Reagan: A Life in Letters

by Kiron K. Skinner (Editor), Martin Anderson (Editor), Annelise Anderson (Editor)

The New York Times bestselling collection of Ronald Reagan’s letters—a definitive look at a man, an era, and a presidency.

Ronald Reagan may have been the most prolific correspondent of any American president since Theodore Roosevelt, having likely written more than 10,000 letters in his lifetime to a wide array of friends and family, politicians, private citizens, and children. Honest, open, and heartfelt, Reagan’s letters reveal a man who felt most comfortable and natural with pen in hand, and a man who reached out to friend and foe alike throughout his life. A Life in Letters is as important as it is astonishing and moving.

Genres: Biography, History, Politics, Nonfiction, Presidents

960 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Kiron Kanina Skinner is an American political scientist. She was Director of Policy Planning at the United States Department of State in the first Trump administration. Skinner is presently the Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, where she teaches graduate courses in national security and public leadership. Prior to that, she was the Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics at Carnegie Mellon University, and the founding director of the Institute for Politics and Strategy and associated centers at the university. She is also the W. Glenn Campbell Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. After leaving the Department of State, she returned to her position at Carnegie Mellon University until stepping down in 2021.
She co-authored two books on Ronald Reagan: In His Own Hand (2001) and Reagan, a Life in Letters (2003), which were New York Times bestsellers. In 2005, Skinner was appointed by President George W. Bush to a term on the National Security Education Board.

Reviews

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is special to me. First, pages 300-301 contain a letter from President Reagan to my Uncle Bill a prominent Chicago businessman and Reagan friend in his birth state. The November 10, 1981 letter discusses economic issues surrounding high interest rates and the Federal Reserve. For me the best part of the letter was when President Reagan stated: “Please give my best to Jan.” Jan (Janice) was my father’s sister, my godmother and as my dad a first generation American born citizen. This praise and recognition elevated the festive atmosphere during our annual Cape Cod family reunions.

Reagan (1911-2004), known as the great communicator, enjoyed correspondence through letters similar to early U.S. Presidents, Washington, Adams and Jefferson. The book is a collection of Reagan letters spanning 72 years from 1922-1994 including his days in the White House from 1981-1989. Reading and writing complement each other and in one letter Reagan mentioned his love of books by: “The joy of reading has always been with me. Indeed, I can’t think of a greater torture than being isolated in a guest hotel room without something to read.” Other correspondence reveals his humor, his faith and that he was sensitive yet also a strong individual.

I have long appreciated President Reagan for both his firm convictions and his service to our country. The book touched upon many fond memories.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I disagree with much of his politics, this is truly the work of a remarkable man.

[Lostinanovel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed his more heartfelt, nonpolitical letters best such as one to his son Michael at the time of his marriage. There is too much to simply read straight through this book but its pretty great to leaf through. You get a real sense of what a powerful thinker he was. His ideas took a long time to formulate and forment but by the time he held office, his beliefs were strong. One surprising fact: he never used make-up, even as an actor, which used to shock make-up artists. He also rarely drank alcohol or coffee. Very sweet thoughts about nancy as well. A dream husband perhaps.

[Jason Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. As a child I was always fascinated with Ronald Reagan. As an adult, I'd read biographies and history texts about his presidency, but they left me wanting to know more.
This book is it. Reading communications from Reagan to others — friends, family, politicians, and his admirers — even before his days as President, paints a very clear picture of one of the biggest figures of the 20th century.
It's a brilliant collection that any Reagan fan would love.

[Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago, but I remember being terribly impressed with President Reagan when finished. As with all presidents, he had his strengths and his weaknesses. However, because of his acting career I do believe he was taken less seriously by some. Those "some" really should read this compilation of his letters. I do believe it would greatly change their opinion of the person he was.

[Atchisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous insight into the man behind the Presidency. You get a glimpse of his decision-making process, his strategy, and his faith. Great book to just pick up and read random selections from time to time.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I may not always be at the edge of my seat, I am constantly engaged and fascinated by this inside look at one of our most debated presidents.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful! Clearly he was the Great Communicator!

[Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a man!

[Jane Cook]

Important collection about Ronald Reagan.