Prophet from Plains: Jimmy Carter and His Legacy

by Frye Gaillard, David Carter (Foreword)

Prophet from Plains covers Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter's major achievements and setbacks in light of what has been at once his greatest asset and his greatest his stubborn, faith-driven integrity. Carter's remarkable postpresidency is still in the making; however, he has already redefined the role for all who follow him.

Frye Gaillard, who wrote extensively about Carter at the Charlotte Observer , was among the first to take the Carter postpresidency seriously and to challenge many accepted conclusions about Carter's term in office. Carter was not an irresolute president, says Gaillard, but rather one so certain of his own rectitude that he misjudged the importance of "selling" himself to America. Ranging across the highs and lows of the Carter presidency, Gaillard covers the energy crisis, the Iran hostage situation, the Camp David Accords, the Panama Canal and other treaties, and the new diplomatic emphasis on human rights.

Carter's established priorities did not change once he was out of office, but he was far more effective outside the strictures of presidential politics. Gaillard's coverage of this period includes Carter's friendship with Gerald R. Ford, his work through the Carter Center on disease control and election monitoring, and his association with Habitat for Humanity.

Prophet from Plains locates Carter in the tradition of Old Testament prophets who took uncompromising stands for peace and justice. Resisting the role of an above-the-fray elder statesman, Carter has thrust himself into international controversies in ways that some find meddlesome and others heroic.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've now read biographies of every president from Washington to Carter. As the list approaches the current date, it becomes harder to find substantial biographies that cover the full life and presidency of the subject, especially those who are still living. Jimmy Carter is now the earliest still-living president at this date (July, 2019), and even though his presidency ended nearly 40 years ago, an in-depth full-scale biography by a more or less objective author has yet to appear. Frye Gaillard's book is the closest I have found, though he himself confirms that it is not intended as a deep dive into Carter's life. Carter, perhaps the most moral and ethically upstanding man ever to hold the office of president, nonetheless had failings, mostly in the arena of political action, that led him to be a dichotomy -- a deeply revered man who is generally considered a failure as president. Carter's life and works since his presidency are probably more admirable than those of any other chief executive, and Gaillard makes a good case for some of Carter's perceived presidential failures being less damnable than the conventional wisdom purports. A thorough excavation of the Carter presidency and of the life of this remarkable man will be written someday. Until then, Frye Gaillard's survey of Carter's story suffices but does not sate.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief, readable review of Jimmy Carter's presidency and post-presidency years. Author is a fan, but admits that Carter's failing is self-righteousness and lack of political savvy. Credits Carter with breakthroughs in peace and human rights.

[Michael Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the legacy of Jimmy Carter, from his troubled one term presidency to his great triumphs as a humanitarian.

[Bob Schmitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I already knew what an amazing president, post-president and man Jimmy Carter was and this book is just more evidence. I was given to me by my friend Bill F who was in high school in Alabama with the author. The book is a bunch of little vignettes of different aspects of Carter life. A couple of thing I didn't know, Carter was physically brave going into volatile situations to talk to people that might harm him. Lets see our current president do that!!?? Easy read, kind of a paean to Carter.