Celebrating the (Literary) History of America's Presidents

Presidents are famously men of letters: educated, erudite, and charismatic. John Adams (whose birthday we celebrate today), Thomas Jefferson, and other founding fathers established their reputation by contributing to beautifully written documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.


Books by US Presidents

Modern presidents have followed that literary tradition, writing books that capture not only their own experiences, but also the evolution of a nation.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Barack Obama joined the ranks of presidential authors with The Audacity of Hope and Of Thee I Sing.
  • President Trump wrote many books before taking office. We'll have to wait and see what his literary output is during and after his presidency.

Numerous other luminaries, including first ladies and world leaders, have contributed to our understanding of U.S. presidents and our country. These books make exceptional additions to the personal library.
 
Browse Books By Presidents, First Ladies, and State Leaders

Kristin Masters
Master Content Brain. You think it, she writes it, no good thought remains unposted. Sprinkles pixie dust on Google+, newsletters, blog, facebook, twitter and just about everything else.


 

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