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Wit and Wisdom of the American Presidents: A Book of Quotations
"I know only two tunes," said Ulysses S. Grant. "One of them is Yankee Doodle and the other isn't." Jimmy Carter "Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread." And Warren Harding "The White House is a prison. I can't get away from the men who dog my footsteps. I am in jail."
This entertaining, handy little book includes over 400 other memorable quotes, expressed by America's chief executives over the past two centuries, among them Chester Arthur's blunt, "I may be President of the United States, but my private life is nobody's damn business," Calvin Coolidge's terse "The chief business of America is business," Dwight Eisenhower's "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from a cornfield," and George Herbert Walker Bush's "Read my lips, no new taxes."
From George Washington to Barack Obama, these presidential declarations will not only provide public speakers and students of American history with a wealth of useful material, they'll also delight general readers.
This entertaining, handy little book includes over 400 other memorable quotes, expressed by America's chief executives over the past two centuries, among them Chester Arthur's blunt, "I may be President of the United States, but my private life is nobody's damn business," Calvin Coolidge's terse "The chief business of America is business," Dwight Eisenhower's "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from a cornfield," and George Herbert Walker Bush's "Read my lips, no new taxes."
From George Washington to Barack Obama, these presidential declarations will not only provide public speakers and students of American history with a wealth of useful material, they'll also delight general readers.
80 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 13, 2011
I picked up this quote book in Washington D.C. at the bookstore in the Lincolm Memorial. I spent nearly an hour looking around that store. It took two of my friends to drag me out. Unfortunately, I was low on money so I picked up the cheapest thing I can find along with another book I actually wanted. This has some pretty good quotes in it and was totally worth it for the little amount I had to pay.
January 20, 2026
I enjoy pulling random quotes from this book and discussing them at work. As a book it’s just quotes so it’s useful to have on the side when the dry erase board needs something new.
But G wash holds the crown with this one
“Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder.”
Thomas j
“Resistance to tyrants is obedience to god.”
Teddy r
“ a man who has never gone to school, may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.”
Fdr
“Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.”
“ those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserved, neither liberty nor safety.”
Not all presidents are as quotable is what you learn. In fact some of them might’ve been better off not even being included.
But G wash holds the crown with this one
“Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder.”
Thomas j
“Resistance to tyrants is obedience to god.”
Teddy r
“ a man who has never gone to school, may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.”
Fdr
“Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.”
“ those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserved, neither liberty nor safety.”
Not all presidents are as quotable is what you learn. In fact some of them might’ve been better off not even being included.
October 21, 2020
A good collection with many gems but quite a lot of duds and questionable observations. The latter largely because they've included something from every President, some of whom have little or nothinbg to contribute.
Also, apparently I've been quoting LBJ for decades without realising it.
Also, apparently I've been quoting LBJ for decades without realising it.
April 15, 2021
A lot of quotes, plenty of things to learn and see how American presidents were shaped by principles and the times in which they held office. Considering this is a one day read, I give it five stars due to a lot of useful and insightful thoughts.
May 4, 2018
Nice! I have to admit, some of our Presidents were HECKA funny!!
September 13, 2019
Interesting to see how over the years many presidents emphasize how important education is.
March 14, 2022
Very interesting and some parts were very funny.
February 14, 2023
LOVED everything about this book
March 12, 2020
"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there is the United States of America."
An great book with the quotes of American Presidents. I believe quotes, even though some of them simple political rhetoric I believe that it gives an insight into the Presidents belief.
A great book with quotes from the leaders of free world.
"The energy, faith, and devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it" J.F.K
An great book with the quotes of American Presidents. I believe quotes, even though some of them simple political rhetoric I believe that it gives an insight into the Presidents belief.
A great book with quotes from the leaders of free world.
"The energy, faith, and devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it" J.F.K
February 13, 2010
I enjoyed reading this book of presidential quotes! Nice collection.
May 31, 2010
I enjoyed this and it will be a great resource for the future!
May 28, 2016
I notice that this isn't an especially large book. At any rate, I would've greatly appreciated far more wit and far less wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews