Fall from Grace

This is the history book that if likely banned from school libraries since it has the stories censored from or obliquely mentioned in Official History. Some of the stories will be news to the reader. The 'Introduction' notes that "some of our most moral leaders have been our weakest, while some with the most scandalous behavior have served the country the best". [What did Machiavelli say?] The press ignored most scandals of the 20th century before Watergate (p.xix). Some political scandals were omitted from this book. This 1988 book needs extra chapters on recent events. Journalist Ross believes sex, scandal, and corruption will always be part of the political system. Ross does not provide any background on the groups behind the politicians, like bankers, big landowners, a secret society, etc. Chapter 1 tells of Colonial America. Lord Cornbury's misrule led to the idea of impeachment of a ruler. Ben Franklin had his secrets. George Washington corresponded with a married woman (Chapter 2). He married a wealthy widow (p.15). Alexander Hamilton's cousin embezzled Treasury funds, tried to corner the market on government bonds, and created the first financial panic (Chapter 3). Congress condemned Hamilton (p.22). Hamilton had an affair with Mrs. Reynolds and paid her husband for it (p.23). The scandals about Thomas Jefferson originated from a single source (p.29). Chapter 4 has the stories. Chapter 5 lists the scandals of the Adams family. There were scandals for Andrew Jackson over his wife, and then the wife of the Secretary of War (Chapter 6). There were no personal scandals for Martin Van Buren (Chapter 7). His Vice-President, a War Hero, was unmarried with children (p.68). John Tyler was nearly impeached for his use of government money for secret purposes ("executive privilege"). The 1850s were marked by violence, corruption, and decadence (Chapter 8). James Buchanan promised government contracts for campaign contributors. Bids were rigged (p.84). Buchanan's corruption led to the election of "Honest Abe" (p.91). Lincoln's Presidential scandals were mostly caused by his wife (p.92). President Grant was "personally incorruptible", unlike his friends and relatives (Chapter 10). Grant's reign was notorious for scandals. Rutherford B. Hayes was the cleanest candidate (Chapter 11). James Garfield put strains on his marriage. Grover Cleveland was an honest politician when government was considered a tool of business (p.120). James Blaine made money from nearly every railroad organized during his terms as Congressman. Chapter 12 tells of the election of 1884. Cleveland's cancer surgery during the Depression of 1893 was kept secret (p.129). Chapter 13 lists a few sexual scandals of politicians in the Gilded Age. The love scandals of Woodrow Wilson are in Chapter 14. Warren Harding's scandals were revealed after his death (Chapter 15). FDR and Eleanor had no public scandals; their private life was "bizarre" (p.169). Chapter 16 has the secrets revealed i

A fascinating, well-documented, and fun look at our country's highest echelons. Really puts the mess we have today in perspective and gives me hope. A hearty people, we will endure.

My grandmother has a copy of this book. I am desperately seeking a copy for my self.Candid retrospect of the sex scandals in the White House, including J.Edgar Hoover, from Washington to Carter.I highly recommend this book for several pages you can;t get through without laughing out loud. Makes you wonder if we, as taxpayers are funding/ supporting a government or private "stable."If anybody knows of a copy, please contact me.