The Presidency of Richard Nixon - (American Presidency) by Melvin Small (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Twenty-five years after Richard Nixon resigned from office, his legacy remains shrouded in controversy. His was a complex, inconsistent, and even contradictory presidency, shaped by the man's personality and political practices and played out during one of America's most turbulent eras. Melvin Small now draws on the latest archival releases to take a fresh look at Nixon and place his administration in proper historical perspective.

Nixon once predicted that by the year 2000 scholars would begin to evaluate his presidency more favorably. Small, however, steers a steady course between Nixon's detractors and apologists to offer the most balanced and thorough coverage yet available of the man's character and accomplishments. He notes many of the solid achievements of Nixon's domestic programs while criticizing some of his more celebrated foreign policies, especially concerning the Third World, and illuminates Nixon's broader influence on American political institutions and culture.

Small's topical approach permits readers to observe the development of an entire domestic program or international relationship over an extended period, making it easier to understand such drawn-out issues as reforming welfare or ending the Vietnam War. Regarding Vietnam, Small integrates military and diplomatic policy with Nixon's efforts to neutralize the antiwar movement. His coverage of White House operations and Nixon's war with the media precedes a particularly insightful chapter on Watergate and the threat of impeachment. A closing chapter on Nixon's post-presidential years reveals facts about his health and his "blackmailing" of both Presidents Bush and Clinton, and a bibliographic essay provides an extensive survey of the Nixon literature.

He was the first president to travel to China and to call for welfare reform, and although he left Washington under a cloud, many of Nixon's ideas and policies have been embraced by Americans--a legacy few presidents can claim. Small's book is a lively and anecdotal account that looks at the many sides of Richard Nixon and comes to grips with both the man and his presidency.

Review Quotes

"A very good and brisk survey."--New York Times Book Review

"A carefully balanced assessment of a complex but accomplished and important president."--Kirkus Reviews

"A fresh, thoughtful analysis. Small sees a stronger domestic policy legacy in the Nixon presidency and a somewhat less praiseworthy foreign policy than other authors. The evidence is substantial. Highly recommended."--Choice

"Engaging enough to serve as a good introduction for readers who are as interested in the Nixon presidency as they are in Nixon's personality."--Publishers Weekly

"Without doubt the best single-volume study yet written on the Nixon administration. Small gets as close as anyone has yet done to explaining Nixon the man, but he still treats his achievements and failures as president in an even-handed and judicious fashion."--Journal of American Studies

"A model of lucid, elegant, and intelligent prose."--Journal of Illinois History

"Small's book has the qualities we have come to expect from the American Presidency Series: comprehensive without being overwhelming, reflecting current scholarship, balanced in its judgments (no mean feat when dealing with Nixon), and a pleasure to read. Recommended without reservation."--Stephen E. Ambrose, author of Nixon and Undaunted Courage

"In one masterful volume, Melvin Small surveys every important facet of the Nixon presidency. His great achievement is to transcend the controversy still surrounding this president to write a history remarkable for its balance. It's certain to set the standard on this subject for years."--Allen J. Matusow, , author of Nixon's Economy

"Skillfully balances Nixon's impressive achievements against his poisonous cynicism and deceitfulness."--Hugh Davis Graham, coeditor of The Carter Presidency