Public Pillars/Private Lives: The Strengths and Limitations of the Modern American Presidents

An outstanding work that is both engaging and readable! Historians will value its accuracy and scholarly analysis, while average Americans can appreciate its interesting explanations and insights into historical events surrounding presidents FDR through George W. Bush. It is unique among presidential treatments because its authors treat each president through biography, positive assessment, and negative assessment separately. Thus, its genius is the "balanced approach." Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional chapter on Nixon that captures the tension between a highly apt yet paranoid leader. There is an additional, special study depicting both the drama and the background of the 2004 presidential election. A great "read" for any interested in these modern political figures or just interested in reading about America over the last 70 years.