Book Description

Did you know that James Monroe was the first President to appear without a wig in formal public settings? Or that George W. Bush named the first African Americans as secretaries of state? In this informative reference book by the editors of the award-winning TIME For Kids^® magazine, you'll learn about the Presidents' childhoods, careers, accomplishments in office, and life after the White House. As a great plus for school reports, you'll find hundreds of fascinating facts—and the history of our nation is woven into each presidential portrait.

Customer Reviews (1)

mom
Very nice book.I bought it for my 10 year old and she loves it.Great price too. ... Read more

Book Description
Incidentally Embracing A History Of The Country For More Than One Hundred Years. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether they're taking kids back in time to ancient civilizations or letting them explore the action-packed world of science, these compact kits are full of fun and innovative ways to learn! ... Read more

Book Description
George Washingtonspoke of the 'Republican model of Government' as 'the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people'. At its heart was the presidency. As the nation grew strong, the presidency evolved into the world's mightiest office. Washington, as the first president, devoutly wished that the precedents he established 'be fixed on true principles'. Tempered by the times, each president has lent his talents and some have given their lives, to Washington's 'great experiment'. The profiles presented inThe Presidentsreflect how each president, in his own way has committed himself to Washington's first precedent: 'The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty'.This newly revised and re-designed book is published with the White House Historical Association. The important stories of the lives and administrations of each of the forty-three American presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush are illustrated by portraits in the White House collection. Gilbert Stuart's famous p ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Presidents of the United States of America
We went to the Smithsonian Art Museum - Washington, DC - Aug 2007.They said that a book was no longer available that contained all the Nation's Presidents' paintings that they had on display.I figured I'd find an old book, but was very happy to find a book that contained most all of the paintings I saw, plus a better description of each of our leaders while they spent a term in office.I was impressed to see them up close at the museum, knowing the artist was just as close.Now I have this book as my souvenier and historical reminder of all our presidents images - done by a reknown artist - and their history.It's just what I'd asked for at the museum.They could sell a lot of these books if they had them on hand.Why wouldn't they stock them?

A Wonderful Presidential Overview
I ordered 2 different books on U.S. Presidents for my daughter's schoolwork, and this was definitely the best one.Very informative and concise, there is a two page spread on each president with one of the pages having a good sized color portrait of that president.Each article gives their name, order, years of presidency, a copy of their signature, and an overview of their life from childhood until death.This book is put out by the White House Historical Association and is a wonderful choice if you are looking for an informative glimpse of our current and past presidents.An entertaining read for children and adults. ... Read more

Book Description
This revised edition of Two-Cans bestselling book includes expanded coverage of Bushs presidency and dozens of new photos. Chapters on just what a president does (it isnt all hand-shaking and speech-making!) and how one gets elected have also been updated. n Revised from cover to cover, with dozens of new photos and updated information n Timelines put important dates at your fingertips n Sidebars on social changes and historical events put each president into context n Extensive glossary of political and historical terms ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of inaugural addresses, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This is the consummate guide to the political and personal lives of every U. S. president through Bill Clinton. Arranged chronologically, The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents elaborates not only on the major accomplishments and events of their terms, but also on less well-known details such as personalities, careers before the presidency, Supreme Court appointments, hobbies, ethnic backgrounds, and even extramarital affairs. Well-organized and packed with details, the book also includes a bibliography on each executive, including books written by and about them, along with useful and entertaining appendixes on the political composition of every Congress, presidential curiosities (such as the uncanny similarities between the lives and deaths of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy), and a ranking of presidents. Whether you want to know the opponent of James Monroe in the election of 1816 or read some of Harry S. Truman's more memorable quotes, this is a most complete and thorough reference to each commander in chief.Book Description
So completely updated, this edition will include brand new information about the life and election of the 1996 president—whoever that might be!—Take a factual look at each of our chief executives—their lives, loves, administrations, friends and foes, successes and failures. This totally comprehensive single-volume sourcebook is arranged in chronological order for easy reference and features a photographed portrait of each president.43 photographs, 769 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Complete Book of U S Presidents--6th Edition
I enjoyed this book and will use it as a resource.It really gives a lot of information on each president without being a complete biography.

Tons of Information
This would be a good book for anyone. It helps to put history in perspective and it is easy to search through.

The Hobo Philosopher
I have several books giving brief biographies of the presidents of the United states. I imagine that there are quite a few people like me who are interested in reading about U.S. Presidents.
This book is well worth the price. He gives a lot of accurate information in a few pages. All the info. is categorized and it is the same categories for each president - so comparisons can be made easily. The author, does of course have his favorites and some are looked at more favorably than some others. I would say that Clinton is rather heavily negative while Nixon is taken rather in stride but the facts are still the facts and they are there for each man no matter what the slant.
This is a very good volume for reference purposes.

Quite Simply, the Best Presidential Reference Book...
Recently there have been a spate of books on presidential history and trivia. However, in my opinion this book is simply the best of the lot. First published during the Reagan Presidency and frequently updated since, "The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents" fits the title. Each President since Washington gets his own chapter. Each chapter features 25 or more sections providing extensive - and often surprising - details about each President. The sections range from standard fare such as "Physical Description", "Ancestry", "Father" and "Mother" to categories about each President's "Religion", "Recreation", and even "Extramarital Affairs" (if any). There are also sections on the President's opponents in each of their presidential campaigns, detailed biographies of their Vice-Presidents and Cabinet members, Supreme Court appointments, and brief histories of the major events of their presidency. There are even sections describing what each president did after they left the White House, when and how they died, and quotes by others praising and criticizing each president. If you've ever wanted to know about James A. Garfield's extramarital affair with a "Mrs. Calhoun", or Harry Truman's experiences as an artillery officer in World War One, or a detailed description of the Republican who opposed Franklin Roosevelt's bid for a second term in 1936, then this book will answer your questions, and then some. Quite simply, if you're going to buy just one reference book about America's Chief Executives, then this book should be it. The latest edition goes through the first year of George W. Bush's second term. Highly Recommended!

Solid Biographical Reference
Author William DeGregorio has done a nice job portraying the lives, loves, decisions, and biographies of each U.S. President.Readers learn more than just some basic biographical information.We also learn about what motivated them, their personal views and philosophies, their friends, loves, foes, romances, failures, successes etc.In short, we learn what made them tick.The book is readable, concise, and contains headings for the various categories.One weakness is that there is much less information on some of the more ancient chief executives, but this remains a valuable and easily-read reference. ... Read more

Book Description
Our Worst Nightmare—and How to Avoid It

It’s the ultimate nightmare scenario for conservatives: to awaken on the morning of November 5, 2008, to the news that the last swing state has been colored bright blue and Hillary Rodham Clinton is the President-elect of the United States.

Could it really happen?

Frighteningly, yes. In fact, as bestselling author and leading conservative commentator John Podhoretz reveals, this is not just a scary “what if” scenario; it will happen . . . unless conservatives take immediate action.

Sounding the alarm bell with wit and verve, Can She Be Stopped? shows that Hillary’s plan to capture the White House is much further along than her enemies fear. Podhoretz uncovers the host of reasons why—many of them counterintuitive. He also destroys the comfortable myths about Clinton that conservatives cling to: She’s saddled with too many “high negatives.” She’s too liberal to get elected. “Clinton fatigue” will keep her out of the Oval Office. You’ve heard them all, and they’re wrong on every count.

After shaking Republicans out of their complacency, Podhoretz lays out the precise strategyconservatives must deploy to stop Hillary dead in her tracks. His groundbreaking ten-point plan of action reveals:

•How to expose the real, ultraliberal Hillary

•How to "smoke her out" and prevent her from hiding on key issues

•How to make her denounce popular Republican programs—and defend unpopular liberal ideas

•How to use her Senate seat as a weapon against her

•How to overcome the Republican Party’s own problems

•Whom the Republicans should nominate (and the choice may surprise you)

Conservatives can’t avoid the Hillary problem any longer, or else the nation will be forced to endure another Clinton in the White House. Fortunately, John Podhoretz is here with the detailed blueprint that will spare the country from that disastrous turn of events, in a book as puckishly lively as it is sobering.

Can she be stopped? Yes—but only if we get to work . . . now.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Could He Be More Wrong?
Wow, I came across this in a used book store over the weekend, and had a chance to evaluate John's hypothesis.

He pretty much got the entire 2008 race wrong.First, John overestimated Hillary's strengths, engaging in classic "Clinton panic."Then he underestimated Obama's strength as a campaigner.Finally, he got Rudy badly, horribly, embarrassingly wrong.

Has John come clean on how he got things all messed up?

Great, but frightening information about our former first lady
I have gotten a lot of good information from this book.It is frightening to see what Hilary has set out to do.She is determined to be president no matter the costs.I believe if she reaches the White House(and please God, no) she will be a little Caesar.I read the newspaper articles at the time she and her husband left the white house and how they trashed it and took items that were not supposed to leave the White House.She has no regard for the good of the country, only what she can get.I believe she is capable of getting to her goal no matter what she has to do or who she has to step on.

"Misunderestimating" Hillary Clinton
If "Bush Country" demonstrated that George W. Bush came to power as a result of being "misunderestimated" by his opposition, "Can She Be Stopped?" argues that Hillary Clinton will use the tactic in 2008.Whether one likes her or not, it must be admitted that Hillary is the Queen of Coyness -- with Bill playing right along in the game.How many interviews with Bill have we seen in the past few weeks, in which he pretends not to know whether Hillary is running in 2008?Make no mistake, Hillary is running and she will be a force to be reckoned with, as John Podhoretz reminds us time and again.
Moreover, Podhoretz insists that in addition to being coy, Hillary will try to slide into office as a "stealth" candidate, overcoming her high "negatives" with the hope that the MSM won't press her to state her positions on major issues.Thus, Podhoretz counts down 10 strategies that Republicans can use to pin her down on major positions in the coming months before the mid-term elections, upon which the real 2008 campaign will begin.
While many will discount Podhoretz's warnings as part of a Republican scare campaign against Hillary and the chaos she will supposedly wrought once in office, it remains to be seen whether his predictions will be right.But, then, it will be too late.
In this book, Podhoretz, who, it seems to me, is probably one of best-educated writers on current events, keeps a light-hearted tone throughout the book, just as he did in "Bush Country."This book never bogs down.
Not everyone will like his conclusion, however, that Rudy is poised to be the Dragon-Slayer.But, that too, may be an eventuality we will need to prepare for.

Preaching to the Right Wing Choir Sheds Little Light on 2008
This book looked good at first glance - a treatise on the plausibility of Hillary Clinton being elected President in 2008 and how the Republicans can stop her. And the banner "Author of the New York Times bestseller Bush Country" on the cover seems to confer additional gravitas.
The table of contents seems to promise an objective analysis organized into sections like "Part I: Why, in spite of everything, Hillary can be elected President" with five supporting chapters and `Part III: "Stop Hillary: A Ten Point Plan."
But if you're not a devoted reader of the New York Post or viewer of Fox News, ten minutes inside this book will have you wondering why you bought it. This book is built on a thin veneer of rationality.One need read just a few pages to see that Podheretz's thesis is constructed on the quicksand of classic right wing paranoia.The author clearly addresses his intended audience on page two when he states, "You can forestall and prevent the most frightening and disastrous outcome of" Election Day 2008.He exhorts his reader to "ensure that this nation will be safe and secure and economically viable" by stopping Hillary from being elected.
Chapter I is entitled "Yes, She Has `High Negatives' - And They Might Even Help Her" seems promising, but the author goes on such a rant about her high negatives, that he undermines his thesis.
Podheretz is a man seemingly consumed with hate or one who lives in a right wing bubble.He repeatedly trashes Hillary for her original sin which was, to declare that she wasn't "standing by my man, like Tammy Wynette" when the Gennifer Flowers controversy threatened to derail her husband's 1992 presidential campaign.Never mind that she actually did stand by him.
And to hear Podheretz tell it, Bill Clinton nearly destroyed the US economy by balancing the budget in the late 1990s.And "I submit that [Hillary] the senator is a Trojan Horse and the real Hillary is inside waiting to burst through and alter the course set by George Bush."Yet the author offers no evidence of the truth of this Trojan Horse thesis.Nor does he acknowledge that most Presidents must lean toward the center to remain politically viable.Podheretz actually believes (or wants us to believe he believes) that Bush's disastrous foreign policy with Iraq as its centerpiece has made us safer and more secure and that Bush's economic policies have strengthened the economy, etc. or so he says.
If you enjoy the loopy, attack mode logic of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly (or if you just want to get inside their heads for a few hours) you may enjoy this book.Ann Coulter fans will love this book.But if you're looking for a serious analysis of the 2008 presidential campaigns and election, I suggest you look elsewhere.

ARROGANTLY PRESUMPTIVE, BUT ENGAGING PLOT AGAINST HILLARY'S RUN.
Two Stars for effort! Conservative John Podhoretz once again goes on the polemic trail, this time centering on Hillary Clinton and her possible run for president in 2008. And he's waving the red flag, with some humor, at what he perceives as the probability. But this is a very presumptive and arrogant book, which assumes that people like the very astute Karl Rove need advice in moving against Hillary and, even worst, presumes the astute Hillary, the person who coined the term "Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy" is hibernating in a cave and won't read it. Please, Mr Podhoretz!Indeed, this book may be part of Mr Rove's 2008 battle plan of Democratic disinformation and confusion: old, but perfectly legitimate political ploys.

I'm an Independent whose vote is literally up for grabs, desperately seeking a president who is going to steer the 'ship of state' back on course and everyone (and no one) is in play. But there are much more attractive Democratic candidates than Hillary, despite the fact that books like this mark Hillary as the most feared by Republicans, apparently. If Al Gore does what the once-defeated Nixon did in 1968 and again becomes the party standard bearer, this book becomes a heavy paperweight. Or John Edwards, John Carey, or Gov Dean could be in play. And that makes this book a mite presumptive, but still an interesting read. Again, the problem is that it was not released to a Republican "think tank", but to the public: where Hillary can read it and make counter-moves. And, love her or hate her, we know she will counter this book, and every one of his "Ten Points".

Mr Podhoretz does something interesting here. First he posits Hillary as an early threat to win the presidency, no matter what her current negative polling factors are. Then, once that is done, he proceeds to take her assumed candidacy apart with a 10 point attack plan. "Smoke her out?" Isn't she on TV every day already, running her mouth relentlessly. Where and what does he think she's hiding? That fact alone renders this book of limited utility, and will probably be completely useless by the time of the presidential/vice presidential debates.

It is interesting that high profile Republicans are lining up to team with Hillary on various bills and issues, almost as much as H.W. Bush is teaming up with Bill Clinton. LOL. And vice versa as Clinton has moved toward the center. And none other than Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News (noted for it's Hillary bashing) and publisher of the New York Post (really noted for it's Hillary bashing), literally Mister "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Against My Husband and Me" himself, and...Mr Podhoretz' boss, albeit way up the chain of command, is personally hosting a fund-raiser for Hillary. Hedging his bets, Rupert's not taking any chances. Whose next, Halliburton? LOL. I'll never understand politics!!

Mr Podhoretz was blind-sided on a Sunday talk show, when he was informed about Murdoch's Clinton fund-raiser; he was perplexed and almost speechless, to say the least. That Murdoch action definitely wounds this book.

Rudy or Condi versus Hillary or Edwards in a presidential debate, with no personal issues allowed, strictly on the political issues: Sheer Political Nirvana! Two Stars and an "Atta-Boy" for trying to derail a candidacy that hasn't even been announced !! ... Read more

Product Description
A set of 41 informative picture cards featuring every American President from Washington to Clinton. Each card has a full-color reproduction of the President's official White House portrait (or photograph) on one side with text about the man and the important events of his term on the reverse. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fantastic Overview and Quick Reference
This little book sits on my coffee table and is such a hit with our guests that, invariably, one or two of them will end up curled upon the couch reading it through while they apologize for not being more social. It sums up each President and his time as President succinctly and with humor and wit. For example, "...It was a shock when Zachary Taylor died prematurely and (vice president) Millard Fillmore was dragged blinking into the spotlight. He was never really White House material as even his friends privately acknowledged." Mr. Bestinserts what I call "historical opinion"--that is, opinion that is crystallized by the perspective of history-- and he presents a very balanced view of each president. In short, I LOVE this book and have purchased over ten copies which I have given to my appreciative friends. It is a small book, not meant to cover the Presidents in depth but rather to give a taste of each one, which it does to great success. THREE CHEERS FOR THIS BOOK!!!

Shame on U
Nicholas Best, Shame on you!I liked the book, except... You did not have the full names (middle names) of the presidents!Now thats weird. VaVoom SoKKo

Nice, but just not enough info
I bought this book in hopes of learning information about the presidents other than the simple things. It basically is full of greatly detailed pictures, but only has a small paragraph on each president. It's very smallto beat that (the book itself). So, If you are looking to find trivia thisbook is not the right choice. Otherwise, if you want a brief summary ofeach president, this book is good.

Very Good Pictures, Not enough text.
In this book, each president had two pages- 1 with their picture...the other with thier information. The pictures were really great, but the information was brief in content. If you're looking to learn something, this book would not help very much. Most of the text contained is already known by most people. It may be suitable for ten year olds, but for adults, it wouldn't be as interesting because all it contains is pictures and a short paragraph. Although, It would be a great book for kids, it just doesn't go good with "history buffs." ... Read more

Product Description
Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States, from George Washington in 1789 to the current administration, are all included in this compact but comprehensive publication, reviewed and approved by the Committee on House Administration to be printed as House Document No. 208, 93rd Congress. ... Read more

Book Description
From the most revered to the most notorious, each of our American presidents has had significant, influential, and remarkably intelligent things to say.Gathered here in A CALL TO AMERICA is a collection of 1,500 famous and inspiring quotes from every American president on subjects ranging from courage and the American spirit to peace and war.

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."
--George Washington

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
--Abraham Lincoln

"Those who dare to fail miserable can achieve greatly."
--John F. Kennedy ... Read more

Book Description
Presidential Sites identifies, provides the location of, and briefly describes more than 1000 places that are associated with the Presidents of the United States. The directory includes extant sites directly associated with the presidents, such as birthplaces, marriage sites, homes, battlefields, places of business, churches, libraries, and burial sites, as well as commemorative sites such as monuments, memorials, and public and private institutions.

Entries are arranged by President, in chronological order according to a president's first association with a site. The location and significance of each site are described briefly. Basic chronological data are provided for each president. Appendices list colleges attended by the presidents and presidential sites by state and country. A bibliography lists the most useful books available on presidential sites.

This book is the most complete, readily accessible, and convenient-to-use directory available on presidential sites. It will serve as both a reference volume and traveler's companion for those wanting rapid and easy access to a comprehensive listing of presidential sites. This book should be especially in demand and useful as interest in presidential history and sites grows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

seriously flawed
A great idea, but seriously flawed.Many of the entries are arranged illogically, and many of them contain dubious, incomplete, or plain inaccurate historical information.Worse, the author chose to include dozens of sites closed to the public, many with little historical interest -- a hotel or home that a president was said to have visited, for example.Would even the most enthusiastic presidential buff travel more than a block to see such a place?Worst of all, however, is the book's index, which renders it almost useless.Yes, the sites are arranged by state, but that's as far as it goes: for each state you'll see only a list of sites (no cities!), and not even a page number reference.Instead, you're given a president's name, and must leaf through the book to find Hoover, for example, before you realize the site is in a distant corner of the state, or isn't even a public place at all. ... Read more

Product Description
U.S. Government Printing Office Publication No. 86-268 O. Includes charts and population tables. ... Read more