A sweeping and groundbreaking treasury of the most essential presidential writings, featuring a mix of the beloved and the little-known, from stirring speeches and shrewd remarks to behind-the-scenes drafts and unpublished autobiographies.
From the early years of our nationâs history, when George Washington wrote his humble yet powerful Farewell Address, to our current age, when Barack Obama delivered his moving speech on the fiftieth anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, Americaâs presidents have upheld a tradition of exceptional writing. Now, for the first time, the greatest presidential writings in history are united in one monumental treasury: the very best campaign orations, early autobiographies, presidential speeches, postpresidential reflections, and much more.
In these pages, we see not only the words that shaped our nation, like Abraham Lincolnâs Emancipation Proclamation and Franklin D. Rooseveltâs Infamy speech, but also the words of young politicians claiming their place in our history, including excerpts from Woodrow Wilsonâs Congressional Government and Obamaâs career-making convention speech, and the words of mature leaders reflecting on their legacies, including John Adamsâs autobiography and Harry S. Trumanâs Memoirs. We even see hidden sides of the presidents that the public rarely glimpses: noted outdoorsman Teddy Rooseveltâs great passion for literature or sunny Ronald Reaganâs piercing childhood memories of escorting home his alcoholic father.
Encompassing notable favorites like Lincolnâs Gettysburg Address and John F. Kennedyâs Inaugural Address as well as lesser-known texts like Thomas Jeffersonâs Notes on the State of Virginia and James Polkâs candid White House diary, The Best Presidential Writing showcases Americaâs presidents as thinkers, citizens, and leaders.
More than simply a curation of must-read presidential writings, this unique collection presents the story of America itself, told by its highest leaders. Even the most famous speeches find new meanings or fresh connections when read in this sweeping context, making The Best Presidential Writing a trove full of insight and an essential historical document.