers fails to provide the whole picture of the 1968 election.
In conclusion, it is evident that none of Summers claims are nothing but sensationalistic journalism being used by a babyboomer tabloid reporter who does not have an objective opinion of Mr. Nixon. The facts are this, Nixon was a dedicated father, a brilliant man, and a master of foreign policy.
In the end, history will record that Nixon was right about Vietnam all along. Ho Chi Minh was not an Agrarian Reformer and he did not have overwhelming support of the people. While the war-protesters were blowing up buildings, assasinating innocent americans, and rooting for 'Uncle Ho,' Nixon always proclaimed that if the U.S. pulled out of Vietnam, the North would invade and massacre the South. After the Democratic Congress cut off all aid to South Vietnam, Nixon was forced to sign an imperfect agreement. And what happened was exactly what he predicted: the North Vietnamese invaded the South and slaughtered thousands and thousands more died trying to flee the oppression of the North. Thousands more were sent to re-education camps or executed. So much for the "national war of liberation" that the opponents of the war proclaimed.
It is obvious that Summers is a tabloid journalist and not a historian. Rather than write history he is trying to create it. There are no substance to any of his charges, his evidence is without basis, and his methods are dubious. ... Read more

Book Description

A fresh look at this astute, likably quirky statesman, by the author of the Pulitzer Award-winning Founding Brothers. "The most lovable and most laughable, the warmest and possibly the wisest of the founding fathers, John Adams knew himself as few men do and preserved his knowledge in a voluminous correspondence that still resonates. Ellis has used it with great skill and perception not only to bring us the man, warts and all, but more importantly to reveal his extraordinary insights into the problems confronting the founders that resonate today in the republic they created."151;Edmund S. Morgan, Sterling Professor of History Emeritus, Yale University. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Flesh and Blood
When John Adams began to compile notes for an autobiography, he prefaced his material with a warning to posterity: "[T]here is no reason to expect that any sketches I may leave of my own Times [will] be received by the Public with any favour, or read by individuals with much interest" (61).
Adams wrote more out of a typical self-effacement than modesty, but his prediction has proved accurate. Succeeding generations of Americans have paid relatively little attention to this cantankerous Founding Father. Compared to some of his contemporaries, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, Adams has enjoyed only small bursts of notoriety.
In his new work, Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams, historian Joseph J. Ellis explores why Adams "remains the most misconstrued and unappreciated 'great man' in American history" (12). In his work, Ellis explores the last twenty-five years of Adams's life, spanning from the time he left the White House to the day of his death on July 4, 1826. According to Ellis, it was in this final period that Adams, free from political and social restraints, was able to express fully his personality and reveal his deepest thoughts. It was also during this time that Adams himself began to analyze and comment upon his own role in the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States government.
Readers should bear in mind that Ellis's work is not a biography. Those looking for a chronological account of his life and accomplishments will not find it here. Instead, Ellis structures his narrative episodically. Each chapter explores a different facet of Adams's personality, revealing his character and thoughts through his friendships, correspondence, intellectual habits, personal reflections, and hopes for the future of his country.
A consistent and entertaining theme throughout Ellis's book is Adams's belligerent yet likeable personality. Adams was never more productive than when challenged; he thrived in the face of conflict. Ellis describes how much in his element Adams felt when, as president, his policies lost him the favor of the Federalist Party:
[Adams had] placed himself in the most attractive position imaginable, at least for a man of his disposition: a leader without a party, whose independence [was] unalloyed and whose virtuous motives [could not] be attributed to a crass craving for popularity. (36)

Adams even took this personal combativeness into his library. He was an aggressive reader, scribbling furious notes on the pages of his books as a means of debating with the author. This habit is indicative of his mode of intellectual operation: "[Adams's] marginalia....constitute dramatic illustrations of the way he defined his own elemental ideas in conflict with opposing versions" (89).
It was typical of Adams to identify his views according to opposition. Ellis employs this same method of identification to reveal Adams's ideological mindset. He devotes a significant amount of his text to the famous correspondence between Adams and his colleague, Thomas Jefferson. Citing Benjamin Rush, who once dubbed Adams and Jefferson, "the North and South Poles of the American Revolution," Ellis juxtaposes the two Founders, demonstrating how Adams sharpened his opinions by pitting them against Jefferson's (134). It was within this context of private communication that Adams was best able to articulate his views: "the episodic character of a conversation matched nicely with his impulsive, hit-or-miss...mode of thinking" (144).
While the structure of Ellis's work is refreshing in its originality, it suffers at times from rough transitions. He divides his analysis so sharply into different categories that some chapters read like independent essays. This lack of structural unity requires him to repeat information, unnecessarily burdening the reader. Twice, for example, he discusses Adams's criticism of Mary Wollstonecraft's writings (101, 185).
The lack of connection between sections also produces an aesthetic imbalance in Ellis's work. Some chapters, such as the one dwelling on Adams and Jefferson's correspondence, are full of delightful anecdotes; others, such as Chapter 5, "Erudite Effusions," are sufficiently heavy with political theory so as to alienate readers in search of lighter fare.
However, for Adams enthusiasts, Ellis's analysis provides a fresh and original look at an oft-neglected Father. Ellis's heartfelt treatment conveys an unusual appreciation for the Sage of Quincy. By portraying Adams transparently-warts and all-he succeeds in conveying to readers a sense of the Founder's humanity. "In effect," says Ellis, "though [Adams] belongs on Mount Rushmore, we would need to devise a way to replace the granite with flesh and blood" (6).

Introduction to our charmingly obnoxious founding father
Ellis' work focuses on the latter part of Adams' life. While it makes no claim to be a complete biography, the book serves as an excellent foundation for those seeking to learn more about our most underappreciated founding father. Through detailed comparisons with Jefferson - Adams' rival and close friend who has been treated more kindly by America's collective consciousness - Ellis begins to illuminate many levels of the New Englander's character. In doing so, he helps us understand why Adams was not, and probably never will be, adored by the nation he helped to create

Better than the best seller
I thought the energy, mischevious wit and intellectual excitement of Adam's mind was wonderfully brought to life with this book. Though not an A to Z life story - it generally focuses on his later life - it still manages to give you a sense of the whole man and the challenges of his times. I wish Ellis would have written a more comprehensive life story, perhaps he will yet.

Scholarly History of the best kind.
Superb History that lays bare insights into of one of the most brilliant and least understood "Founding Fathers." Ellis does not take a psychodramatic approach. Instead he opens the vault of evidentiary material (i.e. quotes and the ability to weave together the paterns of Adams life) to give us John Adams the man. The intellectual, the tornado, the intuitive man of insight to whom we owe so much.

Revisionist Adams
Ellis' book portrays Adams in the most flattering light, viewing the second president largely through the charming, if self-serving, forum of his extensive correspondence. This portrait of Adams, as friend, father, husband and intellectual gadfly, is largely sympathetic. Ellis acknowledges, but glosses over, Adams' numerous failings as president (he was a combustible, querulous, ineffectual and frequently AWOL chief executive, with a haughty view of his office, and a poor regard for civil liberties). Ellis' prose is clear and concise, and the book is of quite manageable size, unlike some of the bloated tomes that have been written on Adams. However, it suffers from a disjointed and episodic construction. ... Read more

Book Description

"We are not alone in our worry about both the physical aspect of aging and the prejudice that exists toward the elderly, which is similar to racism or sexism. What makes it different is that the prejudice also exists among those of us who are either within this group or rapidly approaching it. When I have mentioned the title of this book to a few people, most of them responded, 'Virtues? What could possibly be good about growing old?' The most obvious answer, of course, is to consider the alternative to aging. But there are plenty of other good answers--many based on our personal experiences and observations. "
--from THE VIRTUES OF AGING
... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Feel Good Book on Aging
Jimmy Carter writes as if he were having one of his presidential fireside chats. His writing is clear, friendly, and very readable, as always. He gives the reader a look into his world with his poignant writing style.

In his book "The Virtues of Aging", Jimmy Carter takes the reader through the maze of events that transpire as men and women go through the transition from aging adults to senior citizens. Carter writes of his own transition from president of the United States to a (not so) private citizen. How he felt at his sudden unemployment:

"I was just fifty-six years old when I was involuntarily retired from my position in the White House. What made losing the job even worse was that it was a highly publicized event, with maybe half of the people in the world knowing about my embarrassing defeat ".

Carter writes honestly and openly of his rude awakening into the ranks of senior citizenship, his close encounter with bankruptcy, the fear of losing the family business and property that has been in his family for generations, and ultimately his fortunate financial recovery. Carter describes the importance of an open mind for success in role transition and steps to take to prevent an identity crisis from occurring, such as the importance of family, friends, goals and hobbies in creating successful identity continuity. He discusses the absolute significance of health care for the elderly and the lack of such care for the impoverished elderly in the United States.

Jimmy Carter gives the reader suggestions on how to prepare for retirement and aging- the economics, emotions, and physical aspects (health wise) of aging. He also understands that most young adults do not think about their later years until they are there. He covers the emotional support he received and continues to receive and give to his wife Rosalyn Carter during the difficult periods he went through before and at the end of his presidency and right into senior citizenship. Carter describes the feelings of wanting to get closer to his adult children, grandchildren and Rosalyn. Jimmy Carter covers some important facts and statistics that directly or indirectly concern the elderly and retired.

The clear message in this book is that entering the ranks of senior citizenship need not be a harrowing experience, but a virtuous new stage of life. "The Virtues of Aging" should be read by the young as well as those aging individuals who are planning or who have not begun to plan for retirement and/or their senior years.

Growing old gracefully
"The Virtues of Aging," by former United States President Jimmy Carter, is a down-to-earth nonfiction book about growing old gracefully. Carter mixes interesting statistics with autobiographical information and practical advice.

Carter discusses his work and experiences with a number of organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity. He also discusses the lives of people who made extraordinary accomplishments in their senior years. Carter doesn't shy away from sensitive topics, such as senior sexuality or preparing for one's own death.

One admirable characteristic of Carter's writing is that while it is informed by his own Christian faith, he is also respectful of other belief traditions. Overall, he writes like an unpretentious friend who is sharing his life experience and perspective. Throughout the book, his wife Rosalynn is a constant presence; you get a real sense of the solidity of that relationship.

Fabulous Book!!
I'm in my mid-40's and found this book a facinating
look at older age. Carter busts the old stereotypes
about sitting in the rocking chair during retirement age and mentions numerous examples of friends and associates in the 70's and 80's who are living enormously productive lives. This book
gives me hope for the future. Even though my last 45 years were probably a little easier than my next 45 will, I find solace in the many examples of warm relationships maintained, hobbies developed and new challenges in later life. A whole-hearted endorsement for this book.

Carter is my favorite former US President.

The book also gave me a great curiousity to look at more information on the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Jeffrey McAndrew
broadcaster and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"1

BURN THE BOOK
This is the worst book in the world. After just finishing Jimmy's last book An Hour Before Daylight i could say that he needs to learn how to write, this book was so un iteresting that i almost burnt it while reading it. I suggest that if you own this book then burn it before finishing this report.

Wisdom, honesty and good judgement about how to live longer
Our former president has written a tidy little paperback that made the New York Times best-seller list. The title though, makes you wonder: How can there be any virtue in aging? The author thought a lot about "Virtue" in the title too. He had a reason for using the word. It went like this: "Older people have accumulated wisdom, and wisdom is the ability to exercise good judgement about important but uncertain matters in life." He says: "I'm old, but it's good." Tongue-in-cheek, he also points out "It's nicer now that our children have (more nearly) reached our age."

Whatever your politics, you are taken by the honesty, good judgement and inherent wisdom of our former president. It shines through. Writing on democracy, philosopher Lyhman Bryson said: "The purpose of a democratic society is to make great persons...a democratic way" of doing anything is a way that best keeps and develops the intrinsic powers of men and women." And so it has for Mr. Carter. He has a useful message on aging (a process you can't escape; it happens to all of us if we're lucky)...and, as author Carter says: "Consider the alternative."

So when are we old? Each of us is old when we think we are; when we have an attitude of dependency, restricted physical and mental activity We are old when we have severely limited our contacts with others. Surprisingly, this is not particularly related to the number of years we've lived.

As we get older, We should feel that life is expanding, not contracting. It isn't true that health declines as we grow older if we make a conscious effort to maintain a program of diet, exercise, and control over our own affairs, strong ties with others, and a purpose in life. Not long ago, the Carter Center sponsored a health conference attended by 120 worldwide health experts. They concluded that two-thirds of our physical ailments and premature deaths are caused by our lifestyle. They can be delayed or prevented with good health habits.

Here is a summary of their advice:

-Don't smoke -Maintain recommended body weight -Exercise regularly -Don't eat foods high in cholesterol, saturated fat, sugar, salt -Use booze moderately; don't drink and drive -Fasten seat belts -Remove handguns from home -Have regular medical exams & bloodpressure tests.

Two other crucial factors came out: (1) Have a purpose in life (2) maintain quality relationships with others. Take on almost any tasks you find interesting and challenging. Don't be too cautious. Take a chance. If you wait for perfect conditions you will lead a diminished life. So sayeth author Carter. A fast read and well worth your time if you want to hang around for a while. ... Read more

Book Description

Highlights of 16 of John F. Kennedy's best known speeches, chronicling his Presidential years, 1960 through 1963. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sound bites and highlights, but not much depth.
For somebody who was not alive in JFK's time, this seemed like a great way to get a feel for the politics and history of the 1960s. This approach, though, gives only a few minutes, five at most, of each speech and so the listener gets a famous highlight, but no depth of experience. I am excited about the primary exposure, but much more content and length is necessary for this to be of much use to a serious fan of history or politics.

Great promise but fails to deliver what the buyer expects
This volume was a disappointment because only portions of the various speeches are used. One would expect the complete speech including the classics (American University, Inaugural etc.) Still it is fascinating to hear one of the great modern orators making his case both domestically and internationally. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good, but wish it were "all Reagan"
This is a fairly nice book with good quality photos of Reagan from birth to the end. I enjoyed parts of it, but there are some aggravations. There are included sections that are just outright annoying. Why on earth does there need to be a section about first ladies and for goodness sake why is there a picture of Hillary Clinton ANYWHERE in this book? If this is a book about Ronald Reagan there shouldn't be these stupid little "historical" asides. One section is pictures of other presidents that played sports. Please. I don't need this. It reminds me of my children's preachy take home school magazines. Also a forward by Dan Rather. A more innapropriate person to write a forward about Reagan I would have a hard time finding. Why don't we just get Michael Moore's input while we're at it.

I got this as a keepsake for my children since Reagan dying was a huge world event during their childhood. It has a nice sturdy cover for softback and it has a decent collection of pictures for them to look at. But to truly be perfect it would need to omit the liberal overtones and the stupid pictures that are irrelevent to the life of Reagan. A huge missing gap of this book is lack of pictures of the funeral. It was a touching and pictoral event that should be included in this book.

Buy it to complement other volumes perhaps. I think overall it could have been better.

Good Despite All Efforts to the Contrary
OK - I'll admit that I bought something from the Time/Life telemarketers. I have since been punished by receiving their relentless phone calls.

My copy of "A Life in Pictures" arrived along with three PBS DVD's, and it was a while before I got around to flipping through its pages.

It wasn't until this week that I got around to reading it. The last picture in the book was quite moving now that Reagan has exited the stage at last.

The photos are all worthwhile - though many of them can be found elsewhere. The young Reagan transitioning to the old Reagan presents a remarkable image.

Still, it must be pointed out that anyone selecting Dan Rather to write an introduction to a book about Reagan must have their motive questioned, at the very least. Having Rather opinine about Reagan is like having Rush Limbaugh write the introduction to a book about Bill Clinton.

Rather tries his hardest to say decent things about Reagan while condemning everything he stood for, and is marginally successful. So are the editors, whose captions to the photos only occassionaly break forth in utter disdain. Again - recognizing Reagan's iconographic standing, they are hesitant to resort to outright calumny. Still, they don't miss a chance to characterize his followers as "rabid," emphasize his emotional distance as a father, or give more than equal time to his detractors.

Finally, there's some typical Time/Life nonsense in the book, such as the "Other Presidents Who Survived Assassination Attempts" and "Other Prominent First Ladies" sections.

Still, one can always ignore the captions and text, and come away with a nice collection of images of the Gipper.

Ronald Reagan: A Life in Pictures
What a beautiful book documenting the life of arguably one of the most famous and successful Presidents in our nations history. President Reagan saved our country from socialist and communist forces from within and abroad and helped America become the leader of the free world, a position it still enjoys today, 20 years after his first inauguration. Here's to a Ronald Reagan, a TRUE American hero! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Tragic Genius and the American Tragedy
Martin van Buren invented the American Democratic Party.

More broadly, he was responsible as much as any other single man for the overall political party structure which exists in the United States to this day.

Yet, to most of his latter-day countrymen, he is merely one of those forgettable nobodies who inhabited the White House between Andy Jackson and Honest Abe.

Joel Silbey's readable and engaging book tries to correct that historical neglect.

Silbey ably tells the story of van Buren's rise from modest beginnings to dominance of the New York political scene, van Buren's movement to the national stage and his restructuring of the national political party system, his ascendance to the Presidency, and his ultimate failure to attain his long-term political goals.

As fascinating as is the story of van Buren's successes, it is his failures which hold the greatest lessons for posterity.

As a young, loyal Jeffersonain, van Buren early in his career supported "Mr. Madison's War" (the War of 1812). But the increase in federal power and enhancement of federal legitimacy which came from that war led the country in the direction of expanded federal activity and authority relative to the states.

This offended van Buren's laissez-faire/states-rights Jeffersonian sensibilities. To combat what he denounced as resurgent Federalism, van Buren created a new political structure around a new political party based on states rights, limited government, and laissez-faire economic policy.

That party was the Jacksonian Democratic Party and, until the end of the nineteenth century, the Democratic Party largely adhered to the principles which van Buren imprinted upon it at its birth.

(It may seem strange to hear that the Democratic Party was, through most of its history, the limited-government/states-rights party in the United States. Yet, as late as 1928, Frank Kent, in his lengthy "The Democratic Party: A History" defined states rights as the central unifying principle of the Democratic Party. It was only in the depression of the 1930s that party positions were reversed and the Democrats abandoned the founding principles upon which van Buren had built the party.)

Although the Democrats did generally adhere to van Burenite principles through the nineteenth century, in the course of the nineteenth century the Democratic Party slowly lost its ability to control the nation's destiny. By the middle of the twentieth century, the party had abandoned all of its founding principles: van Buren would have been appalled by the militarism, welfare-statism, corporate favoritism, and outright imperialism which now characterize the Republic he so loved.

What went wrong?

Van Buren himself was brought low by two intractable problems of nineteenth-century America: imperial expansion and slavery. As Silbey narrates in detail, van Buren lost the Democratic nomination in 1844 due to his refusal to countenance imperial expansion (the annexation of Texas, which led, ultimately, to the U.S. seizure of half of Mexico). Van Buren vacillated wildly in his attitudes toward the slave states: as President he was an outspoken enemy of the abolitionists and ally of the slave power, but in 1848 he became the Presidential candidate of the anti-slavery Free Soil Party.

In his final years, van Buren endorsed Abraham Lincoln's military crusade against the slave states, a crusade that decisively destroyed the states-rights position which had been the guiding star of van Buren's political life.

But perhaps the ultimate problem, which van Buren failed to perceive, was the inner logic of the Constitutional structure established in 1787. The Constitution, unlike the preceding Articles of Confederation, created a strong federal Executive and granted the power of taxation to the central government: the Constitutional system was, in its intrinsic logic, despite the Founders' intentions, not a confederation of sovereign states but a centralized, national government.

Of course, neither the actual text of the Constitution nor the intentions of its authors mandated the huge, interventionist, imperialist federal government which we possess today. But to believe, as the Framers and van Buren did believe, that the Constitutional government could be prevented from turning into an all-encompassing leviathan was politically naive.

So great was van Buren's political genius (he was known in his time as the "Little Magician") that he almost succeeded in his grand historical aims. For over three decades, until the catastrophe of the War Between the States, the poltical structures created by van Buren succeeded in defying the logic of history and keeping America as a decentralized federation rather than a centralized nation-state.

But van Buren's grand design for a strictly limited federal government was ultimately wrecked by the War Between the States and by the economic and geopolitical disasters of the twentieth century.

In our own day, both American citizens and all the nations of the world must confront the results of van Buren's historically tragic failure. Can the federal government of the United States of America somehow be restrained in either its domestic powers or its international adventurism? Silbey's brief but fascinating book is a cautionary warning to all who now grapple with this central problem facing the human race. ... Read more

Book Description

Much is known about Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's close relationship: they had similar backgrounds, education, and tastes, and shared world enemies. What David Stafford adds is an exploration of the touchstone of their mutual trust: an extraordinary and far-reaching sharing of military intelligence and a fascination for clandestine operations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The secrets behind the secrets
I really enjoyed this book, not because I enjoy reading about FDR all that much, but because it gives so much new information about how he prosecuted the war -- and because it does the same for Churchill, one of my most favorite flawed heroes. The author makes many points about what each knew, but would not tell the other, how at times both men knew that the other knew, but withheld, information, etc., and how they played their parts (and one another) in the delicate diplomatic dance in light of these things.

While admiring much about FDR's service to America and the world in WW2, I have a general antipathy to FDR's character and theway he did some things; but I do give him credit for having known how to move the American people by degrees, almost imperceptibly when that was necessary, into position to crush the Nazis, and this book reveals more about how he accomplished this. His foresight, diplomacy, and preparations surely shortened the war and saved untold lives.Having Churchill woven in as an equal on the world stage and in relation to FDR gave it a very savory counterpoise.

Very interesting
In the beginning of the war, Roosevelt sensed that Churchill even before he became Prime Minister would be important to the war effort. As time went on these men united by a fear of Hitler these men became friends as well as comrades in arms. This book explores there relationship though a rather unique perspective their intelligence departments. It explores how they got their intelligence and what they did with the knowledge that they gained from it. Despite their friendship the used it to advance the agenda of what they wanted for their own countries. At times their intelligence departments actually came into conflict as they both had different hopes and ambitions.As the war progressed these difference became more important.

I found the book very easy to read. Full of information that although I am a WW2 fanatic I have never seen before. I can recommend this book if you want to learn about the relationship of between these two men.

Enjoyable account
An enjoyable account of the circumstances that brought the two men together, and the relationship that they forged.

Often political friendships form out of necessity and mutual self interest. And that is obvious in this case.

But the fact that the two most remarkable and influential men (in a positive sense) were to forge such an important relationship makes for great reading. ... Read more

Book Description

Slobodan Milosevic, a man the world hoped it would never see again, is currently on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague for crimes against humanity. This engrossing biography documents the life of the former Serbian leader, whose policies instigated wars in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo as well as the bloody campaigns of ethnic cleansing that destroyed a once multi-national country. Drawing on his unrivalled access to many of those closest to Milosevic, author and journalist Adam LeBor describes his subject's unhappy childhood, his marriage, and important friendships. He offers details about the ascendancy of crime over politics in the new republic and the secret channels used by Milosevic and Croatian President Franjo Tudjman as they conspired to carve up Bosnia. LeBor recounts the history of the negotiations between Milosevic and the Western diplomats, politicians, and businessmen with whom he dealt, and tells the tragic story of the wars. Finally he portrays the unprecedented international operation that brought down the Milosevic regime in 2001 and led to his trial at the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague. A gripping account of Europe's first rogue leader in the post-cold war period, this book is also a revelatory look at the tragic story of the collapse of a country and the role played by the West. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A deep understanding of the past and future
The disintegration of Yugoslavia into a horrible series of wars and battles that pitted formerly peaceful neighbors against each other is a very important part of modern European history. It tested the relationship between America and Europe on all levels. And it was where the strengths and weaknesses of the NATO alliance have been most clearly illustrated.

Getting your head around this incredibly complex situation can only be done by examining the man who methodically tore a once-proud country and people to shreds: Slobodan Milosevic.

How was this drab functionary able to completely destroy a prosperous nation? How was he able to create civil wars between villagers that had lived peacefully side by side for generations? Why was he supported and even admired by the Western politicians while simultaneously overseeing some of the worst atrocities against humans since WWII?

Through interviews with all of the key figures that surrounded Milosevic - including his wife Mira Markovic! - Adam LeBor paints a vivid picture of the man at the center of this terrible tragedy.

As a reporter in the Balkans during the wars, Mr. LeBor saw first hand the results of Milosevic's terrible reign. As a proven history writer, he has managed to take his first hand experiences and meld them with historical perspective, so we wind up with an incredibly sharp picture of the key events themselves, but framed within an understanding of the event in the overall historical narrative.

This book is the only work I have seen that makes the Balkans understandable to the common Westerner, and is important for that very reason. However, it also resonates particularly clearly in the world we live in post 9/11, where we again are partnered with NATO and involved in wars in foreign lands with tribal people in a land and culture that are driven by a web of beliefs and interconnectedness that we do not understand.

Read this book to understand what the world lost when Yugoslavia disintegrated, and how it happened. And read this book to gain an understanding and insight into our current conflicts. And finally, read this book for Mr. LeBor's skill at writing. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1982, Peter Robinson was hired as a speechwriter in the Reagan White House. One of a core group of writers who became informal experts on Reagan, Robinson absorbed not just the president's politics but his manner and way of carrying himself. And the example Reagan set -- as a confident, principled, generous-spirited older man who inspired those around him -- molded Robinson just as he was coming into his own. "The longer I studied Ronald Reagan," he says, "the more lessons I learned." At the core of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life are ten life lessons Robinson learned from Reagan -- principles that have guided his own life ever since. Yet it also offers a warm and unforgettable portrait of a great yet ordinary man who touched the individuals around him as surely as he did his millions of admirers around the world. The result is nothing less than a love story -- an account of one man's profound respect and affection for the president who changed his life.

Reviews (43)

Throroughly enjoyable and inspirational!
This is the first book I've read about Ronald Reagan and I will definitely seek to discover more about our 40th President.

It is amazing how Peter Robinson's memories and experiences are intertwined to present a picture of man who proved that an individual can indeed change the world.

I found myself writing down quotes from the President and insights from Robinson so that I could further reflect on how I too could learn from the example that President Reagan set, not just as a leader but as a Godly man.

This is not just a book about the 40th President, but a book about just how influential certain people, with whom our life paths are intertwined, can be, if we allow it. By describing the consistent goodness of this man, Ronald Reagan, and by focusing on him as a person, I felt as if I too could sit down at Reagan's ranch under a live oak and feel comfortable.

I also liked how Robinson deeply reflected on the profound influences that Reagan had on all with whom he came into contact.And although Reagan's own children had difficulty being close to him, I believe Robinson's book shows us how Reagan, through his life's daily example of belief in the goodness of man, can be a "father" somehow to us all.

In a time where now our own fellow Americans themselves are trashing our county's values and objecting to life here in the U.S (which I believe Reagan would be completely shocked about), this book is a reminder of who we all can be in the sphere in which we live.Peter Robinson, we want more from you!Keep writing!

It is truly a book that is so much more than meets the eye at first glance!

This book changed MY life.
The moment I saw Peter Robinson on a television program touting this book, I knew I had to own it. While I was a child growing up during the Reagan administration, even then I was keenly aware of how great and enigmatic the fortieth president was. This book did give an excellent insider's view of the Reagan White House, including great stories and 'naming names' if you will. Yet Robinson also explored Reagan's weaknesses - his trouble connecting with his children as well as trusting those under him during Iran-Contra, even though his gut told him otherwise.

Bottom line - As great as Ronald Reagan was, he was still human with faults and imperfections all his own. The important lesson is not what happens when you fall - we all do - but how you respond. Reagan came back from an assassination attempt and political scandal. He had a job to do and a Cold War to win. You need only to look at the people who lined the streets and filled the rotunda during the week of remembrance to see the result.

a young man's hero
No matter your politics HOW RONALD REAGAN CHANGED MY LIFE is worth reading, worth learning from. Peter Robinson has a fluency & articulateness that is both charming & informative. What he has to tell, to teach, is eminently useful as we go about our lives earning our quota of daily bread, & perhaps most importantly, how to live a fully savored & flavored life.

Rebeccasreads highly recommends HOW RONALD REAGAN CHANGED MY LIFE as a keeper. A book every young professional could do with reading. It is profound & humorous, interesting & whimsical, filled with vignettes & cameo appearances, history & philosophy...all written with a light touch.

How did Reagan do it?
The central question of Robinson's book is, "How did Reagan do it?"

Robinson's personal observations while working for President Reagan along with interviews with friends and associates provides insight into the virtues and character of Ronald Reagan from which we can all learn. A prospective view, as it were, of Reagan's life for use today.

Robinson assumed Reagan's serenity was a result of his luck in life's lottery. A closer examination of the facts revealed a different case. Reagan's father was an alcoholic in a small Midwestern town at a time when the children of alcoholics "suffered a particular kind of hell."

Reagan's first wife, Jane Wyman, divorced him resulting in "the worse trauma of Reagan's life."

And then his movie career ended in his early forties leading to a television career (then considered a lesser medium) because he "needed the work."

Robinson's conclusion? "He was serene because he's been unlucky, learning to bring good from bad so thoroughly that he retained his equanimity even after an attempt on his life."

Through a series of aphorisms Robinson draws lessons from the life of Ronald Reagan: "When life buries you, dig." "Do your work." "Life is a drama. Do something." "A bias for action." "Words matter." "You have a head. Use it." "Easy does it." "Laughter is a profession of faith." "Say your prayers." "You matter."

Reagan's former work as a lifeguard and actor figured pr