Jimmy Carter - (American Presidents) by Julian E Zelizer (Hardcover)

About the Book

Princeton historian Zelizer shows how President Carter faced challenges sustaining a strong political coalition, as he focused on policies that often antagonized key Democrats. But, during his post-presidential career, he has emerged as an important voice for international diplomacy and negotiation, remaking his image as a statesman.

Book Synopsis

The maverick politician from Georgia who rode the post- Watergate wave into office but whose term was consumed by economic and international crises

A peanut farmer from Georgia, Jimmy Carter rose to national power through mastering the strategy of the maverick politician. As the face of the "New South," Carter's strongest support emanated from his ability to communicate directly to voters who were disaffected by corruption in politics.

But running as an outsider was easier than governing as one, as Princeton historian Julian E. Zelizer shows in this examination of Carter's presidency. Once in power, Carter faced challenges sustaining a strong political coalition, as he focused on policies that often antagonized key Democrats, whose support he desperately needed. By 1980, Carter stood alone in the Oval Office as he confronted a battered economy, soaring oil prices, American hostages in Iran, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Carter's unpopularity enabled Ronald Reagan to achieve a landslide victory, ushering in a conservative revolution. But during Carter's post-presidential career, he has emerged as an important voice for international diplomacy and negotiation, remaking his image as a statesman for our time.

Review Quotes

"Outstanding... An accessible, insightful examination of the Carter presidency by journalist and Princeton history professor Julian E. Zelizer... Not only a lucid overview of Carter's troubled presidency but also an almost photorealistic portrait of the former president." --Christian Science Monitor

"Engaging... The most engrossing portion of the work deals with Carter's successes (there were some) and failures as president... For general readers, this work offers a fine analysis of the man and his career." --Booklist

"In just 150 pages, Zelizer manages to effectively analyze how Carter's personality has led him to both failure and success." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Julian E. Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. He is the author of Arsenal of Democracy: The Politics of National Security from World War II to the War on Terrorism, Taxing America: Wilbur D. Mills, Congress and the State, 1945-1975, and a biography of Jimmy Carter. He is a regular contributor to CNN.com, The Daily Beast, Politico, The Huffington Post, and other publications. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey