Presidential Ambition - by Richard Shenkman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this timely, illuminating, and often shocking book, Richard Shenkman reveals that it is not just recent presidents but all presidents who have been ambitious--and at times frighteningly so, willing to sacrifice their health, family, loyalty, and values. Presidential Ambition is a book that will permanently alter the way we think about past, present, and future American presidents.

Review Quotes

"Provocative...stimulating and entertaining."-- Robert V. Remini, author of the National Book Award-winning "Andrew Jackson""A knowledgeable, witty, charming, and provocative appraisal of the human foibles of our past presidents." -- Stephen B. Oates, author of "The Whirlwind of War" and "Abraham Lincoln""A fresh, frank, and entertaining study of presidential character, warts and all."-- W. J. Rorabaugh, Professor of History, University of Washington"Colorful, eminently readable and often surprisingly touching. Shenkman...has a gift for entertaining birds-eye-view histories. He sprinkles his stories with revealing quotes and quirky anecdotes. The most delightful surprises in this study of ambition are several achingly bittersweet love stories."-- "Boston Globe""A timely look at the seamy side of presidential power. Not a pretty picture, but a realistic one." -- "Kirkus Reviews"