No comments about Dwight D. Eisenhower: Ike.

2 comments about George Washington, The Christian.

1. Exciting direct quotes from G.W. about personal faith and prayers are found here. I think this book should be in school, college and public libraries because it gives insight that all should know! It's out of print, but as a librarian I think the view is vital. Another book Abraham Lincoln the Christian has primary source quotes by Lincoln on his personal faith. Very revealing! These should be reprinted in hardback for all libraries.



2. There was quite a bit of interesting information in the book. The book is written as a chronology of Washington's life. This in itself is not a bad thing, but it is done with very little coherency, rendering the book very difficult to read. The only reason I read it was because it was required reading at my school. I give it three stars because, while the writing style was terrible, the quality of the information it contains redeems it to a certain degree.

No comments about Franklin D. Roosevelt - The New Dealer (Biography).

5 comments about Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation: A Biography.

1. He does. And this may well be the finest look at him, and the greatest one volume biography in the English language. There are few truly great works of biography, and my list, like the list of most everybody, centers on people I like, and admire...Freeman's massive, multi-volume, studies of Generals Lee and Washington...Robert Douthat Meade's looks at Patrick Henry [two volumes], and Judah Benjamin...Charles Roland's Albert Sidney Johnston...Glenn Robins' Bishop Polk; of course, ANY list, subjective or objective, must have Dumas Malone's six-volume "Jefferson And His Time" at, or near, the top. One man got two of the greatest works? Not surprising; he was quite a man. Peterson and Malone were friends, and colleagues, at the University of Virginia, and had very similar views of Mr. Jefferson; of course, Jefferson has caused a LOT of ink to be used, and always will. The books are good, bad, indifferent, and stupid...with some flat-out lies thrown in. But, there are two truly great biographies available, and one is our subject here....
   
   Thomas Jefferson [1743-1826] crowded more accomplishments, and interests, into one lifetime than seems possible. Yet, for all the huge record he created, both public and private, he remains for us a riddle that we just can't solve. That's true for me, and Dr. Peterson has stated that it's true for him, too. Jefferson can be quoted to "prove" ANYTHING. He who said that "all men are created equal" had some observations on the orangutang. Union was desirable; secession a free choice. Many of the quotes embarass some in our day; with most, we have no earthly idea what he meant, even when we think we do. I may as well state my own theory right here; at least part of the genius of Thomas Jefferson is that he was a man not troubled by contradictions. He was both public and private, theoretical and practical, open and secretive...and it never bothered him a bit.
   
   This is an absolutely outstanding, and very complete, cradle to grave study of Mr. Jefferson. It's ALL here, in detail, from family background on. Details of education, his various "loves" [Betsey Walker is apologized for, and Sally is dismissed], the keys to the founding of America, his repeated "retirements", and "reluctant" returns to public service. Maria Cosway gets plenty of space, though there is no proof that the relationship was anything more than an improper friendship. His service as Minister to France, and his miseries as Secretary of State, and Vice President are looked at in great detail. The breaks with Washington and Adams, the mutual hatred with Hamilton and Marshall, get full coverage. {Marshall, at least, was loyal to America}. Aaron Burr? James Callendar? Yes, they're here, and we wish they didn't have to be.
   Two terms as President, one joyous [LOUISIANA!!], one a real pain......Thru it all, books, debts, books, debts, religion, farming, science, architecture, religion? Monticello, more debts, more books, letters, letters, letters.......[he was NOT an athiest]........
   
   Thomas Jefferson wrote the inscription for his own tombstone [the one you can see at Monticello is a replacement, the original having been taken by souvenir hunters]; he wanted to be remembered as the author of the Declaration of Independence, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia; these subjects are all studied at to perfection.
   
   If you want one complete volume on Thomas Jefferson, start, and end, right here. It is total, comprehensive, and very readable. Dr. Peterson is the greatest living Jefferson scholar. Period. However, it is 1,009 pages of small print. I fear that many of the copies sold end up on shelves, collecting dust. Sad. Don't waste your money just to stick it on a shelf so folks can see how smart you are; that insults Dr. Peterson. I usually recommend the works of Joe Ellis, or Noble Cunningham {NOT Fawn Brodie}, and they're very good, but....If you want it ALL, Dumas Malone is readable, and easily available. One way or another, Jefferson deserves your best effort. He invented America, and as noted in my headline, John Adams' last words were absolutely correct...he, indeed, still survives.



2. I'll start with what I liked about this book. The coverage of the Louisiana Purchase was exciting. Jefferson's ill-fated embargo in 1807 was really well done. The descriptions all throughout the book of Jefferson's underlying politics were enlightening. I certainly understood why Jefferson did what he did.
   
   But if this was the only book you read about the American revolution and its aftermath, you'd think that the word "Federalist" was an obscenity. The book was so over-the-top pro-Jefferson, that it made me doubt the author's perspective on everything. So having trudged through all 1000 pages, I still have no idea what the great things were that TJ did, because according to Peterson, everything was great.
   
   The book should have been 300 or 400 pages shorter. Every event in Jefferson's life is covered thoroughly, but each one goes on a little too long. Actually, if the author had simply taken out the paragraph or two in each section where he blames Hamilton for whatever just happened, I think he would have gotten it down a couple hundred pages on that alone.



3. Over the last several years I've read about 40 presidential biographies, usually relying on Amazon reviewers to point me towards the best and most comprehensive works. I struggled in my choice of a Jefferson biography, but I'm glad I opted for Peterson's work. First, it is a massive 1,000 pages, and it`s not for the faint of heart. While Peterson writes well, he certainly doesn't have the breezy style of a David McCullough or a Robert Dallek. Even hardy readers will feel a bit spent with the complex content from time to time, and I'd doubt most high school readers' ability to wade through the material.
   
   Despite these cautions, I give Peterson's book a very high rating. Peterson captured Jefferson's personality, accomplishments, and flaws. With as complex a guy as TJ, this is not easy. Peterson also describes the conflicts between Jefferson and the various Federalists as well as anyone I've read thus far. Jefferson saw this conflict as more treacherous for the US than the Revolutionary War (and his concerns are highly relevant is viewing today's politics).
   
   The emphasis is on Jefferson and his public life, and to a somewhat lesser extent on Jefferson's private self. It was written many years prior to the DNA testing of Sally Hemmings' heirs, and while Peterson briefly discusses the accusations of a Jefferson - Hemmings relationship, he dismisses it in favor of another Jefferson relative. But Peterson does not overlook Jefferson's conflicts about slavery, manumission, liberty, etc. As with other aspects of Jefferson's life, Peterson presents a comprehensive view and he is willing to point out Jefferson's mistakes. Does Peterson's probable error regarding the Hemming's controversy diminish this biography? Well, maybe, but with a man like Jefferson, this is but one facet of a very thorough and well-reasoned look at a extremely complex man who played a major role in several of the US's most challenging eras.



4. 
   The other reviews here go into some depth on the book, but mine rather is more in the form of a personal testament. There is so much to Jefferson's life, as with our other founding 'fathers' that I will not do him the injustice of trying to sum it up in only a few paragraphs.
   
   When this book came out in 1970 I was in college, I'm now 61 years of age. Gives some indication how long this book has been continuously in print. With good reason for this is probably the best single volume on Jefferson's life ever printed.
   
   When I was at Monticello last year I noticed several books on or about Jefferson in the Mountaintop Shop and Monticello Museum, but prominently displayed too was this volume. Whenever I go to Borders bookstores this volume is on their shelves. It continues to be ubiquitous after almost 35 years.
   
   This book is and has been an essential in my library, along side the Dumas Malone study, as well nigh on to 20 other volumes on Jefferson or his times. Though the subject matter in books on Thomas Jefferson is varied and extensive, this one volume study is an essential one for me.
   
   I recommend it to both the novice or the seasoned Jefferson reader, neither will be disappointed.
   
   Semper Fi.



5. This classic is probably the best one-volume history of Thomas Jefferson ever written. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon Wood called this book "the most comprehensive and balanced single-volumed study of Jefferson ever written." I found the writing to very detailed and to the caliber of a reference work, but probably too lengthy and meticulous for the casual reader. I believe it to be the most authoritative book on Thomas Jefferson.
   
   I rate it a collectors item. Indeed, 18 years after it was originally published in 1970, a special collector's edition was issued bound in leather, gilded in gold, and stamped with the presidential seal. It's a classic.
   
   What distinguishes this book is that 1) Peterson the Jefferson scholar has an unrivaled understanding of Jefferson 2) Peterson explains Jefferson's thinking especially well 3) Peterson is balanced as he covers Jefferson's life in sprawling detail, though 3) Peterson's emphasis leans more towards Jefferson's role in American history, hence the title. This thick book is about as thorough as you can get in one volume, with a few quibbles.
   
   The sections in this book about Jefferson's formative years in Virginia are especially interesting. Then he was a young man seeking enlightenment, as well as a lawyer and planter. Peterson especially understands Jefferson the thinker.
   
   What is liberty? What makes an aristocrat become a revolutionary? How did Jefferson come to believe that "all men are created equal" and "the unalienable Rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?" How did Jefferson's experiences later influence the shape of the new American government and what it means to be America?
   
   Jefferson was a young American aristocrat, a lover of books, a musician (the fiddle), a thinker, a farmer, a lawyer, an architect, and a scientist. He designed and built the splendid Monticello. His wife died young and it totally devastated him. He vowed to her that he would never remarry, which he never did.
   
   Jefferson achieved the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which guaranteed religious liberty. He passionately valued reason and truth, and therefore he hated the corruption of power that plagued the old world. Jefferson's view of the American revolution is relevant for the ages.
   
   Jefferson became governor of Virginia, advocated (but failed to achieve) public access to education (no surprise that he would champion education), drafted the Declaration of Independence, and then kept a low profile during the Revolutionary War.
   
   Jefferson argued strongly in favor of a Bill of Rights, which Alexander Hamilton strongly opposed, at a time when it seemed like there would be no Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is based much on Jefferson's ideals. Read the Bill of Rights and you see Jefferson: Freedom of speech. Freedom of press. Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Jefferson also inadvertently argued for judicial review.
   
   He became a diplomat to France and later favored the French in foreign policy. He helped the French write the Declaration of the Rights of Man. He was a celebrity in France.
   
   George Washington appointed Jefferson the first ever Secretary of State - the most important executive position other than president. Quite a resume already!
   
   At this time his Republicanism (not to be confused with the Republican party although not entirely different) came into conflict with those of Federalist Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson then became vice president under president John Adame, his former close friend but by now an adversary, due to a quirk in early election laws (later changed). He quit because he disagreed with the Federalists.
   
   The story of Jefferson's first presidential election is quite fascinating.
   
   The election campaign against his former close friend John Adams was very nasty. In a real shocker, the election ended in a tie! Jefferson's sleazy vice presidential running mate almost stabbed Jefferson in the back by vying for the presidency himself as an alternative. In the end, Jefferson agreed to keep some Federalist policies in place, and the electors made him president.
   
   Jefferson inauguration speech to reach out to his opponents and unite America was deeply moving. (Well, the words of the speech were moving. Jefferson was a terrible speaker. At first he seemed to bomb, but once the speech was circulated in writing, it was quite historic).
   
   As president he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase and then launched the fascinating Lewis and Clark Expedition. Although issues such as westward expansion will always be open to some interpretation, Jefferson's first term was a triumph.
   
   He was a superb head of state, but Jefferson worked especially hard to advance his cause of individual liberty, because of his enlightened ideas and his earlier experiences with corrupted power in the old world. His presidency caused a second revolution of Jeffesonian ideals. He also strengthened the presidency and power of the federal government, contradicting his own written views against that.
   
   Jefferson made some mistakes in his second term as president, such as a foolish embargo. The details are all here.
   
   After being president, Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and even designed the neo-classical campus buildings. By then the rival Federalist party had become extinct and there was briefly only one party - the party of Jefferson!
   
   He renewed his friendship with Adams late in life. They wrote frequently to each other (Jefferson wrote thousands of letters in his lifetime) and they both died on July 4.
   
   Jefferson was an egalitarian aristocrat of reason, liberty, ideas, and achievement. His experiences and ideas led to his becoming a revolutionary. Jefferson profoundly shaped America.

No comments about The Papers of George Washington: January-March 1776 (Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series).

No comments about The Papers of George Washington: September-December 1775 (Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series).

4 comments about Sailor in the White House: The Seafaring Life of FDR.

1. I just finished reading "Sailor in the White House." Now, I finally understand what strongly influenced FDR throughout his entire government career. In his fresh and probing new biography, author Robert Cross opens up a whole new dimension in the life of our 32nd president.

   FDR used his expert sailing skills and instincts to guide America through the Great Depression and on to victory in World War II. He was always ready to compromise, change tack or revise his plans based on the changing political landscape...just as he did when he sailed the world's oceans. What an ingenious way to look at President Roosevelt! I thank the author for sharing his important insights with all of us. Great job!




2. This was an excellent view of another side of FDR that as a sailor of the same waters, I found exceptionally interesting.

   Not only was the book extremely well written but it was full of glimpses of this president which added a new perspective to my knowledge of his presidency.

   It is a wonderful experience to stumble across a biographical work about a man about whom so much has been written and yet find an entirely new and different view of the person's life.

   Bravo!!!




3. This is a book I could not "put down" once I started reading it. My problem is I get into the index which takes me every where in the book. However, when I finally got it all together I found it to be both historic and above all informative. I grew up in the Roosevelt era and this book has given me an entirely new insight of his time.
   Thank you Mr.Cross.



4. Franklin D. Roosevelt loved the sea, sailing and all things nautical. He was America's greatest seafaring president, spending more time sailing, fishing and swimming than any president in our nations's history. And this book tells very interesting minute of it.

   In Robert F. Cross' terrific new book, "Sailor in the White House: the Seafaring Life of FDR," the author offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Roosevelt's time on the sea. What makes this book such a treat, is that many of the stories are told through the voices of those who actually sailed with the president, and who shared their tales with the author for the first time.

   Through interviews with Secret Service agents, Roosevelt staff and family members, and contemporaries of the president, Cross exposes a whole new dimension of FDR's life, a dimension which-until this book-has never been explored in the countless biographies of the 32nd president; but it is a dimension which is key to understanding FDR's character and governing style.

   The author logs just about every minute FDR spent on the water, and lists all the vessels he was aboard during his entire lifetime-an extraordinary record for anyone, but particularly for one whose legs were paralyzed from polio. From canoes to lifeboats, schooners to destroyers, and battleships to submarienes, Roosevelt never passed up an opportunity to be on the water. The author meticulously records each vessel, noting the type of craft and the years Roosevelt was aboard. No such list existed until now.

   The never-before-told stories, including one in which FDR's life was threatened when a fire broke out aboard his schooner, and rare photographs shared with the author are laid out for us within the overall framework of two world wars and the Great Depression. A never-before-published photograph shows FDR seated in a wheelchair; this is only the third such photo known to exist in the more than 35,000 photographs of the president in the FDR library. And Cross has found it!

   As we tag along with Roosevelt on New York State's Barge Canal, the atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean, and witness his many antics and adventures, the author skillfully keeps the reader current on world and national affairs, allowing us to see behind the newspaper and newsreel footage, while weaving in the unfolding and perilous world
   history.

   The tales of FDR hiding from his Secret Service guards are amusing, providing a glimpse of a fearless president who valued his privacy and went to great lengths to protect it. FDR never permitted secret Service agents to travel aboard his small vessels; they had to travel behind on destroyers and Coast Guard cutters. He played "cat and mouse" with the agents, who really had their hands full protecting FDR. The author's interviews with FDR's Secret Service agents are priceless.

   Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., calls this book "delightful." It is that to be sure-but, it is much, much more. "Sailor in the White House" provides a new and valuable insight into the make-up and character of the only American president ever elected to four terms. FDR never passed up an opportunity to be on the water, a place where he felt most at home. A place which helped him to relax and gain perspective as he tackled the most difficult problems ever filled by an American President. I recommend this book highly.
   
   Martin Davis, Ph.D.

1 comments about Aznar: Ocho Anos de Gobierno/Eight Years of Goverment.

1. El libro de Aznar es un aporte no sólo para el conocimiento de los hechos recientes, sino también para todos aquellos que en estos días tienen que gobernar en un mundo complejo y contradictorio.
   
   En lo ideológico, comienza por definirse como un liberal, como un liberal conservador, pero sustancialmente liberal, destacando el valor de la libertad, al que sólo debe limitar el estado de derecho y el rol que en este marco tiene el liderazgo político y la forma como trató de ejercerlo.
   
   Un libro de plena actualidad, necesario para entender la realidad política y social de la España actual. Recomiendo su lectura. Este libro confirma que antes que un político, Aznar es un estadista.

1 comments about Abraham Lincoln: The War Years Vol 4 (Abraham Lincoln, the War Years).

1. Excellent Excellent Detialed week by week history of the administration through the biographies of all who knew him, generals, cabinet and plain folks.

2 comments about Secrecy and Power: The Life of J. Edgar Hoover.

1. This book is widely, and rightly, regarded as the best and most accurate biography of J. Edgar Hoover. Without an axe to grind, Mr. Powers presents the man, warts and all, in the most believable version of him among all the books existing on Hoover and the FBI. This is the gold standard.



2. this book was an indepth look at the life of J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI. It goes into great depth on his life and his services in the FBI. It is a source for information, however the writing is a bit slow at firslt. overall a great book though!