Wit and Wisdom of the American Presidents: A Book of Quotations

by Joslyn Pine (Editor)

"I know only two tunes," said Ulysses S. Grant. "One of them is Yankee Doodle and the other isn't." Jimmy Carter "Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread." And Warren Harding "The White House is a prison. I can't get away from the men who dog my footsteps. I am in jail."
This entertaining, handy little book includes over 400 other memorable quotes, expressed by America's chief executives over the past two centuries, among them Chester Arthur's blunt, "I may be President of the United States, but my private life is nobody's damn business," Calvin Coolidge's terse "The chief business of America is business," Dwight Eisenhower's "Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from a cornfield," and George Herbert Walker Bush's "Read my lips, no new taxes."
From George Washington to Barack Obama, these presidential declarations will not only provide public speakers and students of American history with a wealth of useful material, they'll also delight general readers.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Presidents, Entrepreneurship, Reference

80 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2000

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this quote book in Washington D.C. at the bookstore in the Lincolm Memorial. I spent nearly an hour looking around that store. It took two of my friends to drag me out. Unfortunately, I was low on money so I picked up the cheapest thing I can find along with another book I actually wanted. This has some pretty good quotes in it and was totally worth it for the little amount I had to pay.

[Jemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection with many gems but quite a lot of duds and questionable observations. The latter largely because they've included something from every President, some of whom have little or nothinbg to contribute.

Also, apparently I've been quoting LBJ for decades without realising it.

[Hristijan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of quotes, plenty of things to learn and see how American presidents were shaped by principles and the times in which they held office. Considering this is a one day read, I give it five stars due to a lot of useful and insightful thoughts.

[Karen Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice! I have to admit, some of our Presidents were HECKA funny!!

[Terry Grish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to see how over the years many presidents emphasize how important education is.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and some parts were very funny.

[Anna Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED everything about this book

[Ani Hasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America; there is the United States of America."

An great book with the quotes of American Presidents. I believe quotes, even though some of them simple political rhetoric I believe that it gives an insight into the Presidents belief.

A great book with quotes from the leaders of free world.

"The energy, faith, and devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it" J.F.K

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book of presidential quotes! Nice collection.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and it will be a great resource for the future!

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 3 out of 5]

I notice that this isn't an especially large book. At any rate, I would've greatly appreciated far more wit and far less wisdom.