U.S. Presidents For Dummies

by Marcus Stadelmann

Forty-three Americans have held the job of President of the United States. Each has a story, be it one of vision, accomplishment, conflict, scandal, triumph, or tragedy. And each story is at the center of the national story, a part of what we all experience. History buffs find endless fascination – and a greater understanding of America today – in the colorful personalities and momentous events that surround the Oval Office. If you want the complete take on U. S. presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush, you’ll appreciate U. S. Presidents for Dummies . Written in a lively style by a history professor at the University of Texas, this fun guidebook of chief executives is packed with information, factoids, and memorable quotes. Inside, you’ll find out which U. S. Presidents for Dummies offers a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to be the leader of the free world, and who has stepped up to the challenge. Dividing the ranks of presidents into chronological groups for a broader, historical understanding of the office, this book A treasury of information, this book features an easy-to-comprehend style and sharp historical analysis. Sidebars, photos, timelines, and best and worst lists make U. S. Presidents for Dummies a historical blast to read and a must-have for understanding the state of both yesterday’s and today’s union.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2002

Reviews

[Robban Fleege · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshingly NEUTRAL and unbiased account of all US presidents and their terms including highlights of their pre- and post- presidency lives. Throughout, I really tried to try figure out if the author Marcus Stadelmann - a Texan Professor was leaning towards right of left but could not. Learned a lot of neat interesting trivia, history of US politics, and so much about all the "unknown" one term presidents. Interestingly only 10 (including Trump) of all 30 one-term presidents were actually defeated in reelection -- and that there were many great one term presidents!! (some even set out to run one term by choice so they could serve with only the country's best interests in mind). Surprised to learn how moderate Nixon and Ford were, and that Nixon established the EPA!!!! (I really miss the old republican party) By putting stories, faces and facts with all the presidents I also finally learned to recite all presidents in order...and in about one minute. My best time was coincidentally in 46 seconds. (The book covers up to and comments on the current 45th potus term in progress) The biggest takeaway is how intelligent and qualified most of these Presidents were and that plays a huge role in America's great history. For sure there is also a lot of unqualified and underperforming presidents who mis-used their power. My ONLY complaint about the book was that Woodford Wilson was rated so highly and didnt catch more flack from how he handled the conclusion of WWI. (the same could be said about F. Roosewelt's WWII end game wasn't his best effort and that too could have been covered) Woodford Wilson should also lose some points on how he handled the Great Influenza (Erroneously called Spanish Flu) and would like future editions to cover that awful chapter of US History. More on that read https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
This may be the only For Dummies book that I have read as a book in order, from front to back. Loved it.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this in audiobook format throughout a 7-day road trip because I hate fun. I picked it because I wanted trivia about presidents I previously knew very little about, and on that front, this book totally delivered. Like, Chester A. Arthur liked fine wine, fancy things, and owned over 80 pairs of pants. Relatable ki...president!

This book is a pretty good overview of how each administration came to be, how they influenced subsequent administrations, etc. I think the audio version might be lacking some of the tables, charts, etc. and the "For Dummies" verbiage often sounds odd in a historical context. Overall, though, I liked it, and I didn't fall asleep while driving, so...recommend?

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually avoid the Dummies series. Just stumbled into this book and I loved it ! I will have to check out Stadelmann's other work. Fast paced history book with a interesting details not commonly known about many of the presidents. I enjoyed Stadelmann's top 10 and bottom 10 at the end of the book.

[Lyndsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite claiming it is not a textbook, it reads very much like a textbook. I am a history nerd and did not find this book an enjoyable read. Informative? Yes. Does it meet its goal of covering a lot of information in a small space? Yes. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who wasn't really struggling with US History, and even at that... just read the textbook the teacher provides you.

[Pegi Ferrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a 4--but all research becomes suspect when the author states that a POC made a "racist" comment about a white American man. Prejudice and racism are not synonyms.

[Jesse Varas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing primer to the United States office of the President.

[Marcus Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always had a keen interest in the American Presidents and while I know a lot about some I know little or nothing about many others. This was the perfect book for me to get a good overview of them all and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Each chapter was broken down into organised chunks as with all books in this series. It was very easy to follow and gave an excellent snapshot into the lives of these famous men. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. I shall endeavour to find a biography on the former because he sounds like a very interesting person. Obviously due to the nature of the book it doesn’t go into any depth on any of the presidents. If you’re looking for a summary of them all, this is a perfect place to start.

[Marilyn Mansfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting fast read with a broad overview of each president, including the obscure. Ends with George W Bush still in office and I believe a longer passage of time mat modify the opinion of history on more recent presidents. I didn't realize desegregation started under Eisenhower and environmental regulation under Nixon so some surprising information.

[Gerald Swadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and interesting

Great snapshot to promote further reading on the most interesting presidents. Their backgrounds and paths to becoming president was entertaining and thought provoking.

[Nell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of two books of capsule biographies about the U.S. presidents I have read so far. For review see Don't Know Much About the American Presidents by Kenneth C. Davis.