Craig Fehrman

One picks up a book on the remainder table thinking “maybe”. What an unexpectedly fascinating this deeply researched book turned out to be. It is both a critical survey of the works of former presidents as well as a study of the evolution of publishing in America. We knew that the most accomplished presidential authors were Jefferson and Grant. Jefferson’s “Notes on the State of Virginia” is an early classic although distressingly racist. Grant’s memoir still commands praise as does the inspirational story of its writing.

Roosevelt was the most prolific writer but sacrificed quality for volume. Who knew about Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan? Coolidge’s memoirs was a best seller and deserved the critical praise it garnered. Reagan was not known to be intellectual but, we learn, he was an avid reader whose first book was thoughtful and nuanced. Barak Obama excelled, of course. Obama’s love of fiction brought him to more fully understand himself and the nature of human relationships. On the other hand, Kennedy fraudulently claimed sole authorship of “Profiles in Courage”; he shamelessly used the book written by Ted Sorensen to bolster his public and political persona.

The use of authorship as a campaign tool is explored. Lincoln compiled his speeches for dissemination during the campaign. Campaign biographies became a feature of elections. Late in the 19th century saw the appearance of ghostwriting. Memoirs of figures around each president were sought after in the late 20th century.

The book, surprisingly, had little to say about Carter who wrote extensively after his term. There is little said about Trump who, like all else about him, was a phony.… (altro)

An interesting look at Presidential books from the very beginning. Background on the various leaders, and their writing processes, as well as why they were writing. Andrew Jackson wrote the first book that helped him win the presidency, a campaign treatise at a time when candidates didn't campaign for themselves.

Since it is women's month, I need to mention that Abigail Adams own book sold better than her husbands. Go Abigail. Clinton actually wrote over a thousand pages by hand, trying to include everybody he had contact with, despite his editors effort to reign him in. Obama, of course was a reader and writer before he became President. He was extremely loyal to his neighborhood bookstore and his reading of fiction, proved s boon to many authors. There was only a small section on Trump, was kind of amusing but not surprising. Will let you read the book to find out what was said.

A very informative look at all our Presidents, the good and bad.… (altro)