Incredible book. One of the better combined biographies I have read. Seward and Lincoln are inspiring political figures. Well written with a fast-paceIncredible book. One of the better combined biographies I have read. Seward and Lincoln are inspiring political figures. Well written with a fast-paced, interesting, and well-constructed narrative with Lincoln, Seward, Stanton, Chase, Bates, and Blair at the center. Very sympathetic towards Mary Todd Lincoln....more
This book is engrossing. Millard is such a good writer. Having read Edmund Morris’s outstanding 3-volume set on Roosevelt, I had some idea of the scopThis book is engrossing. Millard is such a good writer. Having read Edmund Morris’s outstanding 3-volume set on Roosevelt, I had some idea of the scope of the Roosevelt-Rondon expedition, but Millard’s account brings in so much more detail, color, character, and captivating writing that it was like learning the story of the expedition anew. Millard makes the rain forest a main character—her ability to seamlessly incorporate lengthy tangents on the biological wonders of the Amazon rain forest or the character of the indigenous tribes or the plight of workers and slaves in the rubber industry into the overarching narrative is impressive. I loved this book....more
This is an amazing capstone to a remarkable trilogy. I found this volume to be as equally strong as The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt's observThis is an amazing capstone to a remarkable trilogy. I found this volume to be as equally strong as The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt's observations as he experiences adventures in Africa, Europe, and South America is fascinating. The book does a great job of balancing understanding of Roosevelt's sphere with the context of the pre-WWI world Roosevelt was a part of. His South America expedition was a revelation. The tragedy of the 1912 election is fairly treated, highlighting both the strengths and the drawbacks of Roosevelt. Highly recommend this series. ...more
An outstanding book on an outstanding subject. Focuses on the tight window of time from the beginning to the end of the Roosevelt presidency. It is a An outstanding book on an outstanding subject. Focuses on the tight window of time from the beginning to the end of the Roosevelt presidency. It is a very good book, but it did not measure up to the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (the first book in the Morris trilogy) or Doris Kearns-Goodwin's outstanding The Bully Pulpit. I enjoyed both of those books a little more....more
This is an incredible book worthy of the awards and praise it is given. Often the "early years" volume in a multi-volume project is the weakest offeriThis is an incredible book worthy of the awards and praise it is given. Often the "early years" volume in a multi-volume project is the weakest offering. But this book is consistently interesting and engaging throughout. It touches on late 1800s New York machine politics, the economics of the Badlands of the Dakotas, late-1800s GOP political machinery, police reform, and the Harvard social strata. In Roosevelts early years, it is a fascinating travel documentary. And his Badlands years read like an old western adventure. This book is fantastic. One of my favorite presidential works ever. ...more
My only complaint is that I wish it were 500 pages longer. It’s too abbreviated. While it’s certainly not on par with Chernow’s writing, it is a greatMy only complaint is that I wish it were 500 pages longer. It’s too abbreviated. While it’s certainly not on par with Chernow’s writing, it is a great listen or read (I listened on Audible). Romney’s private thoughts on other political figures are interesting.
It is candid about Romney’s flaws, though the flaws are viewed in the light most favorable to Romney. But nobody is a bigger critic of Romney than Romney.
One of the most salient quotes in the book is from Tennyson: “This madness has come on us for our sins.” Romney feels how I feel. The GOP is reaping the whirlwind for knowingly and willfully supporting an “uncommonly stupid man” with a “poverty of character.”
The book plays out like Bolt’s Man for all Seasons, with Romney as More and senate Republicans as the sycophants who follow Trump because, as Shaw’s King Henry says in the Man for All Seasons’s film, “there’s a mass that follows me because it follows anything that moves.”
Romney’s greatest ire is reserved for men like Cruz and Hawley, who he recognized as brilliant, but willing to sell their souls for Trump and for power. “They know better.” And the absence of character in men like Harry Reid is also laid bare.
Those who still entertain the idea of Trump as a serious political candidate should read the book.
In a better Republic, Romney as he evolved would have had more of a voice. He is intelligent, practical, and character driven. A flawed politician, but a conscientious, pragmatic, and skilled executive. The book dwells on the question of his “flip-flopping.” He acknowledges changing positions for political calculation earlier in his career, of the same sort he castigates senators later in the book. And he openly wonders if a younger version of himself would have sold out to Trump. But his changes also reflect his willingness to listen and be persuaded, and I think our federal government could benefit from more legislators who want to listen more. Romney as a senator represents a more secure, confident and grounded political figure. One of the highlights of the book is his brave lone GOP vote on Trump’s first impeachment.
The book suggests we do a massive disservice to our country by continuing to willfully support too many people devoid of intelligence and character on both sides of the aisle.
This madness has come on us, Democrat and Republican, for our sins....more
A very succinct examination of Madison's public life and philosophies. I would recommend it to a reader who wants a concise discussion of the essence A very succinct examination of Madison's public life and philosophies. I would recommend it to a reader who wants a concise discussion of the essence of Madison. The author exerts great effort to reconcile the ostensible inconsistencies in Madison's constitutional and political philosophies to some satisfying ends. The chapters concerning the drafting of the Constitution are well structured and insightful.
I loved Noah Feldman's The Three Lives of James Madison and found it to be a far superior and more comprehensive work. However, Cost's insights on the inconsistencies and changes in Madison's approach to the national bank, to the state veto, to national Republicanism, a standing army, and to national infrastructure are highly insightful and I greatly enjoyed the book. ...more
An enjoyable end to an enjoyable series. This book, as much or more than the others, fleshed out many of Jefferson's core beliefs. As you would expectAn enjoyable end to an enjoyable series. This book, as much or more than the others, fleshed out many of Jefferson's core beliefs. As you would expect, significant time is dedicated to Jefferson's contributions to the University of Virginia, but there is also interesting discussion on the War of 1812, foreign affairs, Bonaparte, the Missouri Compromise, and activities at Monticello. ...more
This was a fascinating book with detailed accounts of the Burr Conspiracy, the Chesapeake-Leopard affair, the Embargo Acts, and Jefferson's second terThis was a fascinating book with detailed accounts of the Burr Conspiracy, the Chesapeake-Leopard affair, the Embargo Acts, and Jefferson's second term. This was the most evenhanded treatment of Jefferson yet in Malone's series, though he still draws all inferences in Jefferson's favor. ...more
This was the best book thus far in the series. The writing on the Louisiana purchase, the Yazoo land scandal, the judicial impeachments, and the MerryThis was the best book thus far in the series. The writing on the Louisiana purchase, the Yazoo land scandal, the judicial impeachments, and the Merry affair were all particularly interesting. The author still draws all inference strongly in Jefferson’s favor and rejects any implications that Jefferson would do anything wrong or immoral, because, in the author’s view, that wouldn’t be in Jefferson’s character. This book was less slanted than previous ones. But Malone dismisses outright the Hemings allegations, and that conclusion may not have held up well. ...more
This was the best of the Dumas Malone series thusfar. While it is true that the author views all inferences and facts in the light most favorable to JThis was the best of the Dumas Malone series thusfar. While it is true that the author views all inferences and facts in the light most favorable to Jefferson and this truly is an apologetic work on Jefferson, the writing on the Alien and Sedition Acts, Monticello, the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, and the battles with the High Federalists were quite interesting and quite engaging. Authors like Chernow and Meacham have the benefit of newer and better scholarship, but this was a well-written and engaging book that gets to the heart of Jefferson's core principles. ...more
Really interesting description of Jefferson's tenure as minister to France and of his first term of service as Secretary of State. The biggest distracReally interesting description of Jefferson's tenure as minister to France and of his first term of service as Secretary of State. The biggest distraction is the lengths this author goes to always cast Jefferson in the most favorable light, almost to the point of circular absurdity. Any evidence contrary to the author's position on Jefferson's infallible character is dismissed as unreliable because "that would be inconsistent with Jefferson's character." The amount of circular reasoning the author boldly uses is truly impressive. That said, the facts are given in great detail....more
A very glowing and deferential review of Jefferson's life and career from his family's arrival in Virginia to Jefferson's departure to France during tA very glowing and deferential review of Jefferson's life and career from his family's arrival in Virginia to Jefferson's departure to France during the time of the Articles of Confederation. ...more
Those who want dense detail on Bill Clinton's life will find the satisfaction they seek. Those who want merely a thumbnail sketch will find it tediousThose who want dense detail on Bill Clinton's life will find the satisfaction they seek. Those who want merely a thumbnail sketch will find it tedious; but it is rich in detail. I came away with a greater appreciation for one of the most naturally gifted political figures of my generation. He articulates the reasoning behind his policies in detail and offers interesting accounts of his details with foreign leaders and political figures. My chief complaint with the autobiography is while he discusses his decision-making with nuance and detail, he consistently reduces the motivations of his political opponents to merely the naked pursuit of power, while his self-professed motivations are always purely altruistic. It got old after the 400th time. He glosses over his errors pretty thoroughly, and is quick to blame opponents for his problems. I don't think he was particularly fair to his GOP opponents. That said, I understand his frustration with his opponents given the vitriol and relentlessness of political attacks against him by opponents and emerging right-wing media outlets and there was plenty of hypocrisy and bad faith dealing by his opponents. Some of those allegations against him were likely without merit. But he really spins a lot of questionable conduct in a way that is misleading. As a whole, I came away appreciating a lot about the Clinton administration I didn't appreciate before. ...more
Fascinating book. Hoover’s pre-presidential life is certainly one of the most interesting among presidents. Fairly sympathetic to Hoover, but amply adFascinating book. Hoover’s pre-presidential life is certainly one of the most interesting among presidents. Fairly sympathetic to Hoover, but amply addresses his failings. But it gives the reader pause to consider what Hoover did during the Great Depression in contrast to what opponents claimed he didn’t do. One of the more surprising biographies I have enjoyed this year....more
The book is well written and has many interesting vignettes, particularly pertaining to the twisted inner workings of the Trump administration. Half oThe book is well written and has many interesting vignettes, particularly pertaining to the twisted inner workings of the Trump administration. Half of the book details the insanity and malfeasance of Trump in the twilight of his presidency--that is the strong part of the book. The other half is a saccharine hagiography of Joe Biden, and that half is relatively weak and uninteresting. Those portions of the book read as if they were written by the Biden administration. In fairness, the writing starts to hint at Biden's shortcomings in the final chapters of the book. It is hard to judge a book detailing policy decisions (i.e. Afghanistan) that are still playing out at the time of reading. It is generally interesting. But after some of the truly outstanding presidential biographies I've read this year, this doesn't measure up to the same standard....more
This was a great book. It is hard to find something from the last 20 years that treats the subject matter relatively fairly and objectively, but I felThis was a great book. It is hard to find something from the last 20 years that treats the subject matter relatively fairly and objectively, but I felt this book accomplished the feat. The book is well organized, has great detail, and covers a fascinating period of history. One of my favorite books of the year....more
I really enjoyed this and highly recommend. One of better autobiographies I have read. Excellent writing and there is a wealth of detail about the peoI really enjoyed this and highly recommend. One of better autobiographies I have read. Excellent writing and there is a wealth of detail about the people and events that shaped his first term. If a reader has always been a fan of President Obama, this book will vindicate their admiration. If a reader is not an Obama supporter, this book will at least be thought provoking; he defends and justifies his decisions well. While there are occasions where he paints Republican strategy and policy with broad generalizations, he is generally pretty thoughtful and fair in his assessments....more
Loading...
