Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist by Richard Munson
Highlights Benjamin Franklin’s groundbreaking scientific achievements and their influence on his political success. The book reveals how Franklin’s curiosity and innovations in fields like electricity and weather paved the way for his diplomatic triumphs, including securing French support for American independence. Munson portrays Franklin as a visionary whose scientific mindset shaped his role as a nation-builder.
Lincoln vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents by Nigel Hamilton
Nigel Hamilton explores the dramatic rivalry between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the Civil War. The book traces how Lincoln, an inexperienced leader, rose to outwit the seasoned Davis, ultimately embracing emancipation as a strategic necessity to save the Union. With vivid characters and high-stakes decisions, Hamilton delivers a compelling dual biography that illuminates the war’s pivotal moments and Lincoln’s transformation into a decisive commander-in-chief.
Martin Van Buren: America’s First Politician by James M. Bradley
James Bradley’s new biography of Martin Van Buren explores the life of the “Little Magician,” a political strategist who shaped the Democratic Party and rose from humble beginnings to the presidency. It examines his role in controversial policies, such as supporting slavery and Indigenous dispossession, while highlighting his later involvement in the antislavery movement. The book offers vivid portraits of key figures and the turbulent politics leading up to the Civil War.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Barack Obama reflects on his journey from a young man seeking identity to becoming the 44th president of the United States. He shares personal insights into his political education, historic first-term milestones, and the challenges of leadership, including the financial crisis, passing the Affordable Care Act, and authorizing the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Intimate and introspective, the memoir explores the power and limits of democracy, balancing hope with the moral complexities of decision-making on the world stage.
You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington by Alexis Coe
Alexis Coe reexamines George Washington, uncovering a more complex and human side of the first president. From his ambitious youth and unconventional military career to his reluctant presidency and struggles with slavery, Coe focuses on the man behind the myth. Blending sharp research with fresh storytelling, she offers a candid portrait of Washington’s triumphs, contradictions, and enduring legacy.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
A captivating account of his extraordinary life, written initially as advice for his son. A self-taught polymath, Franklin excelled as a scientist, inventor, writer, and diplomat, earning acclaim as one of America’s greatest minds. This timeless classic continues to inspire readers with its vivid portrayal of ambition, ingenuity, and accomplishment.
Decision Points by George W. Bush
George W. Bush offers a candid account of the pivotal choices that defined his presidency and personal life. Covering events like 9/11, the Iraq War, and Hurricane Katrina, Bush reflects on his leadership, key relationships, and controversial policies, including counterterrorism measures and the troop surge. This memoir provides unique insights into the challenges and complexities of his eight years as president.
Personal Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant
A landmark annotated edition of the former president’s celebrated memoirs, praised for their literary and historical significance. Covering his life through the Civil War, Grant offers profound insights into battlefield decisions and the trials of America’s democratic institutions. This definitive version, enriched by expert commentary, provides modern readers with a deeper understanding of an enduring classic.
Grant by Ron Chernow
Chernow offers a sweeping and nuanced biography of Ulysses S. Grant, dispelling long-held stereotypes to reveal the complexities of his life. From his struggles with business and accusations of drunkenness to his Civil War brilliance and two-term presidency, Grant emerges as a resilient and principled leader. Chernow’s masterful narrative illuminates Grant’s dedication to justice, his efforts to combat racism, and his redemption through his acclaimed memoirs, cementing his legacy as one of America’s most remarkable figures.
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
Meacham paints a vivid portrait of Jefferson as a masterful politician and visionary thinker who balanced idealism with pragmatic leadership. Jefferson’s genius lay in his ability to navigate fierce partisan conflict and external threats while advancing his vision for popular government, individual liberty, and national progress. Meacham’s biography captures Jefferson’s complexities—his passions, contradictions, and enduring influence on American history.
Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison’s Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation by Peter Stark
Chronicles the dramatic clash between Shawnee leader Tecumseh and Indiana governor William Henry Harrison during the early 19th century. As Tecumseh united Native nations to resist U.S. expansion, Harrison pursued policies to secure western lands for American settlers, leading to a decisive conflict on the western front of the War of 1812. Stark’s vivid narrative explores the stakes of this rivalry, highlighting Tecumseh’s extraordinary leadership and the transformative impact of these events on the continent’s future.
A Brutal Reckoning: Andrew Jackson, the Creek Indians, and the Epic War for the American South by Peter Cozzens
Examines the Creek War, a devastating conflict that marked a turning point in Native American history and U.S. expansion. The war decimated the Creek people, enabling the U.S. government to seize control of the Deep South and elevating Andrew Jackson to national prominence. Cozzens provides a vivid portrayal of Jackson’s ruthless ambition while highlighting the war’s profound and lasting impact on America’s trajectory.
The Founders’ Curse: James Monroe’s Struggle against Political Parties by Brook Poston
Examines James Monroe’s complex role in shaping early American political parties. Although Monroe sought to eliminate partisanship during his presidency, his actions ultimately led to the resurgence of political factions under Andrew Jackson, laying the groundwork for the modern two-party system. The book highlights Monroe’s relationships with key political figures and his lasting impact on the nation’s political evolution.
James Monroe: A Life by Tim McGrath
Captures the extraordinary life of the last Founding Father to hold the presidency, a soldier, diplomat, and statesman who shaped the young republic. From his revolutionary battles and diplomatic triumphs to his pivotal presidency, Monroe sought to unite a divided nation, strengthening America at home and abroad. Drawing on rare primary sources, McGrath offers a vivid portrait of a transformative leader.
James and Dolley Madison: America’s First Power Couple by Bruce Chadwick
Offers a fresh look at James and Dolley Madison, portraying them as America’s first power couple. Madison emerges as a vibrant leader and effective commander in chief during the War of 1812, while Dolley’s charm and political acumen redefined the role of First Lady. Together, they navigated political triumphs and personal struggles, leaving a lasting legacy on the nation.
James Madison: America’s First Politician by Jay Cost
Presents James Madison as the architect of American politics, resolving the “Madison problem” of his seemingly contradictory positions. Madison’s singular focus on political practice, rather than splitting time between other vocations like his contemporaries, allowed him to shape the distinctively American political system. Cost argues that Madison’s legacy lies in his role as the first true American politician.
The Memoir of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson’s memoir, written in 1821 and published posthumously, offers personal reflections on his political rise, his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his interactions with figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. He recounts the debates surrounding the Declaration and its enduring significance, providing a vital firsthand perspective on the American revolutionary era.
In the Hands of the People: Thomas Jefferson on Equality, Faith, Freedom, Compromise, and the Art of Citizenship by Jon Meacham
In this insightful collection, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Jon Meacham highlights Thomas Jefferson’s writings on citizenship and the enduring relevance of America’s founding principles. Featuring commentary from figures like Colin Powell and Frederick Douglass, the book explores Jefferson’s ideas on topics like religious freedom, education, and the role of government. Meacham emphasizes the importance of revisiting these first principles to navigate modern challenges and understand our responsibilities to the republic.
A View from Abroad: The Story of John and Abigail Adams in Europe by Jeanne E. Abrams
Explores how John and Abigail Adams’s European travels from 1778 to 1788 transformed their intellectual and cultural outlook while deepening their loyalty to America. Interacting with European monarchs and societies, the Adamses evolved from provincial citizens to worldly thinkers, grappling with what it meant to forge a distinct American identity. Their experiences abroad shaped their belief in a uniquely American society and continue to resonate in discussions of national identity today.
John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People by Randall B. Woods
Delves into the complex life of John Quincy Adams, from his formative years as the son of John and Abigail Adams to his influential roles in American politics. A brilliant diplomat and intellectual, Adams helped shape U.S. foreign policy through the Transcontinental Treaty and Monroe Doctrine, but his presidency was marred by political struggle. After leaving office, he became a fierce anti-slavery advocate in Congress, leaving a legacy of transformative influence on the American Republic.
The Patriots: Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the Making of America by Winston Groom
Explores the lives of three of America’s most influential founding fathers: Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. Their differing backgrounds and political ideologies shaped the early development of the United States, from drafting the Declaration of Independence to establishing a national treasury. Despite personal animosities and political polarization, these men played pivotal roles in creating the foundation of the nation, offering a compelling story of their complex relationships and enduring legacy.
John Adams Under Fire: The Founding Father’s Fight for Justice in the Boston Massacre Murder Trial by Dan Abrams
This gripping account delves into the life of young John Adams and his crucial role in the trial following the Boston Massacre. In 1770, Adams defended British soldiers accused of killing five civilians, seeking justice amidst a tense, revolutionary climate. Through the trial transcript and Adams’s own words, authors Dan Abrams and David Fisher reveal how Adams’s actions helped lay the groundwork for U.S. law and played a key part in the nation’s path toward independence.
Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic by Lindsay M Chervinsky
Offers an in-depth look at John Adams’s leadership during the second U.S. presidency and his pivotal role in defining the office. Confronted by foreign threats, intense partisan divides, and the weight of following George Washington, Adams shaped the presidency through his unique approach to executive power, his political beliefs, and his commitment to the peaceful transfer of power. This authoritative account explores how Adams navigated these challenges, ensuring the survival of the American republic and establishing important political norms for future presidents.
George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father by David O Stewart
Chronicles George Washington’s extraordinary transformation from a failed military officer to the dominant force in the creation of the United States. Stewart explores Washington’s political education, from his early years in Virginia’s House of Burgesses to his leadership during the American Revolution, revealing how he developed the skills and trust necessary to unify the fledgling nation. Washington’s rise is presented as one of the greatest self-reinventions in history, culminating in his unanimous election as the first president of the United States.
George Washington, Entrepreneur: How Our Founding Father’s Private Business Pursuits Changed America and the World by John Berlau
Highlights the lesser-known side of Washington as a pioneering businessman and innovator. From breeding mules to revolutionizing wheat farming and creating one of the first branded food products, Washington’s ventures at Mount Vernon reshaped American industries. He also established a distillery that made him one of the largest whiskey distributors of his time, revealing his significant contributions to early American entrepreneurship.
And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham
This book explores the life and moral evolution of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on how he confronted secession, threats to democracy, and the tragedy of slavery. It presents a more human Lincoln, showing him as an imperfect man whose commitment to ending slavery was crucial to America’s justice story. From his early life on the Kentucky frontier to his leadership during the Civil War and his assassination, Lincoln’s journey reveals the complexities of his convictions, political failures, faith, and the fight for emancipation. His story offers insights into the capacity of conscience to shape history and the struggle against white supremacy in America.
The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America’s Soul by Brian Kilmeade
Explores the unlikely friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who united to fight for equality while preserving the Constitution. Despite initial disagreements, both self-made men overcame immense challenges to work toward abolishing slavery and fulfilling the promise of the American dream for everyone. Kilmeade brings their inspiring story to life in a compelling narrative of principles, patience, and lasting change.
Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy by David O. Stewart
David Stewart challenges the traditional view of Andrew Johnson as Lincoln’s political heir, arguing that Johnson undermined Lincoln’s legacy of equality. Instead, he contends Johnson’s actions forced freed slaves into a harsh system of agricultural peonage in the South. Hardcover with the original jacket, first edition in near fine condition.
America’s First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights by Jerry Mikorenda
In 1854, Elizabeth Jennings defied racial segregation by refusing to leave a New York City streetcar, leading to her assault by the conductor and a police officer. Her landmark lawsuit, with future President Chester A. Arthur as her attorney, resulted in a significant legal victory for desegregating public transit. This is the little-known story of Jennings, her fight for equality, and its lasting impact on race relations in America.
The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President by Edward F. O’Keefe
A heartfelt exploration of how the women in Theodore Roosevelt’s life—his mother, sisters, and wives—profoundly shaped the iconic president. From his mother Mittie’s strength to his wives Alice and Edith’s influence, and his sisters Bamie and Conie’s political and public relations support, these extraordinary women helped mold Roosevelt’s character and legacy. This vibrant narrative highlights their pivotal roles in his life and celebrates their impact on American history.
Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense: The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy by Dan Abrams
Dan Abrams recounts the dramatic courtroom showdown where Theodore Roosevelt defended himself against a libel lawsuit brought by former ally William Barnes, whom Roosevelt had accused of corruption. This high-stakes trial, which captivated the nation, showcased Roosevelt’s fiery rhetoric and unwavering principles. Through court transcripts and news reports, Abrams offers a vivid look at a pivotal moment in American legal and political history.
Leave It As It Is: A Journey Through Theodore Roosevelt’s American Wilderness by David Gessner
Gessner embarks on a wilderness road trip inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s enduring environmental legacy. Visiting iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Bears Ears, Gessner reflects on Roosevelt’s pioneering conservation efforts and reimagines his vision for today’s environmental challenges. This journey blends history, natural beauty, and a compelling call to protect America’s public lands.
Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote by Tina Cassidy
Tells the riveting story of suffragist Alice Paul’s relentless fight for women’s equality and her complex relationship with President Woodrow Wilson. From organizing groundbreaking protests like the 1913 suffrage parade to enduring hunger strikes and imprisonment, Paul’s courage forced the nation to confront the demand for voting rights. This inspiring account highlights a pivotal chapter in the fight for women’s suffrage and the extraordinary determination behind it.
The Moralist: Woodrow Wilson and the World He Made by Patricia O’Toole
A nuanced biography of Woodrow Wilson, exploring his progressive domestic policies, failures on racial equality and suffrage, and his complex role in World War I. A champion of liberal internationalism, Wilson led the creation of the League of Nations but faced personal and political defeats afterward. O’Toole offers a cautionary tale of moral ambition and its impact on American foreign and domestic affairs.
The Madman in the White House: Sigmund Freud, Ambassador Bullitt, and the Lost Psychobiography of Woodrow Wilson by Patrick Weil
Revisits the controversial psychobiography of Woodrow Wilson, written by Sigmund Freud and diplomat William C. Bullitt, which argued that Wilson’s mental health shaped his destructive handling of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. Drawing on the rediscovered 1932 manuscript, Weil reassesses Freud and Bullitt’s analysis and explores the broader implications of unbalanced leaders in shaping world events. This thought-provoking work offers a fresh perspective on Wilson and the risks of unstable leadership.
Manipulating the Masses: Woodrow Wilson and the Birth of American Propaganda by John Maxwell Hamilton
Examines the rise of state-sponsored propaganda during World War I through the Committee on Public Information (CPI), created by President Woodrow Wilson. Led by George Creel, the CPI used media, art, and academia to shape public opinion, often distorting facts and challenging dissent while collaborating with intelligence agencies to suppress opposition. Drawing on extensive archival research, Hamilton reveals how the CPI set the stage for modern propaganda and its enduring threat to democratic principles.
The Jazz Age President: Defending Warren G. Harding by Ryan S. Walters
Historian Ryan Walters challenges the widely held view of Harding as one of the worst U.S. presidents. Arguing that Harding has been unfairly maligned, Walters highlights his successes, including stabilizing the economy, fostering the Roaring Twenties’ boom, easing social tensions, and shifting U.S. foreign policy away from interventionism. This compelling reexamination presents a stronger case for Harding’s legacy.
Herbert Hoover: A Life by Glen Jeansonne
Offers a comprehensive portrait of the misunderstood 31st president, challenging common perceptions of Hoover as a “do-nothing” leader. Far from it, Hoover was a progressive figure who played a key role in humanitarian efforts, modernizing American industry, and fighting the Great Depression. Jeansonne paints Hoover as a resourceful and principled leader whose legacy influenced both the New Deal and later Republican values, providing a much-needed reassessment of his impact on American history.
A Christian and a Democrat: A Religious Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Explores how Franklin Roosevelt’s Christian faith shaped his political philosophy, particularly through the lens of the social gospel. This biography, originally started by John Woolverton and completed by James Bratt, delves into FDR’s upbringing in the Episcopal Church and his education under Endicott Peabody, revealing the significant role religion played in his leadership. The work offers a timely reflection on FDR’s response to political demagoguery and presents a hopeful example of faith-driven leadership.
Where the Buck Stops: The Personal and Private Writings of Harry S. Truman
A candid collection of President Harry S. Truman’s reflections on his colleagues, the presidency, and American history, written shortly after he left office. Edited by his daughter Margaret, this book reveals Truman’s blunt, no-nonsense opinions on FDR, the government, the Constitution, and his thoughts on the nation’s best and worst presidents. With humor and seriousness, Truman speaks directly in his signature style, offering an unfiltered look at the political landscape of his time.
The Soul of an American President: The Untold Story of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Faith by Alan Sears
Explores the pivotal role that faith played in the personal and public life of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the only U.S. president baptized as a Christian while in office. Alan Sears and Craig Osten trace his journey from humble beginnings in rural Texas to his leadership in two World Wars and his presidency, revealing how his faith sustained him through personal loss, marital struggles, and the horrors of war. This biography sheds light on Eisenhower’s deep, sincere spirituality, offering a new perspective on the man behind the soldier and the president.
Ike in Love and War: How Dwight D. Eisenhower Sacrificed Himself to Keep the Peace by Richard Striner
Provides an in-depth and emotional look at Dwight D. Eisenhower, exploring both his personal struggles and remarkable achievements. While Eisenhower’s public image was that of a calm, approachable leader, this biography reveals the intense intelligence and emotional depth that drove his successes. The book delves into Eisenhower’s internal conflict between his mother’s pacifism and his role as a military leader, portraying him as the greatest peacekeeper of his era. It also revisits his complicated romance with Kay Summersby, offering new insights into the personal sacrifices that impacted his health and legacy. This biography emphasizes how Eisenhower’s brilliance and self-mastery shaped both his presidency and the world he helped create.
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley
Explores the political, cultural, and scientific forces behind America’s race to the moon, driven by JFK’s challenge to land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Drawing on new primary sources and interviews with key figures, Brinkley captures the triumphs of NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, and the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. This engaging history celebrates the ingenuity and spirit that made the moon landing possible.
Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and the Great Environmental Awakening by Douglas Brinkley
Chronicles the rise of environmental activism during the Long Sixties, focusing on key figures like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon. Brinkley highlights the urgent efforts of environmental leaders who fought to protect America’s natural world, inspired by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and pushing for legislation to address pollution and protect public lands. This book captures the grassroots movement that laid the foundation for modern environmental policy and remains relevant in today’s fight against climate change.
King Richard: Nixon and Watergate – An American Tragedy by Michael Dobbs
Recounts the dramatic and tension-filled 100 days in 1973 when the Watergate scandal unraveled Richard Nixon’s presidency. Drawing on newly released tapes, Dobbs provides a vivid, inside look at the conspiracy, exposing the paranoia and desperation of those involved. At its core is Nixon, whose ambition and determination ultimately led to his downfall in this modern American tragedy of power and betrayal.
The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate by Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw offers a personal, behind-the-scenes account of the final year of Richard Nixon’s presidency during the Watergate scandal. As NBC News White House correspondent, Brokaw provides a close-up look at the players, strategies, and dramatic moments that defined the high-stakes showdown, reflecting on the twists, tensions, and surprises that led to Nixon’s downfall.
An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford by Richard Norton Smith
In this definitive biography, historian Richard Norton Smith reassesses Gerald R. Ford’s presidency, revealing him as an underrated leader whose decisions shaped post-liberal America and the post-Cold War world. Drawing on extensive interviews and documents, Smith highlights Ford’s personal decency, his pivotal role in healing the nation after Watergate, his economic deregulation, and his leadership in the Helsinki Accords, all of which set the stage for future American and global developments.
Humor and the Presidency by Gerald R. Ford
The former President’s favorite humorous stories and anecdotes are complemented by political cartoons and satire from Art Buchwald, Chevy Chase, Mark Russell, and Bob Orben, along with sharp-witted politicians.
His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life by Jonathan Alter
Jonathan Alter’s biography of Jimmy Carter offers a deeply personal portrait of the 39th president, from his humble beginnings in the Jim Crow South to his global humanitarian work. Alter presents Carter as a complex, moral leader—both ridiculed and revered—whose presidency and post-presidential efforts left a lasting legacy in peace, environmentalism, and human rights. This insightful biography challenges the common perception of Carter, revealing a flawed but underrated leader committed to truth and justice.
The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter by Kai Bird
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kai Bird offers a re-evaluation of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, challenging the notion of it as a failure. Bird explores Carter’s unique outsider status, his moral vision, and the radical self-examination he demanded of America, examining how issues like race, inequality, and energy independence during his presidency still resonate today. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Bird provides a clear-eyed, definitive account of Carter’s legacy, offering insights into a president whose achievements were often overlooked in his time.
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, reflects on his remarkable life with honesty and insight. He shares vivid memories of his youth in rural Georgia, his naval career, and pivotal decisions in politics and family life, revealing both pride and regret. This candid memoir highlights his enduring passions for humanitarian causes, his reflections on leadership, and the profound impact of a life well-lived.
The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan in the White House and the World by William Inboden
Chronicles Ronald Reagan’s presidency and his foreign policy team’s efforts to end the Cold War and reshape the global order. Facing crises from terrorism to proxy wars and an arms race with the Soviet Union, Reagan pursued a bold strategy of military pressure paired with diplomacy. Despite internal rivalries, his team laid the groundwork for the Cold War’s peaceful conclusion and the rise of a new global era.
Where’s the Rest of Me? The Autobiography of Ronald Reagan
President Reagan reflects on his childhood, education, acting career, two marriages, and the experiences that influenced his political beliefs.
The Last Republicans: Inside the Extraordinary Relationship Between George HW Bush and George W Bush by Mark K. Updegrove
Offers an insightful look at George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, exploring their presidencies, family dynamics, and impact on American politics. Drawing on exclusive interviews, Mark K. Updegrove reveals their thoughts on each other’s leadership, public service, and the dramatic transformation of the Republican Party under Donald Trump. This poignant work reflects on the end of the Bush presidential era and the values they championed.
The Gulf War: George HW Bush and American Grand Strategy in the Post-Cold War Era by Spencer D. Bakich
Spencer Bakich examines President George H. W. Bush’s grand strategy to establish a New World Order through great power cooperation and the United Nations during the Persian Gulf War. Bakich argues that Bush’s approach, rooted in Wilsonian internationalism, aimed to transform global diplomacy and solidify the UN’s role in collective security. While the Gulf War partially achieved these goals, its outcome revealed flaws in the strategy, shaping a New World Order different from what Bush had envisioned.
My Life by Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton offers a candid and introspective memoir, exploring his journey as a son, husband, father, and president. He reflects on his triumphs in education and economic reform, his battles against political adversaries, and the personal mistakes that nearly led to his impeachment. With vivid anecdotes and heartfelt insights, Clinton provides a deeply personal and detailed portrait of his life, presidency, and enduring determination to make the most of every moment.
41: A Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush
In this unique biography, George W. Bush, the 43rd President, recounts the life and legacy of his father, George H. W. Bush, the 41st President. Covering his father’s service in World War II, groundbreaking work in Texas oil, and political ascent, the book offers an intimate view of both the statesman and the family man. George W. Bush also reflects on his father’s profound influence on his own life and presidency.
Confronting Saddam Hussein: George W. Bush and the Invasion of Iraq by Melvyn P Leffler
Historian Melvyn P. Leffler examines the complex decision-making behind the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, highlighting fear, power, and Saddam Hussein’s brutality as key factors. Through interviews and declassified documents, Leffler portrays George W. Bush as reluctant to go to war but convinced coercive diplomacy and force were necessary to counter Hussein’s defiance. This compelling reassessment underscores the anxieties, bureaucratic dysfunction, and pivotal choices that shaped one of the 21st century’s most consequential events.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
Advocates for a unifying politics rooted in shared values and optimism. Blending reflections on his Senate career, family life, and America’s global role, Obama outlines his vision for the nation’s future and inspires faith in the enduring spirit that binds Americans together.
The Long Alliance: The Imperfect Union of Joe Biden and Barack Obama by Gabriel Debendetti
Offers an in-depth exploration of the complex, evolving relationship between Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Spanning from 2003 to 2022, the book reveals how their partnership has shaped presidential campaigns, political parties, and critical moments in American history. Beyond the “bromance” narrative, it uncovers the tensions, reunions, and mutual influence that continue to impact their legacies and the future of American democracy.
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
In this poignant memoir, Barack Obama explores his identity as a black American, shaped by his African father and white American mother. After learning of his father’s death, Obama embarks on an emotional journey that takes him from New York to Kansas, Hawaii, and Kenya, where he confronts his father’s legacy and reconciles the complexities of his mixed heritage.
Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America by Maggie Haberman
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maggie Haberman offers an in-depth, nuanced portrait of Donald Trump, chronicling his rise from New York businessman to the 45th president and his post-presidency. Through extensive interviews and years of reporting, Haberman reveals Trump as a complex, contradictory figure—capable of both kindness and cruelty, driven by survival instincts and self-interest. The book also explores the transactional relationships that shaped his career and presidency, providing a definitive account of one of the most disruptive eras in American politics.
The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library by Trevor Noah
An illustrated, humorous catalog of Donald Trump’s most iconic and outrageous tweets, as seen on The Daily Show. Offering a satirical analysis and “scholarly” commentary, this book explores everything from Trump’s memorable nicknames to his infamous Twitter battles and predictions. With contributions from The Daily Show writers and an introduction by Trevor Noah, it presents a comprehensive, tongue-in-cheek portrait of Trump’s Twitter legacy, providing insight into one of the most unique and controversial aspects of his presidency.
Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now by Evan Osnos
Offers a concise, insightful look at Biden’s long political journey to the presidency, blending personal challenges with his resilience and empathy. Drawing from interviews with Biden and others, Osnos examines Biden’s career, including his Senate years, vice presidency, and the 2020 election, revealing his ability to confront adversity and evolve over time. This nuanced portrayal highlights Biden’s flaws and strengths, showing how his experiences have shaped him into a leader suited for the complexities of his presidency.
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose by Joe Biden
A deeply personal memoir that recounts the year that changed both his family and his country. Centered around his son Beau’s battle with brain cancer, Biden reflects on the emotional journey of balancing his responsibilities as vice president with the devastating loss of Beau. While navigating crises abroad, Biden also faces the challenging question of whether to run for president in 2016. This poignant story of love, loss, and resilience highlights the strength of family bonds and the power of hope through adversity.
Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered his Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success by Russ Buettner & Susanne Craig
A comprehensive investigation into Donald Trump’s financial history, debunking the narrative of his self-made wealth. The book reveals that Trump’s rise to prominence was largely fueled by financial advantages from his father, including more than $500 million in today’s money, rather than his business acumen. Through years of poor financial decisions, Trump relied on lucky breaks and borrowed money, building a public image of success while masking his repeated failures. The book draws on over 20 years of confidential tax information and business records, providing an explosive exposé of how Trump manipulated his financial image to ultimately reach the White House.
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