Presidential Inaugurations

by Paul F. Boller Jr.

Paul Boller's widely admired and bestselling anecdotal histories have uncovered new aspects and revealed hidden dimensions in the lives of presidents and those who surround them. Illuminating the days and weeks from the moment our commander in chief is elected to the moment he takes office, Presidential Inaugurations provides a never-before-seen look at the events leading up to "the big day." Boller takes us along with Lincoln on his mysterious first entrance into Washington and renders the poignancy of FDR's final inauguration. We learn of the surprising appearance of Tallulah Bankhead at Truman's inauguration and relive the charming report by Jacqueline Bouvier on Eisenhower's 1953 inaugural. Highlighting memorable moments from 1789 to 2001, Presidential Inaugurations presents the pride, passions, and prejudices of our great nation as we greet a new leader.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Presidents, Politics

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2001

Reviews

[Jeremy Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the best titles in American history are meant to be read when their contents offer levity and context for the present moment. Boller’s book on Presidential Inaugurations does just that, especially now, as the nation braces in the aftermath of a Capitol insurrection, the continued threats of protest at the capitols of all fifty states, and a sitting president who refuses to concede the victory of a man who will still replace him in just a few days. But to be fair, Presidential Inaugurations doesn’t just pacify the search for modern solace. It also offers enough anecdotal humor to make light of our nature, taking into account the very humanness of our presidents, sometimes at their most vulnerable (on their way out) and sometimes at their most uncomfortable (on their way in).

[Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable narrative of the “behind the scenes” of Presidential history. The author, for the most part, arranged his content by subject as one would be encountering the events of the every four year inauguration festivities. His two nods to chronological order? George Washington’s first inauguration (1789) and the most recent Inauguration, George W. Bush (2001).

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very informational and gives you a different perspective of how inaugurations work and why they're so important.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. Several note worthy facts

[Lion]

Read the first few chapters. Very interesting.

[Karl · Rating 2 out of 5]

It starts great. Went down the hill quickly.

[Joseph J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Boller's books of Presidential facts and trivia are always a fun read. Of delicious interest in these pages are the uncomfortable if not hostile transfers of power, i.e. stone faced Herbert Hoover to charismatic F.D.R., and a seething Truman to chip on the shoulder Ike. Don't miss the story of U.S. Grant's inaugural ball, with frozen solid guests and frozen solid food.

[Kathleen Godfrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book today--I read it to bone up on presidential inaugurations for a Norway presentation. It was anecdotal and organized strangely (chapters on the journey to the inauguration, the balls, etc.). It will help me create good presentations, I think, but it's not a book I'd recommend. It just wasn't scholarly enough . . . or even terribly insightful.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I will be finishing this book. It hops around too much. Bummed. I wanted to like this book. It was quite dry and it does not hold my attention.