Nixon: Ruin and Recovery 1973-1990

Ambrose pulls no punches in his startlingly frank look at Nixon (``He was heroic, admirable, and inspiring while simultaneously being dishonorable, despicable, and a horrible example'') but notes that while working on his three-volume project begun with Nixon: The Education of a Politician, 1913-1962 , he developed a deep admiration for many of Nixon's policies and--``to my astonishment''--a genuine liking for the man. This final volume reviews the Watergate drama, bringing into sharp focus how painful an ordeal it was for the nation and for Nixon himself. Ambrose pronounces President Ford's pardon of his predecessor wise and courageous. Down but not out following his resignation on August 9, 1974, Nixon emerged from his self-imposed California exile to launch a new campaign as senior statesman. Ambrose traces this path in detail, showing that by the summer of 1990 Nixon was ``respectable, even honored, certainly admired.'' Highly recommended for those seeking to fathom the Nixon enigma. (Nov.)