5 comments about Nixon Reconsidered.

1. Professor Hoff, late of Indiana University, tries to rise above the Watergate mania that tends to totally overshadow all the other accomplishments that occurred during the Nixon administration. Let there be no doubt that Nixon was NOT a doctrinaire conservative, if he was even one to begin with. Nixon's early cabinet and advisers included some liberal minds. It is now known that many economic policies that were implemented during this time were very injurious to the US economy (wage and price controls come to mind) and contributed to the awful economic times of the late 70's and early 80's.
   Nevertheless, this book is a good start if you want to learn a little bit about what went on besides Vietnam and Watergate.



2. Hoff tempers her examination of Nixon with balanced criticism and muted praise in places but remains quite impartial overall. Naturally, a reader may find anything he seeks in an interpretation of the words of the author yet there is no obvious bias or partisanship on the part of Joan Hoff in this work. The amount of revisionism, however, is quite substantial. Hoff seems to have as her purpose for writing this a decided motivation to revise the history of Nixon from the accounts given by fellows ranging from Ambrose to Wills. Granted, her work is more informed and well rounded compared to Ambrose and less agonizing than Wills' Nixon Agonistes yet there seem to be a lack of entirely new information, which would make this work a better choice for the average reader looking for an unbiased, middle of the road examination of Nixon.



3. I've recently become a bit of a Nixon buff, reading a dozen biographies of the man, all of which portray him in very different ways, from a paranoid, racist sociopath to a misunderstood visionary. I honestly don't know where I'd place Ms. Hoff's portrayal of Nixon within those two extremes. Her book makes some excellent points, particularly in citing the frequently ignored strides that Nixon took in domestic policy. Overall, however, her odd writing style and seeming preoccupation with revisionism make the flow of the book pretty choppy, as well as all out boring in places...

   In my opinion, any book on Nixon is worth it if you are trying to figure out what he was all about. The fact is the guy was so complex, introverted, and troubled that all of them will be right and wrong at the same time...




4. This is a complete whitewashing of Richard Nixon's political career written by an obviously pro-Nixon source. There is no attempt from the author to distance herself from Nixon or create an illusion of impartiality. Hoff is in Nixon's corner all the way and makes some incredible interpretive analyses. For example, Nixon's domestic agenda was actually "extremely liberal." Hoff makes this claim based upon Nixon's environmental agenda, but ignores his viscerally right-wing Supreme Court appointments and his Neanderthal approach to civil rights. Doesn't sound too "liberal" to me.

   Hoff also makes a series of implausible and ultimately ludicrous excuses for Nixon's involvement in Watergate. Predictably, she absolves the President from much involvement and any guilt. She points the finger of guilt at a dizzying array of Nixon suborindates (all of whom went to prison). Nixon is the epitome of grace, honesty and courage in Huff's eyes, a view which will delight those who revere the 37th President. But for those who have a less charitable view of him, this will be regarded as hagiography at its apex.




5. This book would probably be a very interesting account if it wasn't bogged down with so many minute details that take away from the overall argument. Ms. Hoff has some great ideas but the book could realistically have been much more concise.

5 comments about FulgencioBatista: Volume 1, From Revolutionary to Strongman.

1. Unfortunately in Cuban history there are very few good guys and an abudance of the bad and the ugly. No doubts Fulgencio Batista is one of the latter. In this well researched and written book, Frank Argote-Freyre provide us with a very good insight in the particular of Cuban history of the 1930s and the emergence of Batista as a military and political leader.Definitely it is not a biography since it is apparent that not enough information is available on the private life of the then young and emerging strongman. But it is an excellent account of a very traumatic period in the history of Cuba and the role played by Fulgencio Batista in it.



2. I do not know if this review will ever be published by Amazon. In my opinion this book is very good. Fulgencio Batista was one of the best presidents of the republic of free Cuba. During his regime backwardness, poverty, and ignorance was not prevalent. Law and order was enforced to the max, and that was to control the malcontents who were out to destroy democracy in a booming Island with a bright future. Batista made only one mistake, and that was that he became complacent, and the left wing immediately took advantage of the situation to lie and deprive the Cuban people of their freedom, by installing a senile ideology that has turned around the country approximately 200 years back in time, making it one of the most impoverished countries in the world. It's humiliating to see how a country so rich in everything has been destroyed by a communist system that never worked any were else! We need more Batistas to bring back Cuba to reality, democracy and normality in the Island again. I'm sorry to disappoint all the left wing sympathizers out there. But, we Cubans had it made before the current sorry government took over in January 01, 1959. With the current Government, Cuba has nothing to offer to the world, except ignorance, pestilence, famine, and backwardness, what a shame. And who needs that! Buy the book, I highly recommend it! I'm looking forward to the second part.



3. What is a fascinating story of the rise of a poor sugar cane cutter to the presidency of Cuba at age 39 is diluted buy the continuous repetition of the same events over and over again. The book should had been told in one half of the pages used and it should had included volume two.



4. Frank Argote-Freyre has set himself above other experts on Cuba with the publication of his first volume on Fulgencio Batista. I have never before read an account of any person, or any era, that was better. Talk about disciplined and documented academic research, or talk about lively, easily-read prose, or talk about honest, unbiased analysis, and you have to put Argote-Freyre in the top tier of biographers. As for analysts of Cuba's sad experience, Argote-Freyre has no peer.



5. This two part biography of Batista attempts to paint the dictator in a new light. The author is very proBatista but does raise some interesting and new perspectives on the man. This first book is about Batista's early years up through the point where he is elected president. It does an excellent job of showing US influences on internal Cuban politics. The various presidents that were Batista's puppets show the level of corruption that runs not only through Cuba but throughout all of Latin America. The narrative account does a great job of shedding light on how Cuba looked in the precastro years and in this case shows how transformative the years before Batista really were. It was a time where Cuba was finding its national image and forming itself as a nation. The book is very well written and provides an interesting account on Cuba during this time period. In short highly recommend.

4 comments about Soldier of Peace: The Life of Yitzhak Rabin.

1. Overall, a good beginniners guide to Yitzhak Rabin, however like most subjects, one source is never enough and provides a very narrow view of the man. The main problem I have with this book besides the time when it was written (in the regretful post assassination era) is that it does not recognize to a very good degree, the Jews role in violence in Palestine, and it portrays Arabs as mostly the aggressors and Jews in self defense. Since I dont know that much about Rabin, being just a Bay Area Jew my criticism also targets the way in which it portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is overly simplistic and generally biased, there are other books that are much more worth reading and enlightening regarding the conflict that Rabin was at the center of many times.



2. Twice in his career, Yitzhak Rabin was hailed as a great hero, first after the 1967 Six-Day War and again after his 1993 signing of the Oslo Accords with Arafat. Unfortunately, in each case the truth of his actual role and performance was more or less suppressed. In 1967, he suffered a collapse that rendered him basically non-functional during the war which was actually commanded by Ezer Weizman and Haim Bar-Lev (although there is no doubt he contributed much to the Israel Defense Forces preparations for the victorious campaign). In 1993, against his better judgment, the Oslo accords were forced upon him by his nemesises Shimon Peres, Yossi Beilin and others. Rabin's assassination, which took place under very murky circumstances in which there is evidence that the state security forces may have had a role in setting it up, cast him in the martyr's role which, temporarily strengthened support for the agreements which were already being undermined by unremitting terrorist attacks and bestowed upon him a saint-like reputation which was at odds with the true record of his life. Today, in the midst of the large-scale terrorist war against Israel which began in September 2000, a more balanced appraisal of Rabin than which is presented in this book may become possible. Recently, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army revealed that Rabin told him shortly before his death that it was now apparent to him that the Oslo Agreements were a disaster for Israel, and that if he should be re-elected he would abrogate them but he didn't feel strong enough at the time to do it. Tragically, the wave of terrorist atrocities were destroying the man before his death and he began to speak irrationally even to the point where this man who had devoted his whole life to the security of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel was now saying that it was "not reasonable to expect the state to protect the lives of the individual citizens of that state". In his final appearance in a television news interview program three days before his death, he was speaking incoherently and he stated that his political opposition which was making strong, telling criticism of his failed policies (and, unlike what is stated in the book was leading by far in public opinion polls) was so "despicable" that it was even responsible for traffic accidents in the country! The next day, an aquaintance of mine who is a life-long supporter of Rabin's Labor Party said "a madman is leading this country". When reading this book, it must be kept in mind at all times the post-assassination atmosphere in which it was written. One hopes that a new biography will soon be written in which a more balanced view of this man who contributed much to the State of Israel but who ended up being destroyed both by his closet political colleagues and by the Arab leader with whom he signed the disastrous Oslo agreement.



3. Audio version is great! Well written, well researched, and well read! Reads like Uris' Exudus, but true!



4. This book is an excellent first step in understanding Yitzhak Rabin, but it is by no means the last. It gives a chronological, easily written account of his life, highlighting the tremendous accomplishments and breezily whizzing by some of his faults.

   If you are looking for a factual account of his life, this is a good book to use. If you are writing a 10-page paper on Rabin's life, you need look no further. If you want to truly understand the psychology of this complicated man, or you would like a balanced portrayal of him, you will need to look beyond this.

   In the introduction, it states that if he had lived, he would undoubtedly have been re-elected. The facts suggest otherwise; the Israeli people had had enough of him, and it was not until after his death that the nation began to recognize what it had lost, both in its leadership and in its innocence. This book seems a product of the years of the wistfulness that often follow the death of an important leader.

5 comments about Yo, Millard Fillmore!.

1. This book was ordered for my son, who is a teacher, for Christmas and it came in plenty of time. Thanks so much.



2. Well, I know my Presidents now, that's for sure! I had great fun learning them, too, sitting on the couch with my husband one afternoon. The two of us went through the book, working through it and giggling at the references all the while. It was a lot of fun and we learned every president during the read. I planned to buy it, learn them, and then relist the item. But, I decided to instead hold onto it for when my nieces come over. I am always hunting for new ways to entertain them and this will keep them busy for sure! :) Lots of fun for all ages.
   I highly recommend that you buy it and have as much fun as we did, and learn a little something, too! 5 stars!



3. This book is the best and most fun ways to learn about the American Presidents that I have ever seen. For each president from Washington through Clinton, there is a brief caption regarding his life and accomplishments. There is also a drawing taken from a photo or portrait, a cartoon style drawing and associated play on words to aid in remembering the name and whom they succeeded. For example, the cartoon for Dwight Eisenhower shows the Eiffel Tower with eyes on it being held by a tree with eyes. The caption is "The tree-man is crawling up the side of a huge tower that has eyes on it. It must be the eyes-on-tower!" The cartoon for Harry Truman, who preceded Eisenhower, shows the tree-man.
   One of the best books for learning history and social studies, I strongly recommend this book. If my children were of a suitable age, I would buy it for them.



4. After one night, I knew all 43 presidents of the United States in order without looking. This book is AWESOME!!! :D



5. I had to memorize the presidents in the fourth grade. I'm in college now and I can still remember everything from this book. Not only does it work, but it's fun to look at the pictures and learn the presidents. People of all ages can learn from this book.

1 comments about The Presidency of Andrew Jackson (American Presidency Series).

1. The presidency of Andrew Jackson marks a significant change in American presidential politics. With the exception of John Quincy Adams, and a weak one at that, all previous presidents had been members of the unofficial American aristocracy that existed at the time of independence. Traditionally, they followed the principle of the office seeking the man and campaigning for the position was generally not done. There was little in the way of populist movements and political parties in the modern sense did not exist. That changed with the rise of Jackson to the presidency and expanded during his two terms in office.
   Jackson was the first president who was popularly elected to office, and the prelude to the election was the first true campaign for the position. He was also the first person from the west to be elected to the presidency and a military hero many times over. His reputation as a general places him nearly on a par with George Washington.
   Being the first "outsider" president, his election created a great deal of anxiety among the established powers in the east. Cole quite properly begins with a thorough discussion of this situation, as it created a good deal of tension that lasted for several years. There was also an enormous amount of economic expansion going on in the country, which began to exacerbate the regional tensions developing between the northern and southern regions of the country. A great deal of the book is spent examining these regional tendencies and with the perspective of hindsight, we can clearly see the gathering storm that finally led to war. This area is very well done, as the author properly describes all of the growing tensions, not just the problem of slavery.
   Cole also does an excellent job describing the personality of Andrew Jackson, sometimes compromising and other times very much "Old Hickory", as he refused to bend. His threat to use federal troops in the south was a genuine one, sparking a lot of animosity, yet accomplishing what he wanted to do. He surprised everyone with his reluctance to become involved in the Texan attempt to gain independence from Mexico. Most expected the "Old Hero" to be much more aggressive in expanding the nations' borders. In the book, we also see the rise of Martin Van Buren, called the little magician for his political ability. He truly was the first modern political power broker, the type of person necessary for effective presidential leadership.
   With the economic and physical expansion of the country beginning to proceed at an incredible pace, the
   Jackson years were those where the nation began taking on the characteristics of a modern nation. Cole does an excellent job of describing this transition, as well as the man who was at the helm when it was taking place. Andrew Jackson was one of the most complex men to hold the office, as well as one of the roughest. From the book, you learn about these different aspects of his personality as well as how the country was affected by them.

3 comments about The Uncommon Wisdom of JFK: A Portrait in His Own Words.

1. 
   I have read a pile of books and watched a ton of TV about JFK;and I have to put this one right up there with the best of them.It was about 1958 when I first became aware of him.By 1960,I had finished University,and had been working for about a year.What really amazed me was that I was a new engineer of 23, just starting my career and here was this fellow who had spent 4 years in WWII,a Navy Lieutenant Hero from the Pacific,already travelled the world,spent 14 years as a Congressman and Senator;and now at the ripe old age of 43, elected President of the USA,the most powerful in the world with the job of dealing with the Communist threat of world domination...and he's only 18 years older than me.
   Although I had been following politics since High School days;my lifelong interest really took off around 1960;and what an interest and roller coaster ride we were in for in the next 4 years,and to a large degree,ever since.
   This book captures the JFK I knew,and most of all in his own words.There,s hardly a thing in this book that I don't remember watch happen on TV.I have to agree with the other reviewers that the DVD is fantastic.There is the old idea that a book is better than a movie.Our teachers tried to drill that into us,but they had little success in winning me over."Gone With the Wind","Casablanca",Westerns,War movies;you name it,the movies won me over every time.The same holds here.It is one thing to read the words as JFK spoke them;but listening to him and watching him again brings back the memories,exactly as I remember them.Even these black and white newsreels enhance the power of his words;and it is almost a forgotten thing that there was TV without color.If you tell a kid today that you watched the first man land on the moon,I think it was 1969, on a black and white TV;he'll probably say "Why?".When you say," there was hardly any color TV then";the reply is something like,"Oh?"
   JFK captured the audience every time he came in contact with a camera,crowd or audience.In the DVD,there are a couple of shots where he was debating Nixon,who doesn't say a word.That is the way I remember JFK,when he said something,there wasn't much else to say.Everyone loved his press conferences,friend and foe alike;and probably nobody enjoyed them more than himself.I can't think of anyone else in public life that can hold a candle to his improptu wit and humor...and he could do it without being hurtful.I can only imagine what the 'banter' must have been like behind closed doors or with friends on a social basis.Think about times with Sinatra for instance;we'll never know.But oh,the stories that must be told by those who 'knew' him.
   I can't recommend this book highly enough to those who lived through the Kennedy years.To those who didn't,this book will give you an idea of what the JFK wisdom and wit was all about.
   I think that Kennedy hit the nail on the head about what it means to be President with these words:
   "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer."
   Herein lies the reason that ,no matter what party the President comes from,the President has to be the President of all the people,and can expect a lot of objection from the other side.It may be too bad but it goes with the territory and the reason Presidents seldom let it bother them.



2. Everything about this book is quality from the design, to the paper to the elegant font. It captures the essence of JFK because it's not someone else's memoir or perceptions. This is all JFk in his own words. One quote is particularly striking. Before taking office JFK quotes Lincoln on the subject of fate and purpose as president.
   
   Also, the book includes a DVD filled with remakable and touching images.



3. You forget all the things JFK did and said until you read this thing. Wow, it really reminds you. But the best part is the DVD that comes with it which is only probably forty minutes, but it has all this film (color and black and white) of Kennedy. I had always wanted to see him saying "Ich bin ein Berliner!"

   In the end, the film of him playing with his son just tears your heart out. The DVD is worth it alone.

3 comments about In the Days of McKinley.

1. The title of "In The Days Of McKinley" is very descriptive. Although it contains much biographical material, it is not a true biography. It does tell much about the stage on which William McKinley played.
   
   McKinley rose to national prominence by becoming an expert on the tariff. In congress he was known as the technical master of customs duties. How he used this expertise to propel himself to the post of Governor of Ohio is a puzzlement, but it does reflect the immense importance of tariff policy in an era when elections were fought over protection and when most federal revenue was derived from the tariff.
   
   Much of the book tells the story of aspects of public life in which McKinley participated. A major portion of the book deals with the Spanish American War. Here one sees McKinley among those presidents whose administrations were transformed by events from a domestic focus into one dominated by martial exploits. I have studied much about the Spanish American War (see my Listmania, "Remember The Maine, To Hell With Spain" and my Amazon Reviews, A Ship To Remember, Colonel Roosevelt, The Rough Riders, An Army For Empire and Little Brown Brothers) but this book provides a unique perspective on the war. Here the focus is on the role of the president in the decision to go to war and its subsequent prosecution. On these pages we see the veteran who had learned to hate war being drawn into a war despite all of his efforts to avoid it. In some parts the narration of the war almost makes the reader forget that McKinley was involved. Even so, it places some aspects of the war, such as the exploits of the Rough Riders, into a perspective of the greater conflict which is lacking in some works. With war a reality, the president became actively involved in the need to equip the army, decide on the targets of attack and the peace negotiations. All of these aspects receive ample attention from the author.
   
   With the conclusion of the war, the controversy over the disposition of the captured islands became a focus of public debate and a major issue in the 1900 election. William Jennings Bryan's "mixed messages" to use a recent term, are contrasted to McKinley's consistency. The decision to "Take whatever we can and to keep whatever we want" would have profound implications for the U. S. and the world. McKinley's self image as God's chosen instrument would be echoed in some of his successors.
   
   In an era when vice-presidents were rarely heard, McKinley's first Veep. Garrett Hobart, was a close friend who played a surprisingly important role in the administration, leading its programs through the Senate and carrying out special assignments. With Hobarts' death the selection of a second term running mate became a major event in McKinley's career and, with the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt, in the life of the nation.
   
   
   Through the chapters of this book, author Margaret Leech gives the reader an excellent study of themes in the history of McKinley's days. In so doing she does not neglect McKinley himself. She shows how he was and remained a product of Nineteenth Century Ohio where he was born and lived his life. She tells of McKinley's service in the Union Army, during which he reached the rank of Major before returning to Ohio to undertake legal studies. Settling in Canton, he rose steadily in his career and in public esteem.
   
   Leech tells the tender love story of McKinley and his wife, Ida, whose neurological disorder would be a constant concern throughout their married life. He learned to cope with her frequent seizures without interrupting the routine of the day, while always placing Ida first in his heart. It is amazing that he accomplished what he did with the limitations imposed by Ida's infirmity. He comes across as a highly successful man who kept his priorities in order.
   
   This book has been described as a first rate book about a second rate president. While you read it you will understand why it made Margaret Leech the first woman to win two Pulitzer prizes. From it I acquired a respect for McKinley as a president who successfully confronted a variety of complex issues. I think that he successfully advanced the interests of his country and followed practices which serve as good models for others. Read it and formulate your own rating of McKinley.



2. Less than 50 pages are dedicated to Mckinley's childhood, schooling, Civil War days, and his rise in Ohio from a struggling attorney to a Congressman then state gov. The remaining 550 pages deal with the detailed issues of his presidency and some portions (such as several long chapters about Cuba & the Philippines) do not even mention him. Fortunately, his presidency with the various wars, his wife's condition, thru his assination makes this detailed account worthwhile. However, if you are like me & find the struggles of the person before the presidency (especially those with war experience) interesting, you will be somewhat dissappointed in the lack of info. here.



3. Like him or not, Margaret Leech's Pulitzer-winning biography of William McKinley is an excellent overall view of the life and times of the 25th President of the United States.
   

   Her style is engrossing, even when her subject is not. It's a fascinating look at the United States at the turn of the previous century, a nation on the verge of becoming a world power.
   

4 comments about Midnight Diaries.

1. Although this book is quite limited in it's perspective, it does offer both candid and posed tips on modern Russian culture. Mr. Yeltsin's copious jottings reveal his personal taste for style and political power. The writings also reveal some of the cultural challenges that plague the Russian people such as; peer presure among adults for consumption of vodka and the need for modern business people to find a moral code that will promote sound national and international business practices. The extensive political reporting which Mr. Yeltsin has voiced would indicate that Russian self-government is still in the developing stages and has many hurtles to pass. However the outlook is hopeful and not blindly so. One leaves the text wondering how we might come to learn more of President Putin's own style of politics. An interesting read for anyone studying modern Russian culture, this book is by no means an authoratative overview on the culture.



2. Yeltsin's memoirs are without doubt interesting and necessary source for everybody who's looking to understand what really has happened in Russia during 90s. But unfortunately this is only half or even less of that what Yeltsin really could tell us. First of all, this is not of course Yeltsin who has written this book. Real authors are Valentin Yumashev, who is also author of Yeltsin's previous memoirs, and Tatyana Dyatchenko, Yeltsin's daugther. Reading this book you could find almost in every chapter how authors had tried to save Yeltsin's face for history. They succeeded if reader is not well informed about Russia. But for them who have lived this through, Yeltsin's book is too one-sided and not really trustful piece.



3. No wonder that this book attracted such negative reaction from 'experts' in Russian politics. What seemed almost to everyone as illogical, bizarre behavior of a senile tsar suddenly becomes clear, simple and logical. Yeltsin describes day by day his struggle for power since he started his presidential race with support of only 3% of popular support. As one reads the book it becomes evident that Yeltsin always had a very clear and realistic picture of what was happening around him. He could let people believe that he was too sick and weak to rule, watched who, how and when tried to get the power. Like a good hunter Yeltsin stoke deadly blows on his foes when they truely believed he was under their control. Yeltsin analyzes the situation, decides who's his friend or foe, plans his actions and acts without remorse. The book reads like a novel that unfolds the secrets of Russian under carpet bulldogs fighting.



4. This is such a great memoir of a very interesting man. I always felt that Yelstin never got his commupance. He led a country the best he could in a very hard time

   And now we get to hear everything that happend from the "front-lines" in the leaders own words.

1 comments about Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington.

1. This is great for a reference but don't try and read it straight through without wanting to run screaming from the room. Written in true flowery early Victorian style it is often hard to read for more than a few pages at a time. There is very little of Martha Washington mentioned at all which is a disapointment. The author also has a very rose coloured view of his family, but then again don't we all?

3 comments about Jefferson the President: Second Term 1805 - 1809 - Volume V (Jefferson and His Time, Vol 5).

1. What can be said about this monument to Jefferson scholarship? I am sure that somewhere in universities around the United States there are "scholar squirrels who want to put down this invaluable resource in Jefferson studies. It is always the way that mice attempt to gnaw at lions. This is not a perfect work (and my remarks refer to all of the books in the series as a whole), there are somethings, namely Sally Hemmings references which are wrong and will not sit well with American 21st century mores. There is the issue of slavery which was handled much differently 50 years ago than it is now.
   Jefferson is not worthy of our interest because of Sally Hemmings and because he kept slaves. Jefferson is great because of the Declaration of Independence and his fight for the rights of man. While it may have been hypocritical to preach liberty and keep slaves, it is doubtful that slavery ever would have been abolished if Jefferson had never gained the prominence that he did. This book and the others that follow show why we should continue to honor the public man even though his private side may have been wanting.



2. Jefferson: The President second term 1805-1809 is the fifth volume in a series of six, by Dumas Malone and brings us into the last four years of Jefferson's Presidency. I found that the author worked harder to bring out Jefferson the man in this volume... maybe because of the actions of others, (Burr and Marshall), but it is apparent that the author worked hard on this volume.

   Jefferson sponsors the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Congress gives Jefferson a little slack, but Arron Burr takes the domestic heat. The Barbary pirates are delt with, but the political views of Jefferson and Marshall heat up to a boiling point. But, Jeferson's second term seems to hit a nadir and he is longing for his Virginia mountain top home where he can finally retire after forty years of service to government.

   I found the scholarship to be impeccable, balanced, seemly sympathetic. The overall narrative is detailed and at times engrossing and engaging. Even though we can see Jefferson's excitement with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we also see heartbreak with Burr and vituperation with Marshall.

   Overall, this volume brings us to one of the most interesting times of Jeferson's life... that of retirement. This is one of the most interesting of the volumes so far as we see Jefferson working out the problems that others have wrought upon him.




3. Dumas Malone (1892-1986) devoted his academic career to studying Thomas Jefferson, and this superbly researched volume reflects that lifelong scholarship. This book is one in a six-part series examining the life of our third President. I read this book for a college class and immediately grasped the unending pressures that President Jefferson faced in his second term. Malone examines the decision-making options available to Jefferson, usually (and perhaps too often) supporting the eventual route that the President decided upon. This volume's research and analysis is worthy of five stars, not to mention the 1975 Pulitzer Prize the series captured. Unfortunately, Malone's stilted prose - the weakness of most academic historians - produces a rather laborious read. Thus, four stars overall.