Publisher Description

During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day occurrences of his presidency. Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader.

Back Cover

During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day occurrences of his presidency. Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader.

Author Biography

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States.

Description for Teachers/Educators

During his eight years as president, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary where he recorded his personal insights into the extraordinary, historic, and even routine events of his time in office. From his first inauguration to weekends at Camp David to the end of the Cold War, these presidential diaries are the most detailed in American history. They are filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor, while shedding a new light on the character of the 40th president of the United States. To read these diaries is to gain a unique understanding of the Oval Office and one of the greatest presidents in our nation's history. This #1 New York Times best-seller is expertly edited by Douglas Brinkley. Ronald Reagan was born in 1911 in Illinois. After a career as a television and film star, he was twice elected the governor of California before becoming the 40th president of the United States. He died on June 5, 2004. Editor Douglas Brinkley is professor of history and Baker Institute Fellow at Rice University. He is the author of numerous best-selling books including The Unfinished Presidency, The Boys of Pointe du Hoc, and The Great Deluge. A contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the in-house historian for CBS News, he divides his time between Austin and Houston, Texas. "Historians will treasure Doug Brinkley's superbly edited version of President Reagan's diaries for generations to come. In one remarkable entry after another, the president's compelling voice, strength of character and sunny personality comes vividly to life." -- Doris Kearns Goodwin

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