Presidents - A Biographical Dictionary (Hardcover)

The president of the United States is a highly visible public figure, a bearer of tremendous responsibility, and the subject of intense scrutiny. He is accountable for war, economic problems, domestic strife, national security, and partisan politics. Presidents closely examines the hopes and disappointments, the victories and defeats, and the integrity and perfidy of the previous leaders of this country, including an up-to-the-minute profile of the president newly elected in fall 2000. Each biographical sketch evokes the human dimension of that president, bypassing political theory in favor of a narrative combined with analysis of his career and legacy. Readers will find the essential facts about each man's life, as well as a portrait of the president as a person.

Organized chronologically by administration, each essay includes:
-- Accomplishments, failures, and dramatic moments in the president's political history
-- A quote from that president's inaugural address
-- The most important developments in his presidency, both domestic and foreign
-- A summation that evaluates his administration and its lasting legacy
-- Date and place of birth, as well as a timeline of his life
-- A further reading list on that president.