Selected Presidential Speeches

by Various

The speeches collected in this volume—one or more for each of the forty-six elected American presidents—are historical documents. The subjects that they address, however, are perennial themes that define our democracy and that recur in various forms with each new administration’s state laws versus federal laws, the guarantee of the individual citizen’s right to vote in free and fair elections, the separation of church and state, the role of the popular vote versus that of the electoral college, the cooperation of allies and the aggression of foes, freedom of the press, the authority to wage war, the definition of insurrection and the grounds for impeachment—and more. Although the legislature establishes the laws that govern and guide America, it is the presidencies in which they are enacted that are their public and historical face.

This indispensable volume of American history features landmark speeches including George Washington’s Farewell Address, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “we have nothing to feat but fear itself” first inaugural address.

Genres: History

608 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

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Reviews

[Anthony Mannuzza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading these speeches in 2025 greatly changed my perspective on what kind of country the United States was at its founding, what it is today, and what it should be. Without going into great detail, it is apparent that the nation's values and aspirations have changed significantly throughout the years, and I believe that most United States presidents would be rolling in their graves over the current state of our affairs, particularly in this millennium.

Today when our nation is so politically divided, it is crucial that we all look back on our nation's history and to the principles that it was founded on. We, The People, must first understand the dream of our founders and the great progress that has been made. Only then can we begin to address where we have gone astray and unite together in a common cause to adjust our course back toward the land of prosperity. This collection of speeches is a great starting point, and I would recommend them to everyone. Yes, some are irrelevant today, but the irrelevance of a few is greatly overpowered by the wisdom of the rest. I truly don't believe any progress toward unity can be made without at least a basic understanding of the contents of this collection.

[Michael Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird to rate. Some speeches were easily 5 stars (Lincoln of course; surprisingly, Andrew Jackson and Lyndon Johnson), while some were more like 2 stars (sorry, Fillmore and Pierce). But I did enjoy reading the actual words of the presidents of our country. For many of them, it is the first time reading their direct words rather than reading about them.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Should be required reading for every teen in a High School Civics course. Amazing to read, because of the scope of topics covered from the first president to Trump.

Most noticeable is how none of the others even say "I," being wise enough to know humility proves authentic strength, which is the outstanding trait or goal in an evolved person (what you want and need in a president). Trump's address is replete with references to himself and his ego. You can really see how he stands out as the anomaly in our history. Let's hope we do better as a people electing our next president.

[David Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to review a book of presidential speeches, as there is no story. But, I would say the best speech was Obama's inaugural; the worst, Trump's inaugural. The more recent speeches were easier to read and understand.