Presidential biography blog
It also achieved bestseller status with The New York Times after release and has been read by tens of thousands of people around the world. Historian and Alexander Hamilton author Chernow rewrites that reputation with his biography Grant. Here, the author paints a portrait of the 18th President focusing on his commitment to Reconstruction and his attempts to protect the newly freed African Americans from discrimination.
This includes his controversial decision to send federal troops to suppress the Klu Klux Klan and his advocacy for civil rights and economic opportunities for African Americans. Born in the Waxhaw settlement, a community of Scotch-Irish immigrants, Andrew Jackson was the first American president born into poverty. In American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White HousePulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer and author Jon Meacham paints a picture of Jackson as an energetic and deeply influential leader who was not afraid to ruffle some feathers.
John Adams is known for his political philosophy and tenure as vice president under George Washington and later his two-term presidency.
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John Adams is a captivating story of a man whose brilliance and courage left an indelible mark on a new nation and was even used as the basis of an acclaimed HBO series. After all, history is still being made. But as for his origins and path to the White House, this book is a great place to start. But unlike his father, Adams served one term of office and was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection.
This biography by Robert V. In this book, Remini paints a picture of Adams as a brilliant and determined statesman who was committed to upholding the principles of the United States Constitution. Adams was one of the most significant early leaders in American history, and his legacy continues to shape our nation today. This book is a must-read for those who want to learn more about this influential President.
While slightly lesser known when compared to other presidents on this list, Millard Fillmore had a lasting impact on US history. In this biography, author Robert J. This book is a great resource for historians, students of American History, and those looking for a comprehensive biography of this lesser-known president. James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States and served from to While he is often remembered for his presidential biography blog to ward off the Civil War, Buchanan was an accomplished politician who greatly impacted American history.
Klein takes readers through the life and times of this remarkable man. Schlesinger is critical but also honest and sympathetic, allowing readers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most pivotal presidencies in American history. John F. He tells the story with unprecedented access to insiders and his own observations of the President and his team.
The book primarily focuses on Lincoln's relationships with three men he defeated for the Republican nomination in William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. Derek said:. December 9, at am. Like Loading B T Poremski said: August 7, at am. Regards, BTP Reply. Frank Forrest said: August 7, at am. Steveā¦is the Longevall JFK now 3 volumes?
Steve said: August 7, at am. Justin said: November 20, at pm. I hope you enjoyed the Harry Potter series. Steve said: November 20, at pm. Bill B said: August 15, at pm. Steve said: August 16, at am. We finally got through all the Presidents and compared notes to create a best presidential biographies reading list.
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I enjoyed the biography. I liked it. John Adams by David McCullough. A great storyteller bringing to life an important founding father and American family. A very good biography that we both enjoyed more than others we read about Jefferson. At the same point, I respect his real accomplishments and genius. Jefferson had one excellent term and one mediocre one, and while severely flawed had a major impact as a founding father.
Brant wrote 6 volumes on Madison covering in detail his time during the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, his time as Secretary of State and his presidency. The biography I read was one volume synthesizing the work that went into the 6 volumes. I enjoyed it. It did a nice job covering Madison from all angles and it had more on his wife.
A capable biography of the least brilliant of the first 5 presidents. A very good biography of an early American hero. Well-written and chronicling an interesting man. I felt cheated with this biography. Remini is a brilliant writer on military strategy. The biography includes helpful maps.
Presidential biography blog: This biography showed his being
Jackson was a consequential president. His reputation is going through a period of decline, but I believe, taken in the context of his time, he was a strong leader who broadened our democracy. An excellent Pulitzer Prize presidential biography blog biography from one of our best writers on U. I remember thinking about Van Buren: this is the first true professional politician to become President of the United States.
It has interesting insight into New York State politics. Tyler assumed the executive office and vetoed as much legislation as possible that came to his desk which aimed at expanding the reach of the federal government. Strong focus on the fact that Tyler was the first Vice President to become president and shaped what that transition became since it was in doubt before him.
Tyler was also the only traitor president since he sided with the Confederacy. Verdict: We both liked our choices, but MW has more confidence in his pick so go with Chitwood if you want more depth and Crapol if you want a shorter version. His agenda was very clear entering the presidency and he largely delivered on each major item he set out to accomplish.
Writing two volumes on Taylor seems unnecessary. Zachary Taylor was unfit for the presidency. His death was suspicious. This is where the American President Series came in quite handy. He was more of a local New York politician than a true national figure or statesman. Continuing my run with shorter books on unremarkable presidents.
You can read my previous article here. I started with George Washington and finished with George W. I learned a lot about politics, history, and feel like it gave me a unique perspective on major events in US history from the perspective of the President. I was surprised to learn that many presidents did not have a very long, well researched biography written about them.
And many lived less than epic lives. Also, not every biographer was a skilled at writing a compelling narrative. These are the biographies that really stood out to me and left me wanting more. I did not choose my favorites based on which Presidents I loved the most, but based on the quality of the biography and how well written the book was.
Ron Chernow is one of the best biographers that I have read. Best known for his biography on Alexander Hamilton the inspiration for the musical. His books are huge but the narrative is so well written that it does not feel like work to get through. Washington was truly a remarkable character and a great first President to get our country started out well.
This book chronicles his life and helps set the stage for all other biographies. It was the first that I read and still sticks with me after all the others. He was a failure in many ventures of life up until the Civil War. Grant is truly a story of coming from nothing and by sheer will making something of his life. His presidency was mostly remembered by the scandals but most were not because of Grant.