The American Presidency

by Alan Brinkley (Editor), Davis Dyer (Editor)

An incisive and accessible reference on the American presidency, with essays by esteemed historians.

An indispensable resource for the curious reader and the serious historian alike, The American Presidency sheds light on the hubris, struggles, and brilliance of our nation's leaders. Coupling vivid writing with unparalleled scholarship, these insightful essays from well-known historians cover every presidency from the first through the forty-third.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History

572 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2004

About the author

Alan Brinkley was an American political historian who has taught for over 20 years at Columbia University. He was the Allan Nevins Professor of History until his death. From 2003 to 2009, he was University Provost.

Reviews

[Michael Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of essays about each President (up to W Bush). I learned a lot and enjoyed the read.

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of essays about the American Presidents. I didn't always agree with the various authors, but it was an interesting way to see the history of the United States.

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting look at the presidents but you could see the difference in each of the biography's writers. Some have their bias written into every line and were far from an honest review while a few were factual biography's with the facts presented and the readers choice to draw their own conclusion.

[Kayce]

This book took me forever and a day to finish. I learned some interesting information. True to its title, it is more about the presidency (policies and politics) than it is the presidents (who they were as people), and this is where I think it lost my focus. However, once I start a book I have a hard time abandoning it.

[Powells.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

For history buffs or anyone who wants to understand the presidency better, pick up The American Presidency. Each president gets a chapter; each chapter is written by a different historian. With this format, the book offers a unique look at how our views of the presidency — war hero, statesman, diplomat, or CEO — have changed.

Recommended by Beth, Powells.com

http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=06...

Have you read this book? Add your own review for this or any other book to our website and enter for the chance to win a $20 gift certificate.

[Tyler Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great essays on how each presidency shaped domestic and foreign policy since Washington. The top 3 names of our first 43 presidents in no particular order-

1.Millard Fillmore
2.Rutherford B. Hayes
3.Grover Cleveland

[Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid compendium of essays chronicling the white men who have held the highest office in the land. Though some of the historians take too conservative a slant, the collection is – for the most part – evenhanded in its portrayal and analysis.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-enforces Warren G. Harding's douchebagery

[Jonathan]

Rebind

[Amy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with one chapter per president. A wonderful historical mini review for each president. Loved it.

[Flan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such insightful (but brief) essays on each prez.