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Biographies of US Presidents - Hourly History #37
Richard Nixon: A Life from Beginning to End
He’s the president with the asterisk by his name: Richard Milhous Nixon, the only U.S. president to resign from office. But Richard Nixon’s legacy to the history of the United States is much more complicated than the scandal of Watergate. His is the classic story of American legend, of a young man who rose from his humble roots to achieve power and influence.
Inside you will read about...
✓ The “Have-Not” Nixon
✓ Nixon Rising
✓ Vice President
✓ The Election of 1960
✓ President at Last
✓ Watergate
✓ Nixon in Disgrace
And much more!
The story has tinges of Horatio Alger, but also of Machiavelli, and that may be the enigma of Richard Nixon, the student who was offered scholarships to Ivy League schools but couldn’t afford to go there, forever embedding within him the resentment against his political opponents, such as John F. Kennedy, who did; the politician who helped to bring the Republican Party back into power after the Roosevelt years, but who didn’t shy away from “dirty tricks” in order to win election; the dogged, diligent candidate who had his facts in order, but couldn’t compete on television with the telegenic JFK; the anti-communist who negotiated treaties with the Soviet Union and opened the door to China; the stigma of presidential abuse during the Watergate investigation, and the rehabilitation as the elder statesmen of American politics in the post-Watergate years. Was Nixon a villain or a hero? Meet the president whose personality consisted of conflicting layers of pragmatism, patriotism, self-doubt and a fall from grace that roiled American democracy.
Inside you will read about...
✓ The “Have-Not” Nixon
✓ Nixon Rising
✓ Vice President
✓ The Election of 1960
✓ President at Last
✓ Watergate
✓ Nixon in Disgrace
And much more!
The story has tinges of Horatio Alger, but also of Machiavelli, and that may be the enigma of Richard Nixon, the student who was offered scholarships to Ivy League schools but couldn’t afford to go there, forever embedding within him the resentment against his political opponents, such as John F. Kennedy, who did; the politician who helped to bring the Republican Party back into power after the Roosevelt years, but who didn’t shy away from “dirty tricks” in order to win election; the dogged, diligent candidate who had his facts in order, but couldn’t compete on television with the telegenic JFK; the anti-communist who negotiated treaties with the Soviet Union and opened the door to China; the stigma of presidential abuse during the Watergate investigation, and the rehabilitation as the elder statesmen of American politics in the post-Watergate years. Was Nixon a villain or a hero? Meet the president whose personality consisted of conflicting layers of pragmatism, patriotism, self-doubt and a fall from grace that roiled American democracy.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2017
171 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 30, 2020
A obra é aquilo que anuncia: um conjunto de dados biográficos que se lê em menos de uma hora.
July 1, 2019
Interesting and concise biography over one of America's most controversial presidents. This biography really changed my opinion of him and made me understand him a lot better.
May 20, 2017
With the exception of their political party, ruthlessness in seeking his desired results, thin-skin in perceiving slights, and their tricks in deception, doubletalk, and shady, underhanded dealings, the 45th President of the United States, Donald John Trump, and the 37th, Richard Milhous Nixon couldn’t be more different. Throughout Nixon’s life, he was engaged in a constant battle against the odds presented by the wealthy. He was born on a California lemon farm and had to work his way through school. This lack of social class gave him an inferiority complex that followed him throughout his life. He embarked on a personal quest of the “have not’s” against the “have’s” (clearly the pole opposite of Donald Trump). As vice president during the eight years of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, Nixon learned and performed well in the close-knit, backbiting, and ever shifting battlegrounds of Washington politics (unlike Trump’s naïve approach and total ignorance of the political system)
Nixon’s 1960 Presidential Campaign was the first one I consciously remember. As a ten-year-old, I had no real grasp of the situation but the process intrigued me nevertheless. In 1969, before Nixon repealed the draft, I joined the navy instead of waiting for my number to be called. I followed the Watergate hearings and, like thousands of other Americans lost a falsely perceived greatness in the office of our supreme leaders.
As with many historical figures, Nixon can only be judged by his place and overall accomplishments in world and US history. He isn’t the only president to make grave mistakes; he is, however, one that was caught. This short history brings back a flood of memories, raises many questions, and opens my eyes to what might have been.
Nixon’s 1960 Presidential Campaign was the first one I consciously remember. As a ten-year-old, I had no real grasp of the situation but the process intrigued me nevertheless. In 1969, before Nixon repealed the draft, I joined the navy instead of waiting for my number to be called. I followed the Watergate hearings and, like thousands of other Americans lost a falsely perceived greatness in the office of our supreme leaders.
As with many historical figures, Nixon can only be judged by his place and overall accomplishments in world and US history. He isn’t the only president to make grave mistakes; he is, however, one that was caught. This short history brings back a flood of memories, raises many questions, and opens my eyes to what might have been.
April 12, 2019
A lot of this stuff I already knew about Nixon but I found this to be an interesting review of Watergate. I highlighted and saved on my Kindle various excerpts and then put it all together and this is what I came up with the following.
Quotes:
In the summer of 1971, the New York Times began to publish The Pentagon Papers (the Defense Departments secret history of Vietnam.) The Department of Justice asserted that the publication of the papers was a danger to national security and it got a restraining order. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled that the publication was justified by the First Amendment. Three months after the papers became public, a psychiatrist's office was burglarized. The break-in came to be known as being done by The White House Plumbers (fixing leaks.) The names of some of these so-called plumbers were G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt. On June 17, 1972, burglars again broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at Washington DC's Watergate office complex. The intruders were breaking in to install wiretapping equipment. June 25, 1973, John Dean, President Nixon's aide, decided to tell what he knew, and it was explosive. He testified to the Senate Watergate committee that The Attorney General had approved the Watergate break-in and Nixon knew about it, as well as Nixon aides John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman. It was then learned of the "Nixon tapes." Special prosecutor Archilbald Cox subpoenaed the tapes. Nixon fired Cox and the Attorney General resigned. The House Judiciary Committee, accusing Nixon of obstruction of justice, abuse of powers as president, and hindering the impeachment process, had articles of impeachment brought up against Nixon. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the subpoena for the tapes. The tapes revealed Nixon telling Haldeman to order the FBI to stop investigating the Watergate scandal. On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned. He was never prosecuted, except by public opinion.
Quotes:
In the summer of 1971, the New York Times began to publish The Pentagon Papers (the Defense Departments secret history of Vietnam.) The Department of Justice asserted that the publication of the papers was a danger to national security and it got a restraining order. The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled that the publication was justified by the First Amendment. Three months after the papers became public, a psychiatrist's office was burglarized. The break-in came to be known as being done by The White House Plumbers (fixing leaks.) The names of some of these so-called plumbers were G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt. On June 17, 1972, burglars again broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at Washington DC's Watergate office complex. The intruders were breaking in to install wiretapping equipment. June 25, 1973, John Dean, President Nixon's aide, decided to tell what he knew, and it was explosive. He testified to the Senate Watergate committee that The Attorney General had approved the Watergate break-in and Nixon knew about it, as well as Nixon aides John Ehrlichman and H.R. Haldeman. It was then learned of the "Nixon tapes." Special prosecutor Archilbald Cox subpoenaed the tapes. Nixon fired Cox and the Attorney General resigned. The House Judiciary Committee, accusing Nixon of obstruction of justice, abuse of powers as president, and hindering the impeachment process, had articles of impeachment brought up against Nixon. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the subpoena for the tapes. The tapes revealed Nixon telling Haldeman to order the FBI to stop investigating the Watergate scandal. On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned. He was never prosecuted, except by public opinion.
April 13, 2019
I've started reading these "Hourly History" series, typically 30 to 50 pages of the most salient facts around powerful personalities or events in history. It's summary version of the most important events surrounding the person's life, told in an engaging narrative, with no footnotes or lengthy explanations to boggle the narrative. My only other encounter so far with the "Hourly History" series has been the Korean War, which I found to be an equally engaging story-in-a-nutshell.
Nixon is still a controversial figure, as I perceive by reading some very negative reviews below. People come in all shapes and sizes, as do our presidents, past and present. I found this account of Nixon's life quite balanced, paying tribute to his great deeds, particularly his foreign policy leadership and his policy of detente with China. His wrongdoings, however, take equal account, and the break-in and subsequent cover-up of the Watergate scandal are rightly addressed. Comparisons to our current 45th president are also correctly addressed. History, in the end, will have the final word. Who shapes that word, however, is always the variable.
Nixon is still a controversial figure, as I perceive by reading some very negative reviews below. People come in all shapes and sizes, as do our presidents, past and present. I found this account of Nixon's life quite balanced, paying tribute to his great deeds, particularly his foreign policy leadership and his policy of detente with China. His wrongdoings, however, take equal account, and the break-in and subsequent cover-up of the Watergate scandal are rightly addressed. Comparisons to our current 45th president are also correctly addressed. History, in the end, will have the final word. Who shapes that word, however, is always the variable.
October 25, 2021
Complex Enigma
Richard Nixon, in the words of my father - who was a Democratic Party committeeman in the 50s to 70s- could have gone down as one of the greatest presidents if Watergate hadn’t happened. With hindsight, that may have been an overstatement, but his accomplishments - particularly in foreign policy and the environment - are largely overshadowed by his paranoia and criminal activity over the Watergate break-in and coverup. You’d do well to read this and explore more deeply this complex and enigmatic man.
Richard Nixon, in the words of my father - who was a Democratic Party committeeman in the 50s to 70s- could have gone down as one of the greatest presidents if Watergate hadn’t happened. With hindsight, that may have been an overstatement, but his accomplishments - particularly in foreign policy and the environment - are largely overshadowed by his paranoia and criminal activity over the Watergate break-in and coverup. You’d do well to read this and explore more deeply this complex and enigmatic man.
July 3, 2020
Though Nixon is remembered most for the Watergate debacle, he did some good in his time as President. This short 49-page book gives a brief overview. He eliminated the draft and established the Environmental Protection Agency. He visited China for the first Presidential visit in 20 years and worked on arms control with the Soviet Union. He struggled hard for his achievements in life but was too willing to justify the means to an end.
July 16, 2020
Tricky Dick: Richard M. Nixon
Good reading here. Refreshed my knowledge of the man first known to me by the nickname "Tricky Dick". He was a great statesman and did a lot of good for this country. He just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Other Presidents have gotten away with it or were discovered after the fact. Still, I think it's a very good window of information about the life and legacy of Richard Milhouse Nixon.
Good reading here. Refreshed my knowledge of the man first known to me by the nickname "Tricky Dick". He was a great statesman and did a lot of good for this country. He just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Other Presidents have gotten away with it or were discovered after the fact. Still, I think it's a very good window of information about the life and legacy of Richard Milhouse Nixon.
March 26, 2021
Nixon
For a man so complex, brilliant, yet very deeply flawed, Richard M. Nixon's a man, a president who has accomplishments that cannot be denied even by those who disliked him. Nixon mattered. His presidency will be studied by historian's of the future, who no doubt will scratch their heads in wonderment at the dicotomy of a man worthy of such praise for those accomplishments and scorn for such terrible mistakes.
For a man so complex, brilliant, yet very deeply flawed, Richard M. Nixon's a man, a president who has accomplishments that cannot be denied even by those who disliked him. Nixon mattered. His presidency will be studied by historian's of the future, who no doubt will scratch their heads in wonderment at the dicotomy of a man worthy of such praise for those accomplishments and scorn for such terrible mistakes.
December 11, 2022
Nixon Should be Remembered for More Than Watergate
In terms of his International Accomplishments, Nixon was one of the best in dealing with two of America’s greatest enemies namely the USSR and China. In regards to the various scandals such as Watergate, you can say he was educated in the 1960 Election which was probably stolen from him. The book was a balanced treatment of Nixon.
In terms of his International Accomplishments, Nixon was one of the best in dealing with two of America’s greatest enemies namely the USSR and China. In regards to the various scandals such as Watergate, you can say he was educated in the 1960 Election which was probably stolen from him. The book was a balanced treatment of Nixon.
July 18, 2019
Nixon Excelled in Foreign Relations
Richard Nixon wasn’t the best president but he wasn’t the worst. He wasn’t born into wealth so he had to work harder to achieve greatness which he resented with a vengeance. He was a good debater and diplomat but had many idiosyncrasies and insecurities. Who really knows what other presidents may have been guilty of but not been caught!
Richard Nixon wasn’t the best president but he wasn’t the worst. He wasn’t born into wealth so he had to work harder to achieve greatness which he resented with a vengeance. He was a good debater and diplomat but had many idiosyncrasies and insecurities. Who really knows what other presidents may have been guilty of but not been caught!
August 18, 2019
One of the more interesting Hourly History books, Richard Nixon's story is an engaging one that has plenty of ups and downs, whatever your views on the only President to ever resign.
I would have liked to read more about the Watergate scandal, but I guess that is the downside of the Hourly History series. I shall be sure to read more about it in the future!
I would have liked to read more about the Watergate scandal, but I guess that is the downside of the Hourly History series. I shall be sure to read more about it in the future!
September 1, 2020
A Fair Biography of a Great but Controversial President
Many writers have dealt harshly with Richard Nixon. I met him personally, followed his career closely, heard him speak forcefully on the House floor about the traitor Alger Hiss, who exposed. I admired him back then and still do today. I was pleased to read this book that treated him and his place in history very fairly.
Many writers have dealt harshly with Richard Nixon. I met him personally, followed his career closely, heard him speak forcefully on the House floor about the traitor Alger Hiss, who exposed. I admired him back then and still do today. I was pleased to read this book that treated him and his place in history very fairly.
May 25, 2023
excellent!
This is my first Hourly History and I loved it. I admit to a profound respect for Nixon despite Watergate, but I don’t excuse it either. He’s sort of a Shakespearean tragedy in a way. The author of this book gives a balanced and amazingly detailed and humanistic biography despite the brevity. Very impressed!
This is my first Hourly History and I loved it. I admit to a profound respect for Nixon despite Watergate, but I don’t excuse it either. He’s sort of a Shakespearean tragedy in a way. The author of this book gives a balanced and amazingly detailed and humanistic biography despite the brevity. Very impressed!
May 31, 2017
A very insightful book
This book have a new light to the life of Richard Nixon who is always known for the Watergate scandal.after reading this I learnt more about Nixon as the sort of person he was and all his contributions which are often overshadowed by the scandal.
This book have a new light to the life of Richard Nixon who is always known for the Watergate scandal.after reading this I learnt more about Nixon as the sort of person he was and all his contributions which are often overshadowed by the scandal.
April 26, 2019
Simple and Insightful
Nixon is an incredibly complex person as we all are. This short simple work does a good job of illustrating that. A great overview of a great character from American political theater
Nixon is an incredibly complex person as we all are. This short simple work does a good job of illustrating that. A great overview of a great character from American political theater
July 28, 2019
There is no literary talent here; this reads like an extended Wikipedia write up. My marking is not worse because I happen to like Nixon who despite his mistakes was, I think, a good president; certainly, one of the best when it comes to foreign policy.
December 15, 2019
Good read
I quite enjoy these brief biographies. They highlight key points in the subjects lives which always encourages me to dig deeper. We all should appreciate the accomplishments of this man in spite of his perceived legacy.
I quite enjoy these brief biographies. They highlight key points in the subjects lives which always encourages me to dig deeper. We all should appreciate the accomplishments of this man in spite of his perceived legacy.
March 16, 2021
Great sad book
I can’t help feeling sorry for Nixon. He was one of the knowledgeable president, like Woodrow Wilson. He had done great achievements, yet the tragedy is he couldn’t escape being victimized by the fatal weakness in his character.
I can’t help feeling sorry for Nixon. He was one of the knowledgeable president, like Woodrow Wilson. He had done great achievements, yet the tragedy is he couldn’t escape being victimized by the fatal weakness in his character.
May 6, 2022
Hourly Histories are a must read
Having just read this pamphlet on Nixon and in the post-Trump era to date, I'd say that no American president has been treated as badly as Donald Trump.
Having just read this pamphlet on Nixon and in the post-Trump era to date, I'd say that no American president has been treated as badly as Donald Trump.
July 8, 2022
Enlightening - read to learn
I liked the concise writing, simple phrases, easy to understand. I learned much about Pres Nixon. The Master of his own fate.
I would recommend this book and will.
I liked the concise writing, simple phrases, easy to understand. I learned much about Pres Nixon. The Master of his own fate.
I would recommend this book and will.
May 4, 2023
I could have done without the little bit of editorializing by the anonymous author toward the end of the book comparing Nixon to current political conditions and people. But it was slight and easy to overlook in a biography that otherwise was pretty solid. One of the better ones in this series.
February 28, 2026
A good introduction to President Richard Nixon
I found this book to be an easy way to start a worth wile look into the life and work of a man who fought against the deep state, gaining the presidency, but because of his own mistakes he had to relinquish the honor.
I found this book to be an easy way to start a worth wile look into the life and work of a man who fought against the deep state, gaining the presidency, but because of his own mistakes he had to relinquish the honor.
January 26, 2018
Well written and informative.
January 30, 2018
A great history of Richard Nixon that is able to touch on the important points while keeping the story moving along.
October 24, 2019
Review
This biography was pretty thin on any real detail surrounding the time in office. Thought it should have conceded more including more Watergate details.
This biography was pretty thin on any real detail surrounding the time in office. Thought it should have conceded more including more Watergate details.
August 31, 2021
Amazingly good. I learned a lot. I only wish there was more included in his story.
December 21, 2021
This was much better than I thought it would be.
November 20, 2024
A succinct, fair and yet detailed biography of Richard Nixon the man, the worker, the visionary and the victim.
December 31, 2018
Good overview
Gives a good overview of Nixon. Feels very personal , like you really get to know Nixon as a man.
Gives a good overview of Nixon. Feels very personal , like you really get to know Nixon as a man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews