Customer Reviews (1)

Funny!
The events in this book is so hilarious, I still remember them, even though I haven't read them since sixth grade when I had to use the book for a report. This book is funny, and very informative. I didn't know about ANY of the events that is written in the book. I only wish it was longer. ... Read more

Product Description
From the moment George Washington assumed the presidency, the world watched, and in the aftermath of the Cold War, the U.S. president has been considered the most powerful leader on Earth. This innovative new series looks at the American presidents from a global perspective. Written at the 6th- through 8th-grade reading level, entries feature biographical information and a narrative explanation of the major world events with which American presidents have grappled. ... Read more

Product Description
The progressive reading of history focuses on two major antecedents for the origins of the United States 1898 war with Spain: the 1896 presidential election and the Hearst-Puliter press war that, reportedly, generated an irresistible clamor from an aroused public. Underlying those narratives are two very different theoretical frameworks: a class-dominance view and that of the mass society. Volume 1 of President McKinley, War and Empire assesses the adequacy of those readings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An inconsistency needs to be pointed out
Rather than review this text in it's entirety, I will focus on a claim made by the author, in the inside front cover no less, and show how it conflicts with some documentation provided later in the text.

In the inside front cover, the author accuses William Jennings Bryan of being "an inflationist."Moreover, he groups Bryan (albeit correctly) with the "people" who are at odds with "Wall Street" who include most notably "conservatives" such as banking magnate J. P. Morgan.

Now, is it correct to label Bryan as an "inflationist?"The argument that Bryan was an "inflationist" is not unique to this book, and this argument essentially operates as follows:Bryan wanted to remove the gold backing from US currency in exchange for a silver backing.This somehow would "inflate prices" for farm goods which would benefit farmers (hence the Bryan's popularity among farmers).

Without getting into how the prices are supposed to "inflate" let me first point out that it is incorrect to use the verb "inflate" in connection with prices.Prices do not inflate.The currency itself; that is--money can only inflate.Meaning, that the act of "inflating" money means an entity, governmental or private is simply creating money.This means simply printing it, or in todays digital age, going into your computerized banking account and simply increasing your balance, without having made any deposit.

Now earlier, I wrote Bryan wanted to change the "backing" of US currency from gold to silver.What does that mean?It is simple: a "backing" is a standard.When currency is backed by gold or silver or some other commodity with "intrinsic" value, it means that the government cannot simply print as many dollars as it wants; it can only print as many as it can without failing to redeem the dollar-holders with the aforementioned commodity.That is, in the old days, you could go to the bank, and trade in your dollars for gold; you had that right.Try doing that nowadays.So in the past the government could not print too many dollars, otherwise it would not have enough gold to give back to the money-holders, should all of them want to get rid of their dollars.

Now keep in mind that although Bryan, the "radical" (as the author labels him) wanted to change the backing from gold to silver, at least he wanted to retain a backing.

Now on the other hand, let's take a look at the "conservative Wall Street banker" J. P. Morgan.`On p. 56 of the text, the author writes: "[McKinley supporter Myron] Herrick reports that Mr. Morgan 'was rather violent in expressing his views.The monetary repudiation which the adoption of the "free silver" standard involved was nauseating to him.... Any Republican who comes out now...for either gold or silver will not get the nomination.Let McKinley stay where he is.... once he is nominated we can take care of gold in the platform.'"

What can we glean from Morgan's statements concerning gold or silver?Well, it should be obvious from anyone who is acquainted with the man that he did not support *any* backing to the US currency be it gold silver or whatever.This is clearly evident from Morgan's hand in the "1913 revolution" which orchestrated the establishment of the banking cartel known as the "Federal Reserve."The Federal Reserve is not federal, it is a private consortium of banks which has the power to "inflate" or "deflate" the US monetary supply.That means that the banks can create money at whim.And Congress has given the Federal Reserve that power, although unconstitutionally, since the US Constitution requires that Congress (and only Congress) coin money and regulate it's value.

This is where what is commonly referred to as "inflation" comes from.It isn't some random force of nature.Rising prices are the result of there being no backing on our paper currency, enabling the Fed banking cartel to print as much money as it likes--the more money they print, the more worthless it becomes.But what do the private shareholders of the Fed banking cartel and politicians in DC stand to benefit from the power to simply print money at their leisure?Well, if you can't figure it out on your own then perhaps you should not bother purchasing this book--"Curious George" or the "Cat in the Hat" is more appropriate for you.

So in conclusion we see that it is in fact Mr. Morgan who is the "inflationist" relative to Mr. Bryan.You lose two stars for that Mr. Hamilton. ... Read more

Product Description
Not every presidential visit to the theatre is as famous as Lincoln’s last night at Ford’s, but American presidents attended the theatre long before and long after that ill-fated night. As a young man in 1751, George Washington saw his first play, The London Merchant, during a visit to Barbados. John Quincy Adams understood theatre well enough to publish dramatic critiques. William McKinley, on the other hand, avoided theatrical performances while in office, on professional as well as moral grounds. Dwight Eisenhower used drama as a vehicle for political propaganda. Richard Nixon took a more personal view of theatre, having met his wife at a community theatre audition.

Surveying 255 years, this volume examines presidential theatre-going as it reflects shifting popular tastes in America. To this end, it provides a chronology of theatre attendance throughout the lives of all 43 American presidents. Defining theatre as a live dramatic performance (including opera but excluding ballet), the book details the attendance habits and theatrical tastes of each chief executive as well as the ways in which his choices reflected the mores and tastes of his contemporary American public. An afterword provides a summary of presidential theatre-going preferences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the most interesting books in years
As someone who has made his living working on political campaigns and spends that living attending the theater this book is a treasure trove of great information.To see the comments written by John Quincy Adams about the shows he saw in France while his father was participating in some of the most important diplomacy this country has ever been part of is truly facsinating.

I honestly don't know which part of me this book appeals to more, the political science degree holder or the theater geek. ... Read more

Product Description
In the 1940s, FDR was the first airborne president, flying several times in a C-54 nicknamed the "Sacred Cow." In the 1950s, it was aircraft known as "Independence," "Columbine II" and "Columbine III" that transported Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower on occasion. But it was not until after the Korean War, with the United States becoming the leader of the free world, that presidential air travel entered the modern age. The jet-age mobility of the American presidency beginning in the 1960s corresponds directly to the nation's emergence as a super power.Air Force One: The Aircraft that Shaped the Modern Presidency is the story of the planes, the Presidents, their staff and, their many trips across the nation and around the globe. But it's also more than that-it is a vehicle for better understanding the activities and dealings of each presidential administration in the second half of the twentieth century. Through vibrant photography, this book communicates the story of a unique set of planes and the presidents who made them a vital national asset.Now all of these planes and their famous passengers have been captured. Written by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum curator Von Hardesty and featuring over 200 illustrations, including new photos of the airplane' interiors, this book takes you on a memorable flight through history. Through insider accounts and from a unique vantage point on well-known political events, Hardesty shows how the presidency was transformed by the remarkable advances in aviation technology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Brilliant Coffee Table Reading
I originally ordered this book after searching for titles on my son's 6th grade summer reading list.Air Force One is not what I would consider "summer reading" for a 6th grader, but it is a great coffee table quality book, with brilliant color and black and white photos interspersed through very well-written and interesting history of the president's aircraft.It gives insight into the world events during each U. S. presidency as well as some highlights of each presidents' use and views of Air Force One.Also included is a section on presidential pre-aircraft travel and Marine One, the president's helicopter.My son, who loves any information about aircraft, spent hours looking through it, although he did not read it word for word.Great to have as reference or historical enjoyment.

But where is Harrison Ford?
No symbol of American strength and progress says super power more vividly than Air Force One, the flying center of democratic government when our president travels. This informative and interesting book traces the history of chief executive flying from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George W. Bush. Each president brought his own personality to the plane: John Kennedy was often hoisted in a steel cage to the entrance to avoid climbing the stairs with his ailing back; Richard Nixon preferred to remain isolated once aboard and seldom moved about the plane; Jimmy Carter used flights on Air Force One as a reward or inducement for congressional members' votes; Bill Clinton liked to pack the plane with political luminaries; in November Bush flew Air Force One into the heart of a hostile Baghdad to have Thanksgiving with our military in Iraq. There are numerous photographs and anecdotes about the plane and its place in history. There's also a foreword by broadcast journalist Bob Schiefer who was on board many flights in the Gerald Ford and Carter administrations.

Wonderful book!
This book would be of great interest to "presidential" buffs! There are wonderful, never before seen photos (at least to me)! I especially love the photo of President & Mrs. Reagan greeting their dog! However, I beleive the Reagans' dog was named "Rex" not Millie..as the caption states!

A reader engaging, informed and informative presentation
Van Hardesty brings a special expertise to this specialized aviation history by being the curator of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Air Force One: The Aircraft That Shaped The Modern Presidency is a reader engaging, informed and informative presentation on those advances in air travel which have affected the American Presidency and enabled America's leaders to make more and farther-ranging visits around the world. More than 260 color and archival photographs illustrate this absorbing story of the air vehicles that have served the American President in the twentieth century. Air Force One is a strongly recommended contribution to both Aviation History reference collections and American Political Science supplemental reading lists.

Well worth having
This is an interesting book both textually and visually.It shows how aviation made the Presidency a world office.Aviation buffs will enjoy the lineage of Presidential Aircraft and the inside and outside views.Much history occured on Air Force One and newsman Bob Schieffer presents some of the more historic moments for us.There is a table inside which shows how many assets and resources are necessary just to move the President of the United States which is an eye-opener.A fascinating book and a great gift idea for the holidays.It's one of those books that you'll look at again and again over the years. ... Read more

Product Description
A Companion to the Epic PBS Series

Customer Reviews (23)

Wonderful book, but a bit biased
All presidential history buffs need this book.The authors humanized the men, with lots of back stories.They also give alot of space to the wives, after all, behind every great (and not so great) man is a woman!As others have said, the pictures are just wonderful.Abraham Lincoln is my favorite president, and there were new photographs of him, too.The reason I'm giving this only 4 stars is the obvious political bias of the authors. The worse thing they could say about Carter is that he was too detail-oriented, and, of course, Kennedy is treated as a saint.They give very little information about Kennedy's presidency other than a few sentences about the Bay of Pigs and a few paragraphs about the Cuban Missile Crisis. There's no mention of Vietnam at all.Having said all that, I still love this book and refer to it often.

Excellent Introduction To American Presidents
It is a massive task to present all of the presidents (unless we're dealing with a book written in the early 1800's).There are weaknesses inherent in the task -- for example spending equal space for the presidencies of William Harrison (one month) and Franklin Roosevelt (three plus terms), or the issue of bias which like it or not is an issue on any historical undertaking.This book still succeeds in helping you get to know more about each president.

Like the mini-series this is a companion to, this book introduces five major categories, divides each category into two chapters showing the two sides of the category and then place four or five presidents in each.Their objective was to include one early president and one recent president in each group of four (or five), which they basically succeed at:Each of the ten chapters feature one of the ten most recent presidents at the time of this book (2000), and only the chapter on the "compromise candidates" fails to include one of the first ten presidents (it starts with Franklin Pierce, the 14th president).

At the beginning of each chapter is an overview, which points out presidents besides the selected four that fit into the categories.After all, there are often more presidents that fit into a category -- Zachary Taylor could have been in the generals section easily, and the chapter with the most presidents, the accidental presidents, dealt with just over half of the presidents in that category -- as well as presidents that could be in multiple categories.

The biographies spend a lot of time dealing with the life of the president, so you know more about their influences than just what they did in office.As a result, you might get minimal information on the person's actual presidency -- FDR's is a prime example.

If one is trying to decide which one should get between this and the video series, there is no right answer because there are differences.The parts and chapters are in different order.The video has a presidential historian talk about each president, but the book contains written information and quotes of the presidents and glances at the first ladies that are not in the video.

I now feel I know a little about all the presidents we've had.In my case (and a large part thanks to the video series and this book), a lot of my favorite presidents are not the best known ones (in my case, including McKinley, Taft, Arthur, Garfield, Hayes, and Hoover).

Reader Was Disappointing
I found the reader in the CD/cassette versions difficult to listen to.His diction was mushy, almost slurred.Although I have some reservations about the book (such as its unconventional organization, which may be more confusing in the audio format), overall it was interesting and informative.But the reader really detracted from my enjoyment of the book.

AUDIO BOOK:Very good
This is a very well written and well read book on tape.The authors tell you a brief description of each of the American presidents from Washington to Clinton.Because there is a lot of material to cover in four cassette tapes, it is a BRIEF summary of each president's term in office.At the same time, it is a fascinating story that analyzes and draws parallels between presidents who served decades or centuries apart.Instead of going chronologically through each presidency, the authors have broken it down into several chapters.Each chapter has a theme such as accidental presidents - or vice-presidents who became president after an assassination or unexpected death.Then each of the presidents who fit in that category are described in that chapter.It was very easy to follow and very interesting to hear the parallels between presidents so many years apart.Because it is a brief history of each president, you will find many places where you can stop the tape and come back to it again later.It's not an action story though, so it might not keep you awake if you are driving late at night.I mostly listened to it during daylight driving hours when I didn't need the radio to help keep me awake.

A nice history filled with great art and photos
This book is a very nice historical piece for the curious and beginning researcher. It provides enough detail to get one started in a more thorough search of one or more of the men who became president. However, it is not a definitive history text.

The art and photos in this volume are its redeeming quality. One could look through this book for hours and never get bored with the pictures.

The only negative thing that stood out in my mind about this book was the fact that it was not organized in chronological order. In other words, the book does not begin with George Washington and move to each subsequent President. Instead, the book categorizes the presidents into 'types' (for lack of a better word). For example, the sections are titled "The Candidate," or "Executive Vision," or "Happenstance," etc. and a President is categorized into a section. Some of the Presidents often times don't seem to fit the category or type and it makes you wonder what the authors were thinking. Nonetheless, the only time the reader gets a chronological listing of the Presidents is in the back of the book. This, in my estimation was a big mistake.

Otherwise, the book, as a whole, is pretty good and enjoyable to read and merely browse through. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of writings by the late political commentator includes profiles of presidents and the presidency, assessing the temperament, intellect, and record in office of Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman, Nixon, and Reagan. ... Read more

Product Description
The history of the United States lives in the words of its presidents-words that heal, inspire and sometimes divide a nation and the world. My Fellow Americans brings to life two centuries of American history, as you read and hear the presidential speeches that defined our nation's most dramatic moments.

My Fellow Americans presents, in text and on two audio CDs, more than 40 of the greatest speeches from American presidents. Former White House chief speechwriter Michael Waldman introduces them, telling their dramatic stories and explaining their impact. In original essays, Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton describe the talks that influenced them the most. Included are captivating photographs, illustrations and handwritten manuscripts, including:

-Never-before-seen handwritten speech notes used by President Clinton
-The speech, announcing an attack on Cuba, that President Kennedy did not have to give during the Cuban missile crisis
-An actual photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg

And much more...

The accompanying audio CDs let you hear these great speeches as they happened-some recordings are more than 100 years old-and reenact speeches from before the dawn of recorded audio. We hear the voices of every president since Benjamin Harrison. Experience some of our greatest moments, such as "The Only Thing We Have to Fear, Is Fear Itself," "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You" and "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall." Hear Lyndon Johnson adopt "We Shall Overcome" for all Americans; John F. Kennedy proclaim "Ich Bin Ein Berliner" at the Berlin Wall; and a fascinating account by a man who saw and heard President Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address.

My Fellow Americans presents a fascinating journey through American history that can be shared with your family and friends, whether you're reliving the event, or hearing it together for the first time.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent reference book
I actually heard Michael Waldman (the author) give a lecture regarding the genesis of this book. Mr. Waldman was President Clinton's chief speech writer for 5 years. When Mr. Waldman once asked an aide for a reference text on the most important presidential speeches in history, he was told that no such text exists. It is my understanding that this was the primary motivation for Mr. Waldman to write this book.

I thoroughly delight in reading the speeches that Mr. Waldman has selected. In particular, I am in agreement with Mr. Waldman regarding the centrality of Abraham Lincoln's speeches in American History. I have come to agree that the Gettysburg Address is "the most important speech" ever given by a president.

This is a book that I have read over and over again. It continually inspires and challenges my views of myself as an American. I highly recommend it to everyone.

A Splendid Approach to Learning History
This book has a concept or format that is guaranteed to make American history come alive as never before. It's a reprint of the most significant speeches by all of America's presidents. In addition it is supplied with two CD's. These contain the actual voices of every president since Benjamin Harrison in 1889. It also includes comments by ex-presidents Ford, Carter and Clinton on the speeches that influenced them the most.

This book is a capsule of American history done in a way that brings it home faster and easier than any standard history textbook. It's a large format book and at 480 pages it can contain a lot of material and it does. It is a splendid book.

Presidential Tour Guides
The history of the United States comes alive in the words of its presidents.

There comes a dramatic time in the life of a person, party, organization or nation that cries for the uplift and release of a speech.Someone is called upon to articulate the pride, hope or grief of it all.The speaker becomes the center of attention and the world stops to listen.

That responsibility is often shouldered by our President.Great Presidents not only act as the country's head of state, but also the voice of its people.They help define who we are and what we experience.In my opinion, their speeches constitute one of the best expressions of the nation's mood.

This book presents 40 of the nation's greatest Presidential speeches.Former Clinton Speechwriter Michael Waldman, introduces them, anchors them in history and explains their impact.

Acknowledging that speeches are written for the ear, not the eye, this book contains two CD that allow you to hear many of these actual speeches.Some of the recordings are more than 100 years old.The voice of every President since Benjamin Harrison is included.

This book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the nation's history guided by the words of our Presidents. ... Read more

Product Description
From Abraham Lincoln s stance on international slavery to George W. Bush s incursions on the world stage, American presidents and other leaders have taken decisive actions to shape our country s foreign policy. This new collection of essays provides analytical narratives of how and why policies were devised and implemented that would determine the place of the United States in the international arena from the 1860s to the present. Presidents, Diplomats, and Other Mortals is both a collection of compelling historical studies and an overarching case study of the role of individuals in foreign policymaking and an insightful review of some of history s most important moments. Taken together, these essays provide a fitting tribute to Robert H. Ferrell, the trailblazing scholar in whose honor the book was written. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Internet Bookwatch, published by Midwest Book Review on March 1, 2010. The length of the article is 1548 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The American History Shelf.('Texas Ranger Biographies,' 'Exploring Desert Stone,' 'Nexus of Empire,' 'President of the Other America,' 'Immigration and the Legacy of Harry S. Truman,' 'Framing the Sixties,' and 'Finnigans, Slaters and Stonepeggers')(Book review)
Author: Unavailable
Publication: Internet Bookwatch (Newsletter)
Date: March 1, 2010
Publisher: Midwest Book Review
Page: NA

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

Product Description
Award-winning radio journalist Andrew McCrea once again takes readers on an intriguing journey across the nation, this time to get the story behind the scenes of the U.S. Presidents.Entertaining and insightful, President For A Day is not trivia, but instead uncovers the life-changing events that influenced these men's lives and decisions...including the man who may indeed have served as president for one day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Refreshing and Upbeat!
Andrew McCrea writes in a refreshing, upbeat style that engages the reader looking for inspiration.He focuses on the positive aspects of the presidencies even while acknowledging that some had rather sullied reputations.This gives the reader a certain pride for having been governed so well by genuinely well-intentioned men.I would go so far as to say this book makes one proud to be an American.While we have our faults, mirrored in our presidents, we still have the best system the world has ever seen.And we always make room for improvementforgiveness, and the ability to include peoples of all creeds.

During Andrew's visits to presidential home sites, libraries, and museums, he encountered people who were passionately enthusiastic about "their" presidents.These fortunate people have found their heroes and are now in the business of promoting them to us who are still searching.There is ample material to get anyone started looking for a worthy hero to emulate.Andrew encourages the reader to emulate these great men, not so much in their achievements, but in the better nature of their character.And this is perhaps the greatest strength of the book.The author even provides a clear, succinct listing of the moral of the story in a section marked with a "moral compass."

This book is a joy to read.Each president has his own chapter only a few pages long so it can be read in short spurts, if necessary.It's full of fascinating tidbits from the lives of our presidents.I recommend it to everyone who wants to find the good in others.

Inspiring, slice-of-life stories of past U.S. Presidents
In the style of his first book, AMERICAN COUNTRYSIDE (and his syndicated radio show of the same name), author McCrea brings keen perception and homespun wit to an exploration of the lives and times of past U.S. presidents. Like a modern-day Charles Kuralt traveling the country gathering stories about interesting people and places, he visited 15 different States to find out about all of the presidents from Washington to Truman. He even searches out the inside scoop on David Rice Atchison, the chairman of the Senate who served as President for one day, and activist/clairvoyant Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President. At often obscure and out-of-the-way monuments, homes, museums and libraries, McCrea unearths fascinating and little-known tales, usually related by curators and docents with great knowledge and passion about their subjects.

Yes, history often repeats itself in presidential politics, such as the one-electoral vote victory by Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, when a controversial recount occurred in - you guessed it - Florida. Another striking coincidence is the plethora of presidential activity in this year's most important "Swing State" - there are some 16 monuments and attractions celebrating the seven U.S. presidents who were born in Ohio.

McCrea brings an old-fashioned respect to the office of the president - refreshing in light of today's cynical outlook on politics - treating the presidency as something we should all revere and look up to. He points out a lesson to be learned from a significant moment in each president's life and times, something that can inspire us even today. McCrea's great talent is finding the essence of human dignity in both the humble farmer and the holder of the highest office in the land - and telling their stories with equal enthusiasm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book 1774-1826
Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book (1774-1826) edited by Edwin Morris Betts are found portions of fifty-two years of plantation management at Jefferson's estates in Albermarle, Bedford, and Campbell Counties.

There are many entries in Jefferson's "Garden Book" that are more appropriate to his "Farm Book," just as there are entries in the "Farm Book" that belong to his other memoranda books.But Jefferson was often inconsistent with the record of his jottings; probably he just placed them in the books at hand.

The "Farm Book," then, is not a farm book in the limited sense, but a plantation book embracing multitudinous activities on his several plantations, the center of interest always being either Monticello or Poplar Forest.

I found reading through this book to chronicle how Jefferson, as a plantation manager, worked to plan ahead in order to provide food and clothing for the one hundred-twenty slaves on the five thousand acre estate.Jefferson set himself to apply on his own farms the results of a lifetime of sturdy and experiment in agricultural theories.The letters and notes he left to posterity and the mechanical models he designed and made record his contributions to scientific agriculture.All of which are brough to our attention within the pages of this volume.

The narrative is free flowing and easily comprehended and it is a joy to read. As Jefferson once wrote... "I am going to Virginia.I am then to be liberated from the hated occupations of politics, and to remain in the bosom of my family, my farm, and my book."The pages are copies of the original pages of the farm book with commentary and relevant extracts from other writings follow these pages. Nevertheless, you get a feel that running a farm wasn't an easy job. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An honest man
This book covers Joseph Smith's personal, political, and religious life.When you are finished reading it, you cannot deny that Joseph Smith was an honest man. ... Read more

Product Description
Why did Barack Obama court Jon Stewart and trade jokes with Stephen Colbert during the campaign of 2008? Why did Sarah Palin forgo the opportunity to earn votes on the Sunday morning political talk shows but embrace the chance to get laughs on Saturday Night Live? 'The Dance of the Comedians' examines the history behind these questions the merry, mocking, and highly contested anarchies of standup political comedy that have locked humorists, presidents, and their fellow Americans in an improvisational three-way dance since the early years of the American republic.
Peter M. Robinson shows how the performance of political humor developed as a celebration of democracy and an expression of political power, protest, and commercial profit. He places special significance on the middle half of the twentieth century, when presidents and comedians alike from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Reagan, from Will Rogers to 'Saturday Night Live's' Not Ready for Prime Time Players developed modern understandings of the power of laughter to affect popular opinion and political agendas, only to find the American audience increasingly willing and able to get in on the act. These years put the long-standing traditions of presidential deference profoundly in play as all three parties to American political humor the people, the presidents, and the comedy professionals negotiated their way between reverence for the office of the presidency and ridicule of its occupants.
Although the focus is on humor, 'The Dance of the Comedians' illuminates the process by which Americans have come to recognize that the performance of political comedy has serious and profound consequences for those on all sides of the punch line. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

As profound as it is funny!
The book was much more than I had expected, in the sense that it went beyond just discussing comedy in relation to the president and really even got into the profound ways this has come to effect the country and how it's run and how it's changed what our expectations of a president are! I'd personally MUCH rather people get their information and understanding about what's going on in this country from "The Daily Show" than from FOX "News", if those (God forbid!) had to be our only choices! At least humorous "Daily Show" encourages you to learn more about real current events, so that you "get" all the jokes. Fox "News" encourages you to ignore all current events (as "biased") and just believe their alternate reality! This book gives a fascinating progression of how, more and more, political humor has come to have a real EFFECT on politics and not just be a reflection OF politics. I loved it!

An engaging survey of the delicate balance between respect and ridicule for the presidential office
The Dance of the Comedians: The People, the President, and the Performance of Political Standup Comedy in America is studies the history of American political humor as used to celebrate democracy, express political protest, or create personal profit, with particular emphasis on American presidents of the mid-twentieth century from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Regan. An engaging survey of the delicate balance between respect and ridicule for the presidential office that ultimately seeks to answer questions such as "Why did Barack Obama pay attention to the Daily Show and Steven Colbert during the presidential election of 2008, and why did Sarah Palin choose to appear on Saturday Night Live but not on Sunday talk shows?" A scholarly examination of the role humor has played and continues to play in modern American presidential politics, especially recommended for college library collections.
... Read more

Product Description
This volume presents over 100 letters, all with some reference to music, written by Harry S. Truman. The letters trace the life of Harry Truman from the perspective of music, and reveal Truman's passion for music, his tastes and insight and his goodwill. The letters represented include those Truman sent to his wife Bess, his daughter Margaret, and a host of 20th century musicians and historical figures, such as Bob Hope and Joseph Kennedy. There is also a selection of the public's letters to Truman. ... Read more

Product Description
On Your Own's "Rants, Raves and Thoughts" series continues with new books profiling two of America's most outspoken presidents. Step inside the head of George W. Bush to read his views on Afghanistan, Iraq, terrorists, journalists, and "Hispanically owned businesses." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Much more than a quote book!!!
This book has more than the funniest of George W. Bush's "unquotable" quotes. Even if the vaste selection of phrases from his serious (and not so serious) speeches is enough to keep you laughing and remembering the President's best and worst, this book doubles the enjoyment by adding the author's witty, sarcastic, and great humored comments to each quote. Additionaly, this book offers an original short biography, a compilation of the best Bush jokes, and some great personalities' opinions on the President. The creative wordplay for each of the chapter's titles, as well as the artwork, also make this a fascinating book to read, reread, and to quote! You can even compare Bush's ramblings with Clinton's own Rants and Raves and have a great presidential debate! JA! ... Read more

Product Description
On Your Own's "Rants, Raves and Thoughts" series continues with new books profiling two of America's most outspoken presidents. Step inside the head of Bill Clinton and read his views on the finer things in life like beer, women, (Jennifer) Flowers, and much much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Oh, the things he said!!!
What a conversation piece!!!Politicians beware!!!!Everything you say will come back to haunt you!!!Great book for all of us who enjoy watching our politicians eat crow!!

intoxicating
what a collection by a true master of the pen...Shakespeare? Dickens? Frost? Morons!

Bubbalicious!!!
The best, funniest and most enjoyable way to remember all about Clinton! His greatest speeches, his greatest mistakes, his greatest virtues, his greatest flaws! This is a very original quote book, visually attractive, easy to read, and compilated with very intelligent and creative sense of humor. You�ll enjoy it from beginning to end�and back!!!

Absolutely the Perfect Collection of Quotes
This book had me laughing from the moment I opened it.It is not only an insightful look at the former President's words, it's chock full of silly comments that keeps the pages turning and turning.

Best Collection of Presidential Quotes Thus Far
This book (as well as the Bush one) is packed with rare and just plain hilarious quotes by the former USA President. Most of these I've never heard before and the author leaves quite funny and relevant comments to further the humour. Highly recommended. ... Read more