America's Nine Greatest Presidents

Book excerpt: Among the 42 men who have held the office of the President of the United States, some are remembered more easily than others for the strength of their administration. The nine greatest presidents were all attractive in one way or another, writes Frank P. King. Far more important and difficult to appreciate and understand, they had superb characters derived from principles, commitments, and habits. They all seem, even now, to be remarkably like us. The success of presidents and congresses and governments is measured by achievements which advance the commercial and strategic health of the nation, our culture, and the prosperity of the nation's people. The peacekeepers--armed with swords, spoons, or pens--have been our greatest blessing. Making and keeping friends and allies is more than a hobby. King chronicles the lives of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, James K. Polk, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington and places them in historical perspective in this detailed study. He examines their legislative, military, and political actions, and offers analysis of each man's character, values, progressiveness, and political performance.