Ronald Reagan: The Wisdom and Humor of the Great Communicator

by Frederick J. Ryan Jr. (Editor)

A collection of excerpts from thousands of the former president's speeches and public appearances

Genres: Biography, History, Politics

157 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Frederick J. Ryan, JR., publisher and CEO of the Washington Post, has been an aficionado of both wine and White House history for most of his life. Growing up in Italy and California, he developed an early interest in wine and its production, studied winemaking and its history, and now participates in a joint winemaking venture in Napa Valley. Ryan’s fascination with wine parallels his lifelong interest in the American presidency. He served in a senior staff position in the Ronald Reagan White House and as Reagan’s post-presidential chief of staff. Ryan currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the White House Historical Association, of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and of the Wine Committee of the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C. He is the author of Wine and the White House: A History.

Reviews

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone left this in our neighborhood lending library box, and I am so glad they did. One of the greatest presidents ever, I was reminded of how deep and powerful his words were during his public life. The themes are constant throughout the book: faith, freedom, family, our defenders (the military), the ability to make yourself better without big government and their intrusion into your life. His humor, his storytelling was unmatched. The fact that the contributors of this book reviewed thousands of speeches, interviews, statements, and press conferences spanning the last fifty years of his life is truly amazing and a labor of love in my opinion.

[Dann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of speeches, writings, and quotes, Ronald Reagan: The Wisdom and Humor of The Great Communicator provides an intimate portrayal of America’s 40th president. Organized into a series of themes, such as government, freedom, and faith, editor Frederick J. Ryan Jr. presents excerpts from various presidential addresses, press conferences, and Q&A sessions. However, there are two speeches that are presented in their entirety; his “A Time for Choosing” radio address supporting Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign (which launched him onto the national stage) and his farewell letter revealing his Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis (and his withdraw from public life). Some of the passages are quite moving and beautifully worded; showing a clever wit and a light-hearted sense of humor. Also included are dozens of photos from Reagan’s presidential speeches and campaign events. Ronald Reagan: The Wisdom and Humor of The Great Communicator is a wonderful look at the oratory power and charismatic personality of Ronald Reagan.

[The_J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Slice of joy

[Raymond Spitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wisdom part made me wish politicians had learned something from President Reagan. Today they are violating every one of his cardinal rules, and unfortunately, our country is suffering as a result. If only the voters will wake up! The humor part was even better.

[Awdhesh Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. There are so many humorous stories in this book. It shows that you need not to be a moron to be the President of a country. He has the ability to laugh at himself and make even his enemies his friend. I enjoyed the book.

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about the great communicator, President Ronald Reagan. In it you will discover his great sense of humor and wisdom. I liked it and I strongly recommend it for those who want to experience some of the fabulous wit of this great American President.

[DC · Rating 4 out of 5]

What better way to learn about Ronald Reagan than in his own words? The book is well organized and gives you a nice idea who the man they call the Great Communicator truly was.

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. A book of (mostly) succinct Ronald Reagan quotes. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Unfortunately, the pictures do not have captions.