Reagan: The American President

by Larry Schweikart

In REAGAN Ronald Reagan's life is examined through the lens of a conservative scholar who understands Reagan's goals, intentions, and motivations. Through exclusively obtained administration documents, Schweikart reveals Reagan's never-before seen initiative to create a North American energy zone---the forerunner to NAFTA and the internal battles in his administration to press his economic recovery act through. In newly declassified documents from such episodes in Reagan's presidency as Lebanon, new assessments of the cultural side of Reagan's war against the Soviets from sources behind the Iron Curtain, new interviews with Reagan insiders not previously consulted, Larry Schweikart provides a comprehensive look with new perspective and new sources, particularly those relating to the presidential years and especially as related to the economy and the Cold War. Reagan, the Midwestern boy, the young actor, the student protester, the labor union leader, the combative governor, emerged as the most successful president of the 20th century.

Genres: Biography, Audiobook

300 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2018

Reviews

[Ben Chapman]

This was such an enjoyable book. While no one is perfect, Ronald Reagan truly was a legendary American hero. What I wouldn’t give to have such leadership in our country again. I highly recommend this book.

[Moses]

A competent biography marred by comparisons between Reagan and Trump. Other than the obvious similarities (show biz), there really is nothing under the surface that links them.

[Brad Horton]

This is an excellent work by Professor Schweikart. He provides a lot of fresh new insights and facts about President Reagan that I didn't previously know. It's my opinion that any history lover would love this book, and that this should be required reading for every American History class.

[James]

I just finished reading Reagan: The American President by Larry Schweikart. If 3 1/2 were available I would’ve given it a 3 1/2 rather than a three. To be sure, the book was extremely moving. It described quite well a person who was decent, but imperfect. He was a lousy parent and a great president. When he was elected, I thought he was a joke. As President he was anything but.

Now my quibbles. Many pages and short passages of the book were out of chronological order. This makes a jarring read for anything of a historical historical nature. Also, there were a few obvious fact checking errors. He skillfully avoided, writing a hagiography, despite his admiration for Mr. Reagan.

The lack of an index was a definite drawback. The book is well worth reading, but do not expect a masterpiece.

[Jonathan Stuckey]

Incredibly detailed and thorough, this book excellently tells the incredible story of Ronald Reagan. Its thoroughness and style made it difficult and long-treading for me to get through the book, but then again that’s how I usually am with nonfiction. It was a privilege to dive so deep into the mind of one of the greatest American presidents.

[John Waldrip]

The best biography of Ronald Reagan I have read, with a better balance of this great president's strengths and weaknesses than I have previously seen. I almost came to tears completing the book, and recommend it to anyone too young to have fond memories of this exceptional American president.