The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Presidents of America: An Authoritative History of the American Presidency, Shown in More Than 460 Photographs and Illustrations

by Jon Roper

This unparalleled illustrated reference book is a fascinating guide to the 44 statesmen who have held the highest-ranking political office in the United States government.

The book opens with a brief history of the events that led to the Thirteen Colonies declaring independence from Britain. It recounts the details of how a new union of states was forged and a system of government established in which the head of state would be checked and balanced by the Houses of Congress and the Supreme Court.

As ceremonial head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the office of president is one of the most powerful and influential in the world. Beginning with George Washington, the author provides a factual analysis of each of the men who have held high office, and how each has shaped the presidency and been defined by the role. Many have become synonymous with major events of world history, for example Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, Teddy Roosevelt and the building of the Panama Canal, and Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal. Some presidents have disappeared quietly from public life, while others have courted controversy, or have been infamously impeached, or assassinated.

Key facts about each president, his term in office and his life story are presented within the context of the domestic and international events of the time.

More than 460 photographs, fine-art paintings, election campaign posters and maps help to provide a visual account for each presidency, making this book a valuable reference source for every reader interested in the social and political history of the United States.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Unknown Binding

First published August 25, 2008

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief and well done history of the Presidents of the United States. I've read extensive biographies on some of the presidents, and Roper does a good job of covering each one's basic time in office. Along with the accomplishments of each of the presidents through President Obama, are sections of key events and sometimes other important US leaders of the time. Each presidential background also includes a paragraph on the first lady. Great illustrations and portraits of the presidents. I was a little surprised that starting with President Clinton there was a hint of political bias evident in Roper's writing. This was why I wasn't more generous by giving the book a four star rating. This shows that even for an objective observer of the past, it is hard to have an apolitical view of more recent times. The book doesn't list sources, or have a bibliography of suggested readings, but does serve as a great starting place for finding further information on our presidents and history.

[Shannan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have to say that this book is well-written and researched. The author has a lot of knowledge about his subject. I learn a lot about the presidents and some facts I knew and some facts that I did not know. For example: Even though Reagan was Republican he modeled his Presidency after FDR.

In this book it contains information about their wives and key events that happened throughout their Presidency. The Pictures in the book were gorgeous and this book makes an excellent collectible. It should also be used as a reference for your children if they have projects etc.

Overall I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 because their are some editorial spelling mistakes in some chapters.

[Shelly Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best history book about presidents!

[Mansour · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very informative.

[Mr. Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in American presidential history like me, you'll enjoy this book. It's kind of LONG because it has to go through 44 presidents, but it's interesting. Lots of background information about each president; the thing I'm most interested in is their path to the nation's highest office - what jobs did they have as young adults and how did that lead to the presidency? How did they assemble a coalition of enough people to vote for them to win? This book provides this interesting information, and also describes what the country was like during their administrations. A good book, kinda long. Can be used as a reference, too, rather than reading all the way through like a crazy literature teacher might do. (I read this book during a hurricane!)

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has alot of pictures that are cool and some interesting facts about U.S. presidents. You can tell at times it was written by a British or Australian author that does not quite understand our system. But there's good information about the presidents and events during their time and a ton of pictures, so its worth your time.

[Harmke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zeer gedetailleerd boek, maar wel toegankelijk geschreven. Ook stuk geschiedenis van de VS ontbreekt niet. Mooi naslagwerk.