Presidents Books

In the contemporary professional world of academic writing current history professors have unfortunately succumbed to falling back on the traditional stereotypical role of pretentious writing, utilization of uncommon vocabulary, complicated imagery relating to their historical subject, and hard to understand primary evidence that the general public can not relate to in their own lives and era.
However, Jonathan Earle effectively demonstrates in his book with superlative ease how past U.S. politics, its parties, and the era in which they were at it's apex, can indeed be interesting to the general public again. Jonathan Earle counter poses the traditional stereotypical role by using interesting primary evidence through out his book, in which he makes you feel like you were actually participating in the events and conversations that took place almost 182 years ago.
Earle uses fascinating historical imagery that not only correlates to what he writes about, but makes you want to explore the images away from the fascinating and important emergence of the Free Soil Party, which defied the traditional system of U.S. politics up to that point in our brief history as a nation. With just a brief emergence of a new century this book shows that our young nation was already facing dire dilemmas that would eventually divide a nation into half for four bloody years. With more men, women, and children who were murdered on both the Union and Confederate sides, then both World Wars and contemporary wars that the U.S. has been involved in to this day.
This is an outstanding read that will take your imagination on a wild adventure back to a time period and political party that is too often negated in U.S. history. In my view Jonathan Earle's book and his writing has triumphantly pounced the traditional stereotypical role. That historical subjects and academic writing can not only appeal to the general public again, but more importantly Earle's book shows just how significant past key historical events and U.S. politics have shaped our lives to this very day.
Erica Hare

Jonathan Earle's deftly written, lively account of the Free Soil Democrats' role in the antislavery effort challenges traditional interpretations of the movement, showing these politicians played a critical role in this country's push toward equality. But more than that, Earle makes you feel like you were at the dinner table with these folks as they debated the central issue of the day, and that's worth the price of the book alone.

I picked up this pounder in hopes of gardening on the cheap, but little did I know what pleasure I would find delving into this well-written account of a fertile time in our nation's history that doesn't get much play in the schools. And, so informative for any one interested in history, and history of the US. Even the garderner in me was gratified: I never knew that hickory needed a split to thrive. What's the sequel?

This classic two volume set reads like a novel. I could'nt put it down. The reader is treated to an intimate look at the history of the times through the eyes of one of the most under-rated of the founding fathers. From his childhood and education through the revolution and founding of the country, insight and detail of the events unfold in a most interesting manner. A most prolific letter and diary writer, John Adams left a detailed account of his life and times, and virtally every aspect of the book is documented and noted. An excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of the times.

This classic two voume set reads like a novel. Once started I could not put it down. From his childhood and education, the revolution and founding of the country, through the trials of his presidency and retirement, the events of the times unfold in intimate detail. A prolific letter and diary writer, John Adams left a treasure of detail and insights to the events of his life, and P Smith has assembled them in a most readable form. This book is a must read for anyone interested in early American history.

I have a project to read a biography of every American president, and since I knew Page Smith's excellent 8-volume history of the US, I decided his biography of John Adams would be the one to read for that president. I now have finally read the work, and I was not wrong. These volumes tell in fascinating detail of the momentous life of our second president, and it is hard for me to see how the telling could be improved upon. I have only a few presidents I have not yet done. Any thought as to the best biography of Millard Fillmore?

Found this to be a very interesting and easy-to-read and easy-to-understand book for children. Some things I didn't know either!

This book is all about the life of John F Kennedy. It told about when he was born, his marriage and his death. Here are some interesting facts I learned of John F. Kennedy. He was a member of the Peace Corps. He wrote 2 books. He met with Martian Luther King. In back is a helpful time line of events.

The book was not too long and not too short. It contained the right amount of information for kids.

I would recommend this book to kids who are learning about the presidents. I learned a lot from reading this book.

I purchased several of the Time Life For Kids books and they are great. I have 9-year-old twin boys who are in 4th grade, and they love them! I would strongly suggest these books for any children who are interested in learning more about a specific legend or if learning about a specific legend is required for class work, book reports, etc.
Great price too!

John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, the second President, was one of America's greatest diplomats. He made a name for himself as the country was being formed, especially with his defense of "the rules of law" against the will of the majority. He was one of the last of the old Federalists. He was a foreign minister to Holland, Portugal, and Prussia, and was Secretary of State under Monroe (where he was the main force in establishing the Monroe Doctrine). He became the sixth President in a controversial election that was decided in the House of Representatives.

Parson's short (272 pages) but thorough and well-written biography of Adams is a job well done. She details the accomplishments of his life, but focuses primarily on the man himself. Adams was a stern man (his portrait reminds me of some evil Dickens character, Marley perhaps), and not well-liked by the public. He believed that one should not "run" for a political office, but should just accept it if offered (imagine that today!). He hated Andrew Jackson and slavery, and fought hard against both. This is an excellent book on an interesting man.

Lynn H. Parsons has written a biography that is blessedly free from 'academic speak' or the sense that he is only writing for other historians. This is definitely a biography for even the most casual lover of history. Parsons' familiarity with JQA allows him to introduce us to that prickly character as one would introduce an eccentric friend--always aware of the eccentricities but never apologizing for them. Adams (and his father) are two of the greatest of America's early statesmen and two of it's worst politicians. Parsons presents the genius and the folly and allows us to weigh our opinions--tho' its clear where Parsons' affections lie. It is hard to imagine that anyone will (or could) write a better one volume popular biography of JQA. Parsons clearly could tell us much more, but he chooses not to bog his narrative down in the kind of historical detail that glazes the eye of the casual reader. For serious historians this is a valuable book because it doesn't get lost in its own importance--the writing is direct, succinct and keeps the reader aware of the difference of the attitudes of Adams and his contemporaries to our current sensibilities. Parsons ends with a note that JQA's only monument in Washington is a small plaque in statuary hall in the Capitol. I would argue that Adams' best monument in DC is the one he would be proudest of--the Smithsonian Institution he fought so hard to help establish. I highly recommend this book.

After reading this well written biography, I experienced the sorrows, joys, and accomplishments in the life of one of our country's greatest statesmen.

Adult, sophisticated, and unillusioned, Gibson has produced an essential volume for anyone seriously interested in the coup that removed John F. Kennedy from office - and much else beside. (The book is worth buying for his passages on Richard Sorge alone.)

His first concern is to demonstrate who compelled an opposed LBJ to convene what became known, entirely misleadingly, as the Warren Commission; he ends by seeking to explain why. His case for Eastern Establishment centrality to the cover-up is convincingly made. So, too, his case for Kennedy's economic and political radicalism as the inter-related roots of Eastern Establishment hostility.

Elsewhere in the book's course, he comprehensively demolishes the work of the establishment's left-wing gatekeepers - most predictably the risible Noam Chomsky, less expectedly, but more welcomely, Peter Dale Scott, the subtlest of them all - and offers compelling evidence for the continuity in US establishment practices: Chomsky and Scott had predecessors, and Gibson correctly identifies at least one of them; veto by assassination and smear emerge as the American elite's norm in the face of charismatic centre-left politicians.

He is equally dismissive of the Right's heroes: Tailgunner Joe, for example, couldn't distinguish establishment tree from Commie wood. But here we come to an area of weakness. If Acheson and circle could persuade LBJ to launch a commission he didn't want, how come they couldn't silence the Wisconsin Senator? To put it another way, who within the Eastern Establishment licensed McCarthy et al publicly to assail Acheson and circle? Was the Eastern Establishment really as united as Gibson insists?

Still, it is a measure of this book's worth that such adult questions are begged. Buy it!

The great JFK assassination research community, after forty years of wandering around in what the great cia asset Kenneth Rahn calls a "quagmire", apparently still remains clueless as to how to even begin to think about the Kennedy assassination.
Fortunately for these space cadets, and for the rest of us, there are some people who have left a few clues for us to pick up.
Sociologists like G William Domhoff and Donald Gibson are pointing in the direction of the true causes for the president's assassination. Domhoff's books on the power elite in this country are a good beginning for the material Gibson presents in his two books.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has some basic background on the murder, enough to know of the continuing massive cover-up, and who is now wondering on what line of research to pursue next.
This book will give you some leads.

To anyone thinking about reading this book, I would like to make a few suggestions.
1)If you can, find and read Gibson's first Kennedy book, "Battling Wall Street", before reading this book. Not absolutely necessary, but it sets Gibson's basic ideas in motion.
2)After having read the two Gibson books, begin some basic research on Nelson and David Rockefeller, John J McCloy, and Allen Dulles, particularly in regards to their relationships to an american institution known as the cia, another organization known as The Council on Foreign Relations, and their ties to these groups and each other. A Cary Reich book on Nelson, for example, has some information on the brother's cia involvement.
3)Connect the dots.
4)Case Closed!

The succession of essays, each on a facet of Reagan's philosophy, reveals an inspiring amalgam of contrast and comparison among Reagan, Jefferson, Jackson and FDR. Even Gatsby, Willy Loman, Horatio Alger, Micawber and Mr. Magoo are pointedly drawn into the mix. Indispensible if you wish to know Reagan.

In The Last Jeffersonian, Steven Greffenius persuasively contends that Ronald Reagan articulated the values of American democracy as understood and defined by its great Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. It's a unique and valuable analysis. (Lou Cannon)

I had long ago all but dismissed Ronald Reagan as an amiable and polished speaker of lines he had been given to read. Still I was curious about his appeal, even to such intelligent critics as George Will. Will and others had written columns over the years defending Reagan's views, but I wanted more: a coherent defense of the man's principles in view of his (to me) obvious callousness towards the have-nots. It was for this reason that I read Dr. Greffenius's impassioned championship of Reagan. Through Greffenius's presentation of the principles Reagan defended--all stemming from his radical belief in the importance of individual freedom--I began to think of Reagan, for the first time, as a brilliant conduit for the principles of democracy first espoused by Thomas Jefferson. Greffenius does not ignore Reagan's critics, but engages them directly. And as I read this book, I found myself thinking often of F. Scott Fitzgerald's conclusion to The Great Gatsby. The Last Jeffersonian opened my eyes to the ways in which Ronald Reagan gave us, perhaps for the last time in history, a view of our America from "somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night." I can't, even now, describe myself as a Reagan fan. But The Last Jeffersonian was nevertheless an interesting and very worthwhile read.

This book is out of print, but you can get it used through amazon and others. It's a great collection of Lincoln's speeches, correspondence and other writings, and it includes an approx. 200 page biography. The bio was written around 1940, and no doubt there's more recent scholarship missing, but we're spared the fashionable speculation about whether Lincoln was gay or some other insignifica which seem to be focal points for so many contemporary biographers and historians. Stern, as the reviewer on amazon says, "wisely respects the mysterious alchemy by which a plain man became a statesman; this respectful anthology seeks only to present Lincoln, not to explain him." The bio's a useful bonus, but the real matter belongs to Lincoln, and there's 700 pages of it beyond the bio. Hopefully Modern Library will reissue this book, and it would be great if the bio were to be updated while maintaining the same cautious and sober approach.

I have a large Civil War library, and if there was a fire, this is the one Lincoln book I would try to rescue. Despite being written almost 50 years ago, the book's strong point is not its selection of Lincoln's writings (although that is quite good), but its masterful biographical sketch of Lincoln by Stern. Almost seven score since Lincoln's death, there is still no other satisfying BRIEF biography. In about 200 pages, Stern has managed to capture, in skilfull prose, all the important facts while still having room for some less-wordy, interesting comments. Each important event is succinctly captured in a couple paragraphs. I like that Stern actually calls Lincoln "neurotic" in certain personal aspects. I also like his passages on Willie Lincoln's death, emancipation, and the war's closing. There's really not enough room for any heavy politically-influenced interpretations of issues like those in modern long biographies,and that's why Stern's sketch can't be considered outdated. Some people may not like the short description of Lincoln's assassination, and I thought Stern spent too much ink on Lincoln's final attempts to compensate the South. Since the book predates the most comprehensive, closely-inspected collection of Lincoln's letters, there may be some inaccuracies in the writings reproduced here. However, the selection is an excellent one, linked together well with intros by Stern. I can't imagine this was an easy job for Stern and I'm lost why it's been virtually ignored. But all in all, I can only repeat, if you want to know the most about Lincoln in the fewest words, and have your interest held throughout, just buy this book and you're set!

This is a great book. I think the introduction is the best. It is interesting plus you really feel Lincoln was a man of the people. My favorite part was when Lincoln had one of his sons in a wagon. Lincoln was so much in his thoughts that the child fell out and was crying loudly and Lincoln kept walking dragging an empty wagon behind him.

THE LINCOLN FUNERAL TRAIN is the story of an extraordinary journey never before told with such thoroughness. It brings the importance of state funerals for PResident Abraham Lincoln into clear focus. The book is laced with maps, photos, illustrations and things like detailed maps, train schedules, copies of the telegraphs, accounts of the preparations by many funeral committees and stories of the many ceremonies and memorials held as the train passed through seven states over 22 railroads annd two ferry transfers on the Hudson River.

The book is 224 pages, 8 1/2 x 11, hardcover with color dust jacket.

Chapters include:

The Events of April 14 and 15, 1865

Planning the Funeral Train and the United States Military Railroads

Washington - Baltimore - Harrisburg April 21, 1865

Harrisburg - Philadelphia April 22, 1865

Philadelphia - New York April 24, 1865

New Your - Albany April 25, 1865

Albany - Syracuse - Buffalo April 26-27, 1865

Buffalo - Erie - Cleveland April 27-28, 1865

Cleveland - Columbus April 28-29, 1865

Columbus - Richmond - Indianapolis April 29-30, 1865

Indianapolis April 30, 1865

Indianapolis - Michigan City - Chicago May 1, 1865

Chicago - Bloomington - Springfield May 2-3, 1865

A Long Journey's End May 4, 1865

Comprehensive Appendices

ABSOLUTELY READ THIS BOOK IF YOU READ NO OTHERS!

BUY IT FOR SURE!!!!!

This is a profound book focusing on the presidential funeral journey for Abraham Lincoln. It is beautifully done, well illustrated, excellent maps, with photos and a marvelous and captivating story line that follows through. Eash chapter seems to surround the events at the stop for that day. It gets down to the trackside level of the ordinary person and really brings out the common man's response to the president's death. This ought to be required reading for every presidental and history scholar. It definitely should be in every public and school library. Destined to be a classic! A keeper in my library!!!! I hope this author writes more books of this quality. If you don't read another history book, read this one.

This is an extraordinary accounting of the journey of Lincoln's funeral train and how America responded. From start to finish this is a detailed book with maps, photos and text following closely. Just not another dry book about the life of Abraham Lincoln. The author takes you there, through the big state memorials to the little trackside memorials and brief stops. The reader only need close his eyes to hear the train, the hymns and other demonstrations of sorrow. It is not hard to imagine the endless miles of mourners, the expressions of sorrow shown by a merciful and humble nation. Truly, this book demonstrates the extraordinary national observances of Lincoln and the first national funeral for a fallen president. A very impressive book and worthy of every library. The book is well assembled with color dust jacket and solid case. Worth every penny.

Kudos to Mr. Burkhimer. Finally a well documented case history of the religious beliefs of our favorite President. Mr. Burkhimer manages to use scores of primary sources to prove his conclusions. His style is smooth and erudite. This is a very controversal subject among historians but, Mr. Burkhimer handles it deftly. Many will find the conclusions interesting and surprising. I highly recommend this book to all scholars who collect Lincoln books, and also to anyone interested in our country's past and the thoughts and motivations of our former leaders. This book will certainly prove to be a classic!

Comprehensive examination of primary documents gives credibility to the conclusions drawn by the author. Those interested in the Civil War era, Abraham Lincoln, or simply the motivation behind great men and women will enjoy this book.

Very informative A great read with a different perspective on Lincoln's spirituality. A timely subject. I highly reccomend it.

My first exposure to Wyatt Blassingame's The Look-It-Up Book of Presidents was the early 90's when my Aunt and Uncle gave the tome to me as a gift. Back then the book ended with President Reagan. In the years since I updated my copy as Presidents Bush Sr. and Clinton took and left office. What kept me coming back to the Look-It-Up Book of Presidents is how clearly the biographies of each President are written without any confusing jargon. I also was impressed with how neutral he is toward each President. For example Blassingame's narratives about the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the 1999 NATO air strikes in Kosovo are written better than most news stories were in 1998-99. There is one weakness however. Since this edition ends with the 2000 election it misses the major events of President Bush's term such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq war, and the Democratic takeover of Congress in 2006. The 2004 and 2006 deaths of Presidents Reagan and Ford are missing as well. Even though I no longer own the Look-It-Up Book of Presidents, it got me interested in history. I fully recommend it to children who need a basic reference and to adults who need a refresher on our Presidents.

I have included the updated edition of this book in several of my bibliographies for the children's books I'm currently writing because the presidential profiles are, for the most part, very readable, informative, and enlightening.

This book was recently updated as it seeks to include all of the presidents. The fact that earlier editions of this book have been in print for several decades is a testiment to its fine quality. It is written for the late elemntary to middle school grade level but is a nice quick reference even for adults. The book tends to whitewash certain controversies and treat presidents in a more favorable light than might a longer, adult oriented book. Still, the book gives the basics of major scandals in the presiencies of Grant, Harding, Nixon, etc. Furthermore, the book gives the reader a basic understanding of who each of our presidents was and what the basic issues were during the presidency of each. Knowing the basics of each of our presidents is important for good citizenship and this book fills the bill nicely. I hope that this book will encourage readers to want to read full legnth biographies of some of the presidents profiled or, at least to delve deeper into their presidencies by reading a more complex, adult level book of this type. I highly recommend this great introduction to our presidents.