Statesmanship, Character, and Leadership in America

by Terry Newell

Newell examines noted Americans at seven critical turning points in American history to look at what it takes to be a statesman.Through a powerful speech and the events preceding and following it, they show us how they grappled with conflicting values, varying demands, and the uncertainties of trying to forge a good society.

299 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Diogenes the Dog · Rating 2 out of 5]

If Goodreads had a zero star option, I’d give it one, but since it doesn’t, I’ll give it two.

It wasn’t completely hagiographic and had adequate sourcing and relevant anecdotes, but as a whole, it is unrealistic idealism in a world of realpolitik.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, it focused on a number of American statesman (and women) from George Washington thru President Ford. Newell does a good job of presenting both sides of each individual case study, the weakness in the book is the singular focus on specific speeches of each statesman to sum up what is often a lifelong pursuit