Celebrating the (Literary) History of America’s Presidents
On February 20, 2012, people across America will celebrate Presidents Day, a holiday commemorating the leaders who have built the country. Though the day honors all presidents, it was originally intended to recognize George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Presidents as Authors
Presidents are famously men of letters: educated, erudite, and charismatic. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and other founding fathers established their reputation by contributing to beautifully written documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Modern presidents have followed that literary tradition, writing books that capture not only their own experiences, but also the evolution of a nation.
- Jimmy Carter has proven a rather prolific author, with Why Not the Best?, Sharing Good Times, Beyond the White House, and several other titles to his name.
- Herbert Hoover completely eschewed writing about his life as president, opting instead to write about his favorite pastime in Fishing for Fun and to Wash Your Soul.
- Gerald Ford is the author of the most diverse works; he not only wrote the autobiography A Time to Heal, but also the much lighter fare, Humor and the Presidency.
- Ronald Reagan contributed two autobiographies: An American Life and Speaking My Mind.
- Rather than writing the typical autobiography, George H W Bush published All the Best, a collection of his presidential correspondence, and Speaking of Freedom, a selection of his speeches. His son George W Bush also took up the authorial mantle and wrote Decision Points.
- Bill Clinton took up the pen to write My Life and Giving¸ both of which have remained popular.
- President Barack Obama has already joined the ranks of presidential authors with The Audacity of Hope and Of Thee I Sing.
Numerous other luminaries, including first ladies and world leaders, have contributed to our understanding of US presidents and our country. These books make exceptional additions to the personal library.
Add comment February 8th, 2012
