3 comments about The Presidency of Franklin Pierce (American Presidency Series).

1. The years before 1860 were a period of increasing cold war in the United States. From the perspective of over a century after the conclusion of the internal war, we tend to lose the knowledge that there was more to the separatism than the disagreement concerning slavery. While the North/South dispute over slavery was paramount, other regional differences such as the role of the frontier led to a political fragmentation that prevented any faction from being able to govern and solve the growing problems. Several new parties arose while the formerly powerful Whig party was dying. This fragmentation is the main theme of this book and Gara states it very well. With the modern emphasis on the slavery question, the other divisive forces in the nation are often overlooked, which leads to historical inaccuracy.
   Gara explains in great detail how the political fragmentation prevented any real attempt to resolve the issues. One point in particular that is often ignored is the three-fifths representation. For census purposes a slave was considered to be three-fifths of a person, even though they were also property. This absurdity caused a great deal of resentment in free states, as it concentrated more political power in the slave states than the size of the free population should have allowed. This caused more representatives to be elected from the southern states, which altered the outcome of some of the votes in favor of the south. Deeply resented by many in the north, it points out the inherent absurdities of slavery and is well documented and explained.
   The federal government was still largely a weak institution with most of the power held by the states. With all of these problems, it would have taken an extraordinary president to alter the course of history. Franklin Pierce was no such man, and the best that can be said is that he muddled through without any great catastrophes. More than anything else, it was his handsome, presidential appearance that earned him the white house. His rise to the presidency was largely an accident, as he was a compromise candidate after the better candidates were somehow disqualified. His administration also began on a tragic note, when one of the Pierce children was killed before the eyes of his father and mother. Being largely untested on the national political arena, Pierce also wore a colossal political tin ear, often making basic errors that made things worse.
   Given all of these problems, it is surprising that the Pierce administration did as well as it did. As the author points out, his presidency is ranked somewhere above a failure, but nowhere near a success. In reading about all of the problems of the country at that time, it is hard to see where a great deal of improvements could have been made. The country was expanding rapidly and the industrial revolution with associated social changes was just beginning. Slavery was a historical anachronism, clearly in the process of being eliminated and had it not become the symbol of the rights and tradition of the southern states, it would have naturally ceased to exist. Even the ardent proponents of slavery referred to is as the "peculiar institution."
   In retrospect, the forces that led to the regional split were so powerful that it is hard to envision any way that it could not have led to a civil war. Those forces were stronger than any man or political party and in this book you learn about the actions of a man who landed in a job beyond his talents and yet avoided being a total failure. Given the complexity of the circumstances, his time as president was close to the best that could have been done.



2. This is very dry reading. As well, there is almost no mention of Pierce! Instead, the author focuses on the issues/characters that shaped the times. These are crucial to understanding the political atmosphere surrounding Pierce's presidency, but a biography should focus on the individual. We learn next to nothing about Pierce.



3. THE AUTHOR, LARRY GARA, SETS THE STAGE FOR FRANKLIN PIERCE'S EMERGENCE TO THE PRESIDENCY BY DELVING INTO THE POLITICAL SURROUNDINGS OF THE 1840'S AND '50S. PIERCE WAS AN OBSCURE CONGRESSMAN WHO SAID NO TO BECOMING PRESIDENT. HIS WIFE SUFFERED FROM DEPRESSION.THE FAMILY EXPERIENCED THE TRAGIC DEATHS OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND PIERCE DRANK A LITTLE TOO MUCH. THE FAMILY PROBLEMS WERE ENOUGH, BUT BECAUSE CONGRESS' VIEW OF THE PRESIDENCY BEING THE PERSON WHO EXECUTED CONGRESS' WISHES, THE TRUE LEADERS OF THE TIMES COULD NOT GET ELECTED. FACTIONS ABOUND!! THE NEW YORK HARDS AND SOFTS, DEMOCRATS AND WHIGS, THE NEW REPUBLICAN MOVEMENT, FREE SOIL, THE NATIVISTS AND MANY MORE SPLINTERED GROUPS THAT CAUSED SETIONALISM. THERE WERE NO MAJORITIES. PIERCE WAS DOOMED TO FAILURE. IF YOU ENJOY AMERICAM POLITICS OF THE 19TH CENTURY THIS BOOK WILL PROVIDE GREAT INCITE.

3 comments about Reagan: The Man and His Presidency.

1. Do you REALLY want to know about the Reagan presidency? Then read this book. No fluff, no guff. Just verbatim testimonials from dozens of prominent figures of the Reagan era. Ignore the imbecilic prattle of the anti-Reagan Marxists who despised the man. One helpful hint: take some notes. The authors and editors give the job titles of the interviewee only when they are first introduced. Later in the book it is impossible to remember everones's job titles, and you'll be turning back to earlier text. This is the only reason I docked it a star.



2. This lopsided book won't change the minds of most Americans who agree that ronald reagan was one of the decietful presidents this century. He makes Nixon and Clinton look GOOD. He subverted the Constitution and lied to both Congress and the American People over the Iran Contra scandal--one of the most embarassing and shameful incidents in American History.



3. Outstanding review of the President by those who knew him best. Detailed interviews with members of the cabinet, advisors and family members. The interviews are broken down into categories (such as Alexander Haig, Domestic policy, etc.) and it is fascinating to hear what those closest to the situation had to say. For Reagan fans, it will confirm his position as the greatest leader of the 20th Century (although it is not biased in any way).

1 comments about My Exploited Father-In-Law.

1. Curtis B. Dall, the author, was a White House Insider while F.D.R. was President. This is a book that every American should read and is the only source I have ever found on many important events of that time period. Those events have repercussions down to the present day. Mr. Dall was an excellent observer and reporter plus he was a man of experience with the world "as it is". He is a good writer, is clear and understandable and the events themselves are fascinating. I lent or lost my original copy and am now looking for another one for my permanent reference library. I think it was one of the best and most important books I've ever read.

No comments about Min Yong-Hwan: A Political Biography (Hawaii Studies on Korea).

2 comments about The Presidency of Warren G. Harding (American Presidency Series).

1. In polls of historians, Warren Harding has consistently ranked last when their greatness is examined. Even those who are more favorably disposed towards his presidency never rank him out of the very bottom. While some of that is due to the major scandals of his administration, Harding himself was not a dynamic, imaginative figure. The major changes in the world due to the consequences of World War I meant that the American president needed those skills.
   The old order in Europe was destroyed, new small nations were created out of the remnants of the old and the United States emerged as the economically most powerful country in the world. The colossal Russian Empire was dismembered and ruled by a revolutionary regime that openly advocated overthrowing the governments of other nations. Due to their assuming many traditional male roles during the war, women were finally granted the right to vote and other issues concerning female rights were still being debated. Japan emerged as the dominant power in Asia and their ruling class was determined to expand Japanese power as much as possible. Since the only nation standing in their way was the United States, the military forces of both countries began planning for a war between them. The end of the war saw a worldwide economic downturn and millions succumbed to a flu pandemic. Finally, the last years of the Wilson presidency saw American policy drift. Wilson's serious health problems meant that there was a leadership vacuum at the worst possible moment.
   Harding stepped into this maze of problems and he simply was not capable of understanding them, much less dealing with them. Fortunately for the country and the world, he chose some very capable cabinet members and left them alone. Unfortunately, he also selected some really bad cabinet members and also left them alone. On the positive side, he chose Charles Hughes as secretary of state, Henry Wallace as secretary of agriculture and Herbert Hoover as secretary of commerce. As Trani so aptly points out, the position of the American secretary of commerce had changed dramatically due to the war. After the war, the only nation that could provide the funds for rebuilding the European economies and the food to feed the people was the United States. Trani spends a great deal of time describing how effective Hoover ways in transitioning the United States into the major global economic power.
   The expanded U. S. involvement in world events meant that the secretary of state was more active than ever. While the main point of American domestic political contention was whether the U. S. should join the League of Nations, many other things were taking place. Two of the eight chapters are devoted to foreign policy, very little of which deals with the question of league membership. One chapter is devoted to the ending of the war in Europe and the early indications of the eventual conflict between the United States and Japan. The other deals largely with U. S. relations with Latin America. After decades of military interventions, the United States was beginning the "Good Neighbor" policy of non-intervention.
   The negative side of Harding's cabinet appointments was significant. Attorney General Daugherty was indicted, although acquitted at trial and three officials of the Harding administration served time in jail. Harding was sexually active outside his marriage and did not feel bound to adhere to the laws against alcohol. Nearly all of the scandals were revealed after his death, so he personally did not have to face them. Herbert Hoover deserves credit for giving Harding advice that all politicians should heed. He told Harding that when faced with the possibility of scandal, "reveal it, at least you will be praised for your integrity."
   This book does very little to raise the stature of Warren Harding as a president. That task is impossible, as it would force the author to commit historical turpitude. It describes Harding as he was. He was without vision, unable to take a stand on any issue and almost certainly the weakest personality ever to occupy the presidency.



2. ANY SERIOUS STUDENT OF AMERICAN HISTORY, AND MORE ESPECIALLY THAT OF PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT, IS WELL AWARE OF THE SCANDALS THAT HELPED TO BLACKEN PRESIDENT HARDING'S NAME FOREVER. HOWEVER, IN RECENT YEARS, INTEREST WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES HAVE SHOWN ITSELF TO BE QUITE OVERWHELMING TO SAY THE LEAST. WARREN HARDING REMAINS TODAY TO BE A SHADOW WHEN STANDING NEXT TO WOODROW WILSON AND CALVIN COOLIDGE. THE ROARING '20'S BROUGHT WITH IT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF ALL AMERICANS, AND IN HOW THEY LIVED AND WORKED. THE ECONOMIC BOOM CAN BE DIRECTLY TRACED TO THE POLICIES OF THE HARDING ADMINISTRATION. HARDING PROMISED A RETURN TO "NORMALCY" AND HIS PLANS TO REVITILZ THE UNITED STATES WORKED BETTER THAN ANYONE FIRST THOUGHT. THE TWENTY-NINTH PRESIDENT IS LARGELY UNAPPRECIATED TODAY, BUT DESPITE THE SCANDALS, ONE WOULD HAVE TO CONCLUDE, AFTER REVIEWING ALL OF HIS DECISIONS, THAT THIS MAN CARED DEEPLY FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS GRAND NATION. PRESIDENT HARDING DONE MORE FOR THIS COUNTRY THAN MOST PEOPLE THINK, AND THAT CLAIM CAN WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME.

5 comments about The Most Dangerous Man in America: Scenes from the Life of Benjamin Franklin.

1. Benjamin Franklin for the hurried reader. Succinct, considering the breadth of his historical importance. Recommended for students grades 9+ and readers wanting a mature but not overwhelming read to celebrate BF's tercentenary. Just enough depth to inform the curious and whet the researching interests of those who need an intro. Content spans his childhood through 1775.



2. The Most Dangerous Man in American: Scenes From the Life of Benjamin Franklin by Catherine Drinker Bowen, has good moments, but can best be described as uneven. Instead of a start to finish biography, it is actually a series of snippets from Franklin's long life. The sections are broken into the themes of The Dogood Papers, Franklin and Electricity, The Albany Congress of 1754, Franklin is Fifty, Franklin in London and The Making of a Revolutionary.
   
   I was not very impressed with the first two sections. Extensive biographies by Walter Isaacson and others cover these areas in greater detail. But Bowen really comes on strong with her chapters about The Albany Congress. A group of representatives from most of the colonies met in Albany, New York in 1754. The purpose was to meet with the Iroquois Confederacy to gain their support against the French, and to purchase large tracts of land. Franklin brought to the table a plan to merge the colonies to form a "general government." While the goal at this time was not independence, Franklin felt that the colonies would be better able to defend themselves, would be able to combine some budget items and also, would gain some bargaining power against the British. While the representatives at Albany unanimously supported Franklin's Plan of Union, the individual colonies rejected it as they were afraid of losing their autonomy. Why this is so important is that it provided a dress rehearsal for what was to come 22 years later.
   
   Subsequent chapters were also very fascinating and Bowen chronicles how Franklin progresses from staunch Englishman to Revolutionary. He is definitely one of the most fascinating men of the 1700's and perhaps one of the most brilliant. But the book stops in 1775 and has nothing on the last 15 years of Franklin's life.
   
   In Bowen's defense, she passed away while writing the last chapter of The Most Dangerous Man in America. Knowing that she was dying of cancer, perhaps she had to rush the writing of this as there was much more that she could have included. Still, if you're a Ben Franklin fan, it can fill in a number of information gaps. But if you're looking for a comprehensive book on Franklin's life and work, there are better, more thorough books to be read.



3. subject. He also spent more time in England than any of the "founding fathers". This is a biography but also the history of how the British lost America thru their own stupidity. Franklin had a logical & forward thinking mind. He knew that America would not be a colony forever. That America could be ruled for much longer by a small island accross the the ocean was not reasonable. But that would happen long after he was dead. His coming of age politically was The Albany Plan of Union in 1754 which dicusses such proposals as uniting the various states & a constitution. This was all in the context of remaining in the British Empire. This book is his story of disaffection & final break with the mother country. Truly America's first world wide celbrity.



4. Most illuminating, well written ,historical accuracy not found in our educatonal institutions. The views of Franklin's life are incisive. The work demonstrates that he, as select other men, had the vision, the education , the conviction and the ability to follow his thoughts through to fruition. Mr. Franklin's thought about the need for a 'constitution' began its development in the 1740s, and ended in 1789 at the Phildadelphia Convention. Miss Bowen alludes to this man's quite complicated personal and private life. Franklin's liasons arte tastefully mentioned as his style of life is clearly presented. His wish for privacy is highlighed although he was outgoing and social. He remained faithful and loyal to his wife in spirit, with affection and support throughout his long married life. The emphasis of this text is on Ben Franklin's many contributions to the development of this Country,and his wisdom in the nascent field of science. He was a fierce independent thinker who cared out "these united states".

   A book not to be ignored and to be put before out senior adolecents as a 'must' read.




5. This is one of the best written books on an historical subject I have ever read.

5 comments about Bill Clinton: An American Journey.

1. Once upon a time there was a first-rate biographer named Nigel Hamilton. Twenty years ago he wrote the definitive three-volume life of Lord Montgomery of Alamein, one that is still the essential source for understanding the man. Then in 1993 the first book of his projected multi-volume biography of John F. Kennedy, JFK: Reckless Youth, was published, a work that will probably remain the essential source for understanding Kennedy's pre-political life for decades to come.
   
   At some point after that, though, Hamilton changed. Perhaps it was a consequence of immersing himself in JFK's salacious life or perhaps it was some sort of traumatic personal experience, but Hamilton's focus changed. The shift emerged in 2001 with his atrociously-named "Full Monty," a reinterpretation of his earlier subject that focuses on Montgomery's sexual orientation. Now we have his latest book, the first of a promised two-volume life of Bill Clinton that covers his life up to his election in 1992. Like the Kennedy biography it is an "unofficial" life; unlike the Kennedy biography, though, Hamilton did not have access to any of the papers from the Clinton Library, which obviously limits much of its scope.
   
   Even when this is taken into account, though, Hamilton has written a lousy book. His primary focus is on Clinton's personal life, which he covers in salacious detail (enough to ensure that his book will occupy a prominent place on the bookshelves of most Clinton-haters) and follows up with superficial psychoanalysis. While I do not doubt the accuracy of his account, the result is Clinton the libido, with little about the political career which is the reason why he warrants our attention to begin with. I grant that Hamilton did not have access to Clinton's papers, but would it have been so hard to glean something about Clinton's tenure as governor from newspaper accounts and interviews with other Arkansas politicos? Without it, the reader is left with the impression that Clinton was elected president based on his charm - a facile impression that does a great disservice to anybody seeking a true understanding of the man.



2. Bill Clinton is a very debated about politician and Nigel Hamilton takes a great stab at his early life. This book ends in 1992 but does an excellent job talking about his childhood growing up, college years, marriage to Hillary and the turbulent times of governor. It captures the rocky relationship with Carter and the pervasiness of Bill Clinton in his early scandals. It clearly captures the relationship with Hillary and puts out some interesting theories for their marriage and why Bill Clinton feels the need to get involved with other women. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in how Bill Clinton got to the presidency.



3. The forces and dynamics of both the Democratic Party, and the national unrest prevalent during the period that Clinton "rose" to shoulder his duties at the White House during his administration, and the manner in which he went about it suggests that it will be years before the clarity of his personal strengths and weaknesses will be understood fully. Complicated by the number of extraordinary events (including his impeachment process, the innovation of the internet, and the flaws of the political process itself, as they were revealed during the election of 2000, make rushes to judgement less accurate than they are entitled to be in American history. In addition, the unique upbringing of Clinton, his background, and the unusual experiences that preceded his Presidency obscure typical thinking about him within the normal boundaries in which other Presidents have been examined. As one of the most visible of persons, with a staff strikingly involved, and yet removed from his Presidency, it will take years to sort out the important dynamics of his terms, and may be seen as the beginning of an era where Americans, themselves, awakened to the strengths and weaknesses of their democracy to play a greater role in its outcome. He will, no doubt, remain an enigma for years to come both because of what he respresents, and because of his forceful personality, not to mention the importance of his wife, the Senator, who was fully vested in his administration, and continues to play a significant role in American politics as well as American government. It's obvious that Mr. Hamilton's attempts might be much more important in the future, and through development of his second volume, when and if that becomes available in the distance.



4. I tried very hard to like President Clinton's Memoirs. But instead I found myself frustrated at the way his autobiography blames everyone else for Clinton's problems except himself. That being said, while his memoirs frustrated me it causes me to read further about Clinton and fill in the many gaps between the truth and what was presented in My Life by Clinton.
   
   An American Journey is a highly readable, truthfull, and ultimately sympathetic look at Clinton's rise to presidency. The author does not sugarcoat anything and you see the real Bill Clinton: his many strengths and his many weaknesses. I also enjoyed how the author put the situations Clinton was in into the Context of the times and place. I really could not stop reading this book. It is very good and should be read rather than Clinton's memoirs.



5. Once upon a time there was a first-rate biographer named Nigel Hamilton. Twenty years ago he wrote the definitive three-volume life of Lord Montgomery of Alamein, one that is still the essential source for understanding the man. Then in 1993 the first book of his projected multi-volume biography of John F. Kennedy was published, a work that will probably remain the essential source for understanding Kennedy's pre-political life for decades to come.
   
   At some point after that, though, Hamilton changed. Perhaps it was a consequence of immersing himself in JFK's salacious life or perhaps it was some sort of traumatic personal experience, but Hamilton's focus changed. The shift emerged in 2001 with his atrociously-named "Full Monty," a reinterpretation of his earlier subject that focuses on Montgomery's sexual orientation. Now we have his latest book, the first of a promised two-volume life of Bill Clinton that covers his life up to his election in 1992. Like the Kennedy biography it is an "unofficial" life; unlike the Kennedy biography, though, Hamilton did not have access to any of the papers from the Clinton Library, which obviously limits much of its scope.
   
   Even when this is taken into account, though, Hamilton has written a lousy book. His primary focus is on Clinton's personal life, which he covers in salacious detail (enough to ensure that his book will occupy a prominent place on the bookshelves of most Clinton-haters) and follows up with superficial psychoanalysis. While I do not doubt the accuracy of his account, the result is Clinton the libido, with little about the political career which is the reason why he warrants our attention to begin with. I grant that Hamilton did not have access to Clinton's papers, but would it have been so hard to glean something about Clinton's tenure as governor from newspaper accounts and interviews with other Arkansas politicos? Without it, the reader is left with the impression that Clinton was elected president based on his charm - a facile impression that does a great disservice to anybody seeking a true understanding of the man. No doubt that disservice will be continued once Hamilton's second volume is published.

1 comments about The Last Days of Mussolini.

1. 
   
   
   
   This book begins when Benito, or Ben as present mistress Claretta Petacci calls him, Mussolini was close to 60 years of age, having not too long yet to live. Both he and his country are in terrible condition, with the Duce having been voted out of office, needing rescue from the Nazis, with the Germans neither liking nor trusting the Italians.
   
   
   
   Mussolini is resigned, after German force or arms, to head a puppet govenment. The Germans not only garrison the entire country but pretty much savage and rape it as well.
   
   
   
   Soon the Duce stands by allowing his son-in-law, Count Ciano, to be shot in reprisal for taking a stand against the Duce's reign. The Germans should have shot Benito Mussolini too, as from this time the Duce is only a hollow man. If that isn't bad enough, Mussolini is now a leader no longer knowing how to lead, or a person with a soul, seemingly out of contact with general reality. Il Duce is in a word, lost, pathetic.
   
   
   
   Though this is a very intersting study, it is one that is somewhat difficult to stay with. Having gray, even drudging events to its study the reader as well as Il Duce can see no happy ending in sight.
   
   
   
   Hard to find any sympathy for any Axis leader, but Mussolini is truly a figure of great tragedy in his final 20 months.
   
   
   
   Semper Fi.

5 comments about First Ladies.

1. I have been collecting First Ladies' autographs as a hobby, and wanted to know more about the women whose signatures I was hanging on my office walls. This book takes the reader through an exciting, humorous, interesting, and at times touching ride through our country's history. Even though I am a long-term history afficionado, I can honestly say I learned a lot from this book. There are so many things that seem to have been glossed over in "traditional" history education, and this book helps to fill in many gaps by revealing a very human side to both the presidents and their wives. By reading this book, one not only learns about the first ladies, but also about the period in American history that corresponds with the respective husband's tenure as President. Of note, the information provided is mostly limited to the time spent as "First Lady", but does give a bit of background on the women's lives prior to their White House days. In addition, there is a chapter entitled "Is There Life After The White House?" which explores in more depth certain First Ladies' (Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ladybird Johnson for ex)travels and doings after their husbands were no longer president. After each chapter, I found myself looking up portaits online, and wanting to know more. Though this book does not cover every First Lady, and does not include the current First Lady (Hillary Clinton is the last), it is nonetheless a well-written, thorough book on the First Ladies that it does discuss, and is guaranteed to bring a new vantage point to the reader on American history, social life, and human perserverance. Of note, this is not a book with a feminist slant - it is objective, and intelligently written, with only slight opinion commentary by the author. Even the commentary that does exist is presented as an "aside"; in otherwords, the reader is not made to feel that Mrs. Truman's opinions are the only valid ones, but instead, the reader is allowed to form opinions from the facts presented. I highly recommend this book.



2. THIS WAS A VERY INTERESTING BOOK AND GAVE AN INSITE TO THE LIVES OF THE WHITE HOUSE FIRST LADIES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.



3. This book is a very well researched, excellently written piece of history. Highly recommended non-fiction when you're looking to learn something you didn't learn in high school.



4. From her unique perspective and personal contacts with many Twentieth Century First Ladies, Margaret Truman has told their stories in a most interesting way. The brief biographies primarily cover the years each of these Ladies resided in the White House, although their roles in getting there are not overlooked.

   The concept of President and First Lady as political partners is central to the book. How and to what extent each First Lady fits into this mold is carefully examined. The influence that each First Lady has had on her husband and his administration brings some surprises.

   We know of the public partners, such as Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton, as well as those such as Lady Bird Johnson, who would do anything to advance Lyndon's career, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the eyes and ears of Franklin, but there were others. Who would have thought of Julia Tyler, the young second wife of John Tyler who, in her year in the White House, orchestrated a whirlwind entertainment campaign to achieve the annexation of Texas. Another second wife, Edith Wilson, virtually ran the country during her husband's two year illness after his stroke. There were those, such as Julia Grant and Helen Taft, who wanted the White House worse than their husbands.

   Margaret Truman does an excellent job at categorizing the First Ladies topically. Among the tragic topics are those who may have been killed by newsprint, Rachel Jackson and Lou Hoover. Maligned First Ladies, such as Mary Lincoln, and those who lived with domineering husbands, such as Grace Coolidge, get sympathetic reviews. No sympathies are wasted on the undeserving, prominently Florence Harding.

   In this book Margaret Truman gives us a splendid introduction to one of the most crucial jobs in our country. I am glad that I read it. You will be too.




5. Thank you Ms. Truman for doing what our high school teachers never quite accomplished. You made the past come alive with colorful characters who changed the world. I have a new appreciation for our Presidents and their wives. You accomplished what your father wished -- you wrote the definitive book on the subject and spoke to our hearts. I would love for you to add a chapter about Laura Bush, who has been such an inspiration to us all since 9-11.

No comments about Letters from the Head and Heart: Writings of Thomas Jefferson.