Character Above All: Ten Presidents from FDR to George Bush

In this collection of perceptive and entertaining original essays, noted historians, biographers and journalists explore the relationship between character and presidential leadership. Doris Kearns Goodwin (No Ordinary Time) argues that FDR's ego was his greatest strength. David McCullough (Truman) concludes that HST was ``honest almost to a fault.'' Stephen Ambrose (D-Day) calls Ike ``the president with the most admired and admirable character.'' Richard Reeves (President Kennedy) admits that JFK ``would fail most of the current political tests of character.'' Robert Dallek (Lone Star Rising) portrays Lyndon Johnson as a contradiction whose grandiosity both served and undermined him. Tom Wicker (One of Us) defines Richard Nixon as a shy, introverted loner struggling with feelings of inadequacy. James Cannon (Time and Chance: Gerald Ford's Appointment with History) emphasizes Ford's integrity. Hendrick Hertzberg (executive editor of the New Yorker) portrays Jimmy Carter more as moral than as political leader. Peggy Noonan, former Reagan speechwriter, contends that Ronald Reagan's emotional detachment was balanced by his ``almost Lincolnian'' kindness. Finally, Michael Beschloss (The Crisis Years) discusses the role George Bush's father played in developing his son's character. Editor Wilson has his own communication company in Dallas. (Feb.)