The History Buff's Guide to the Presidents: Top Ten Rankings of the Best, Worst, Largest, and Most Controversial Facets of the American Presidency (History Buff's Guides)

The list format is engaging, and makes this text easy to read a bit at a time. I read a lot of history, and it's always nice to find a book that offers information I haven't heard before; this one certainly qualifies. It's also nice to find a text that doesn't lecture me politically (usually from the left when it comes to modern history books). I would guess the author votes Democratic, but I couldn't be sure, and he cheerfully critiques both Reagan and FDR, Nixon and Kennedy. Even the sainted Lincoln gets a (possibly deserved) ding for his inability to choose good general officers. The only consistent bias I saw was an anti-religious one, though it's not that pronounced. I'd give the book 5 stars if it were a bit more serious, but it easily earns 4 stars, and probably a bit more.

I wish this had been organized by the presidents in order of ascension and then with each of their rankings or information in that context. I got confused by all the jumping around. If I had a class in presidential history and the text book was arranged like this I would loose my mind. Perhaps a thought for the author to heed in the next edition?

Overall, I'm glad I read this book, but there is some sloppy research and bad writing woven among the interesting and accurate, and the well-worded prose. And there's way too much commentary for what's supposed to be a history book. The author's political persuasions come through a bit too strongly. He failed to get some of his facts straight, and other assertions are somewhat dubious, making me wonder how much of the rest of the book is credible. For example, he refers to George McGovern's first running mate as Robert Eagleton. It was Thomas, not Robert. He claims that Lutheranism is the most populous mainline Protestant denomination in America. Not that it matters, but the Methodists probably have a better claim to that distinction. He repeatedly uses the word "assure" when he means "ensure", and he refers to the Chief Justice of the United States as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. A historian should know better.Still, there are interesting sections in the book. Valuable perspectives and useful information on things like biggest landslides, closest elections, biggest scandals, etc. I liked the lists at the end of the book.So, overall, an OK read, but not without its flaws.

The History Buff's Guide to the Presidents: Key People, Places, and Events [HIST BUFFS GT TH -OS ]I found this book well organized and easy to read. The times and events that I have lived through are treated evently. It is a quick informative read.Dan RavenChicago

Pretty good book

I'm a history buff and yet I didn't have much of anything in my library aboutthe American presidents. This should fill the bill.

This book does contain important historical facts which I never thought of, but the author's historical interpretation is based on his own personal political and philosophical views. This tellls me that the author believes that only his views are correct and does not allow any rooms for the readers to form their own views.For example in page 261, the author states the United States' defeat in Vietnam. Technically, the defeat does NOT belong to the United States. It belongs to South Vietnamese, who did not take full responsibility for their own country and they brought the defeat upon themselves. They believed that they didn't have to do the fighting because they thought that the United States Troops were fighting for them. No country can ever claim victory without fighting on their own by taking full responsibility for their nations. South Vietnam didn't.The author also states that the United States is bordered by two relatively benevolent neighbors. I would assume that he is referring to Canada and Mexico. I highly doubt that Mexico is benevolent nation. In fact, I dare to conclude that it is not.If anyone wishes to read this book in order to learn what he hasn't thought about historical context of our U.S. Presidents, then they certainly can do so. However, I also would highly advise them to not to accept the author's conclusion, but to come up with views of their own.

I thought I knew my Presidential History, until I read this book ! Impressed ? You bet ! Well organized, and categorized..and a handy bookshelf reference on this subject ! Received in excellent condition, and very timely delivery.

I don't know that much about U.S. presidents, that's why I bought the book. First thing, it is a quick, entertaining read. Every chapters is written as a Top-10 lists such as:-Top ten assasinations attempts-Top ten doctrines-Top ten biggest scandals-Top 10 closests racesthat will able you to learn about the life and challenges of a US president. Not surprisingly, Teddy Rosevelt, FDR, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are the stars of the book. While I was happy to read about them, I'd wish I'd have the opportunity to learn more about William Harrison, Rutherford Hayes or Calvin Coolidge, those lesser know president. Sadly, that isn't the case.Nevertheless, it's a good first step into US politics background. I would not recommend this book for someone who has profound knowledge on the subject.