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Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary
Presents in-depth biographical sketches of presidents of the United States, their rise to power, and their unique contributions to America's history.
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 16, 2019
I read two books concurrently. One was a biographical dictionary of U.S. presidents (Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary). The other book was First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary. After reading an 8-12 page overview of a specific presidency, I would read the comparable entry for the first lady. It was interesting to see how writers assessed each pair of White House residents.
Generally, both volumes offered a reasonable, mostly objective profile of the life and times of each person. Both offered extensive bibliography entries for each person. Unfortunately, there were no notations indicating the source(s) for specific pieces of information or a comment. In the First Ladies book, there are several appendices documenting times when other female relatives assumed the role of first lady if none existed at the time of a particular presidency. Another appendix in this same volume provided comments from former first ladies about the responsibilities and rewards of her position.
I have always had an interest in the American presidency. Reading these two books in tandem provided another dimension for me to understand White House residents.
Generally, both volumes offered a reasonable, mostly objective profile of the life and times of each person. Both offered extensive bibliography entries for each person. Unfortunately, there were no notations indicating the source(s) for specific pieces of information or a comment. In the First Ladies book, there are several appendices documenting times when other female relatives assumed the role of first lady if none existed at the time of a particular presidency. Another appendix in this same volume provided comments from former first ladies about the responsibilities and rewards of her position.
I have always had an interest in the American presidency. Reading these two books in tandem provided another dimension for me to understand White House residents.
July 1, 2012
Item Title: Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary (Political Biographies)
Item Call Number: E176.1 .H215 2010 ISBN: 978-0816077083
Reviewed in: LME 508
Hamilton, N.A. (2010). Presidents: a biographical dictionary. Friedman, I. (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Relevance and Relationship—
As students prepare essays and reports on our country’s leaders, they need comprehensive accurate sources to obtain information from. This book is from a series of quality material concerning our past presidents and would make a perfect resource for students. It is also a wonderful read for those who are curious about the lives and times of our country’s commanders in chief. The cost is on the high end but in line with other authoritative political biography titles. $ 78.95
Purpose:—
This biographical account is a fundamental compendium giving an extensive look at the activities in the Oval Office and those who have sat there. A concise account of the foundation of our democracy to present day interworking of our government is essential to the education process as well as being an insightful read for all ages.
Validity—
Neil A. Hamilton holds a B.A. and an M.A. in history from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Tennessee. He is currently a professor of history at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. Hamilton also serves as adjunct professor of American history at the University of South Alabama. A member of the Authors Guild and the Organization of American Historians, Hamilton is the author or coauthor of nine nonfiction books, including The ABC-Clio Companion to the 1960s Counterculture in America and Militias in America: A Reference Handbook. Ian C. Friedman holds a B.A. in history from the University of Michigan and an Ed.M. in teaching and curriculum in the field of history from Harvard University. He is the author of Education Reform in Facts On File's Library in a Book series. Hamilton (2010)
Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary (Political Biographies) is the latest addition to a series published by Facts on File. Other titles include: Vice Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary Updated Edition
First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary (Facts on File Library of American History)
There will be subsequent titles of this series when a new president is elected. Suggested further reading notes about each president can be found at the end of each presidential entry.
Format–
The text is written in two column style with the presidential picture centered at the top, along with an excerpt from each of their inaugural addresses. The headings of the presidential pages list their name and birth – death dates. Directly beneath is their numerical listing along with dates in office.
Arrangement and Presentation-
The table of contents is two columns and lists preface & acknowledgments, introduction, and presidents in chronological order from Washington to Obama. Black and white images and color portraits of presidents past and present, along with an in depth timeline of their lives makes this book a treasure for all libraries and classrooms. Text is the main focus with few illustrations. The index is three columns in alphabetical order.
Diversity
Featuring the January 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States, this book addresses the advances our nation has made in settling racial tensions. This Biographical account is best suited for upper elementary and older.
Resources cited
Hamilton, N. (2010) Presidents: a biographical dictionary (political biographies). Retrieved from
http://adminblogs.shc.edu/history/fac...
Item Call Number: E176.1 .H215 2010 ISBN: 978-0816077083
Reviewed in: LME 508
Hamilton, N.A. (2010). Presidents: a biographical dictionary. Friedman, I. (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Relevance and Relationship—
As students prepare essays and reports on our country’s leaders, they need comprehensive accurate sources to obtain information from. This book is from a series of quality material concerning our past presidents and would make a perfect resource for students. It is also a wonderful read for those who are curious about the lives and times of our country’s commanders in chief. The cost is on the high end but in line with other authoritative political biography titles. $ 78.95
Purpose:—
This biographical account is a fundamental compendium giving an extensive look at the activities in the Oval Office and those who have sat there. A concise account of the foundation of our democracy to present day interworking of our government is essential to the education process as well as being an insightful read for all ages.
Validity—
Neil A. Hamilton holds a B.A. and an M.A. in history from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Tennessee. He is currently a professor of history at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. Hamilton also serves as adjunct professor of American history at the University of South Alabama. A member of the Authors Guild and the Organization of American Historians, Hamilton is the author or coauthor of nine nonfiction books, including The ABC-Clio Companion to the 1960s Counterculture in America and Militias in America: A Reference Handbook. Ian C. Friedman holds a B.A. in history from the University of Michigan and an Ed.M. in teaching and curriculum in the field of history from Harvard University. He is the author of Education Reform in Facts On File's Library in a Book series. Hamilton (2010)
Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary (Political Biographies) is the latest addition to a series published by Facts on File. Other titles include: Vice Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary Updated Edition
First Ladies: A Biographical Dictionary (Facts on File Library of American History)
There will be subsequent titles of this series when a new president is elected. Suggested further reading notes about each president can be found at the end of each presidential entry.
Format–
The text is written in two column style with the presidential picture centered at the top, along with an excerpt from each of their inaugural addresses. The headings of the presidential pages list their name and birth – death dates. Directly beneath is their numerical listing along with dates in office.
Arrangement and Presentation-
The table of contents is two columns and lists preface & acknowledgments, introduction, and presidents in chronological order from Washington to Obama. Black and white images and color portraits of presidents past and present, along with an in depth timeline of their lives makes this book a treasure for all libraries and classrooms. Text is the main focus with few illustrations. The index is three columns in alphabetical order.
Diversity
Featuring the January 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States, this book addresses the advances our nation has made in settling racial tensions. This Biographical account is best suited for upper elementary and older.
Resources cited
Hamilton, N. (2010) Presidents: a biographical dictionary (political biographies). Retrieved from
http://adminblogs.shc.edu/history/fac...
Read
June 30, 2016Hamilton, N. A. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary (3rd ed.). New York: Facts on File.
Citation by:
David Brooks
Type of Reference:
Biographical Reference
Call Number:
Ref 973
Content/Scope:
Geared towards high school students, this 496 page resource provides students with a biographical entry of seven to twelve pages per president. Every US President from Washington to Obama are represented. Each entry contains an image of the person, a chronology of their life, major events and accomplishments, important facts, and further ways to find more information.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
Neil Hamilton teaches history at Spring Hill College. Facts on File is a major publisher of encyclopedias and other reference materials, many dealing with US history.
Arrangement/Presentation:
Arrangement of this title is alphabetical. Pictures of each US President are included as well as a chronology of the person. Sources for further information are also included. Additionally lists of each US Presidents staff are included at the end of entry. An index and bibliography are included to help sort information and lead to further research.
Relation to other works:
This title will help to meet the needs of history and biographical reference in the library. Students will be able to use this reference to learn about the life of US Presidents, and as a source to find additional information about presidents.
Accessibility/Diversity:
The format of each entry is easy to read and follows a pattern that makes sense. Biographical information is provided in an unbiased way to avoid offending readers of any political background.
Cost:
$85
Professional Review:
Sutton, S. (2010, May). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libsrv.wku.ed...
Citation by:
David Brooks
Type of Reference:
Biographical Reference
Call Number:
Ref 973
Content/Scope:
Geared towards high school students, this 496 page resource provides students with a biographical entry of seven to twelve pages per president. Every US President from Washington to Obama are represented. Each entry contains an image of the person, a chronology of their life, major events and accomplishments, important facts, and further ways to find more information.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
Neil Hamilton teaches history at Spring Hill College. Facts on File is a major publisher of encyclopedias and other reference materials, many dealing with US history.
Arrangement/Presentation:
Arrangement of this title is alphabetical. Pictures of each US President are included as well as a chronology of the person. Sources for further information are also included. Additionally lists of each US Presidents staff are included at the end of entry. An index and bibliography are included to help sort information and lead to further research.
Relation to other works:
This title will help to meet the needs of history and biographical reference in the library. Students will be able to use this reference to learn about the life of US Presidents, and as a source to find additional information about presidents.
Accessibility/Diversity:
The format of each entry is easy to read and follows a pattern that makes sense. Biographical information is provided in an unbiased way to avoid offending readers of any political background.
Cost:
$85
Professional Review:
Sutton, S. (2010, May). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libsrv.wku.ed...
November 20, 2014
Hamilton, N. A. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Citation by: Stacie Alexander
Type of reference: Biographical
Call Number: Ref 973
Content/Scope: This book provides alphabetical profiles for the Presidents of the United States, including Barack Obama. Profiles are roughly seven to twelve pages long and include a portrait, inauguration speech quote, chronology of life and political events, and references for further reading. An appendix can be found at the end and a bibliography.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Facts on File are a respected reference source provider. Their information is trusted to be accurate and non-biased.
Arrangement/Presentation: Presidents are arranged alphabetically rather than chronologically. Each entry contains a picture and a complete profile of the president. An appendix at the end of the book provides further information about the office of president.
Relation to other works: The library has several books on Presidents of the United States, but many are old and leave out presidents that are more recent. This book will serve as an up to date resource for students and teachers.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book is intended for high school students, but it provides the most comprehensive profile of Presidents. Students can use this resource to find information on specific presidents.
Cost: $85.00
Professional review of the item: Sutton, S. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91-93.
Citation by: Stacie Alexander
Type of reference: Biographical
Call Number: Ref 973
Content/Scope: This book provides alphabetical profiles for the Presidents of the United States, including Barack Obama. Profiles are roughly seven to twelve pages long and include a portrait, inauguration speech quote, chronology of life and political events, and references for further reading. An appendix can be found at the end and a bibliography.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Facts on File are a respected reference source provider. Their information is trusted to be accurate and non-biased.
Arrangement/Presentation: Presidents are arranged alphabetically rather than chronologically. Each entry contains a picture and a complete profile of the president. An appendix at the end of the book provides further information about the office of president.
Relation to other works: The library has several books on Presidents of the United States, but many are old and leave out presidents that are more recent. This book will serve as an up to date resource for students and teachers.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book is intended for high school students, but it provides the most comprehensive profile of Presidents. Students can use this resource to find information on specific presidents.
Cost: $85.00
Professional review of the item: Sutton, S. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91-93.
Want to read
November 27, 2012Title: Presidents: A Biographical Dictionary (Political Biographies)
Hamilton, N.A. (2010). Presidents: a biographical dictionary. Friedman, I. (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Relevance and Relationship—
Students are always needing access to information about our country's presidents and history. Many elementary students are required to complete projects such as reports or presentations on particular presidents. This would be a good resource to add to the print reference collection because it will definitely be accessed by students.
Purpose:—
The resource is directed at providing critical information concerning the leaders of this country.
Validity—
The author is very credited in American History. He holds many titles in History such as a Bachelor's and Master's. He is also a History professor and member of many affiliations.
Format–
Text is in two columns and each president is featured in a photo. Headings and subheadings provide important information regarding their term.
Arrangement and Presentation-
The table of contents is two columns and lists preface & acknowledgments, introduction, and presidents in chronological order. There are few illustrations but this book is definitely presented well with the text provided.
Diversity
This book covers how our country has advanced throughout history, especially dealing with racism.
Hamilton, N.A. (2010). Presidents: a biographical dictionary. Friedman, I. (Rev. ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Relevance and Relationship—
Students are always needing access to information about our country's presidents and history. Many elementary students are required to complete projects such as reports or presentations on particular presidents. This would be a good resource to add to the print reference collection because it will definitely be accessed by students.
Purpose:—
The resource is directed at providing critical information concerning the leaders of this country.
Validity—
The author is very credited in American History. He holds many titles in History such as a Bachelor's and Master's. He is also a History professor and member of many affiliations.
Format–
Text is in two columns and each president is featured in a photo. Headings and subheadings provide important information regarding their term.
Arrangement and Presentation-
The table of contents is two columns and lists preface & acknowledgments, introduction, and presidents in chronological order. There are few illustrations but this book is definitely presented well with the text provided.
Diversity
This book covers how our country has advanced throughout history, especially dealing with racism.
Read
November 18, 2016Hamilton, N. A. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Facts on File.
Citation by: Amanda Carter
Type of reference: Biographical
Call Number: Ref 973
Content/Scope: This book consists of a detailed overview of the 44 Presidents of the United States. It is detailed in explaining the lives and careers of the presidents.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Facts on File are a respected reference source provider. Their information is trusted to be accurate and non-biased.
Arrangement/Presentation: Presidents are named alphabetically, which makes it easier for students to look up specific presidents. The book contains portraits and a chronological history of the United States.
Relation to other works: While there may be many books in the library about Presidents, this book would be a great asset because it is user-friendly for elementary aged students who may be completing a project on Presidents of the United States.
Accessibility/Diversity: Students can use this resource to find information on specific presidents.
Cost: $85.00
Professional review of the item: Sutton, S. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91-93.
Citation by: Amanda Carter
Type of reference: Biographical
Call Number: Ref 973
Content/Scope: This book consists of a detailed overview of the 44 Presidents of the United States. It is detailed in explaining the lives and careers of the presidents.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Facts on File are a respected reference source provider. Their information is trusted to be accurate and non-biased.
Arrangement/Presentation: Presidents are named alphabetically, which makes it easier for students to look up specific presidents. The book contains portraits and a chronological history of the United States.
Relation to other works: While there may be many books in the library about Presidents, this book would be a great asset because it is user-friendly for elementary aged students who may be completing a project on Presidents of the United States.
Accessibility/Diversity: Students can use this resource to find information on specific presidents.
Cost: $85.00
Professional review of the item: Sutton, S. (2010). Presidents: A biographical dictionary. Library Journal, 135(8), 91-93.
November 4, 2014
This was a comprehensive read so it took me a long time to finish it. I read about one President at a time with a break inbetween. This is a keeper and something to look back on from time to time. It will highlight my bookshelf for years to come. I was amazed to learn that there seemed to be little difference in the presidents, the parties and the rivalry among our leaders all these years.
Our only hope is to vote our values and pray for God to raise up moral people who will lead with regards for the good of the country. This book was really interesting and I truly learned a lot of history.
Our only hope is to vote our values and pray for God to raise up moral people who will lead with regards for the good of the country. This book was really interesting and I truly learned a lot of history.
August 16, 2017
A biased 'factual' look at the presidents at the presidents.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews