Reagan: The American President

by Larry Schweikart

The definitive biography of Ronald Reagan, featuring never-before-seen documents and sources from the Reagan Presidential Library.

New York Times #1 bestselling author Larry Schweikart, armed with previously unseen sources from Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Library, uncovers the most important president of the 20th century and details the life and policies of a man who still remains dear to the hearts of Americans. From his time as a lifeguard in Illinois to a sports announcer to a rising actor to a labor union leader, then finally governor of California in the tumultuous 1960s and ultimately President, Reagan’s life is told as it has never been before.

Genres: Biography, Audiobook

576 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Ben Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.