The American Presidents: Biographies of the Chief Executives from George Washington to Barack Obama Hardcover - 2009

by David C. Whitney; Robin Vaughn Whitney

With scrupulous scholarship and engaging immediacy, The American Presidents illuminates the lives, times, and legacies of the 44 men who have shaped the office and our nation. This perennial best-seller is now completely up-to-date, including a full profile of the first African American commander-in-chief, President Barack Obama. Includes:* Close-up portraits capturing each president's trials and triumphs, ambitions and fears, battles with Congress, bold decisions, and haunting mistakes* At-a-glance tables highlighting key facts about the presidents and their terms, first ladies, vice presidents, presidential elections, cabinets, and political control of Congress* A sweeping tour of presidential historic sites, including the Eisenhower Center in Abilene, Kansas, and the Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth, Vermont* Timelines at the start of each section, which provide a brief overview of each president's major life events* Lively anecdotes revealing the influence of each man's childhood, education, and previous career on his style, successes, and missteps in office* Quotes from the presidents and reflections from their contemporaries and historians REVIEW