Stephen Skowronek

Incredibly original book. Puts forward the theory that US history is punctuated by failed presidents: Quincy Adams, Buchanan, Hoover, Carter (and Trump?). Quincy Adams gives way to Jackson signaling the move away from the founders. Buchanan cannot solve the problem of slavery which of course leads us to Lincoln. The great depression occurs during Hoover's watch with the problem (and much much more) solved by FDR. The US is in a deep funk (malaise) under Carter who is therefore replaced by show more "Morning in America" Reagan. (speculation)Economic inequality reaches a peak under Trump causing the US to kick off the climate change infrastructure era in the 2020s.(/speculation) show less

I read this book because I wanted to draw some lessons that can apply to India. These lessons are there in the book, and therefore I like the book. Unfortunately, the lessons are buried deep, sometimes, in long paragraphs.

From my perspective, I prefer that the authors would have clearly separated the principles from the long narrations of the happenings in the White House.

Since I am not American, I was not particularly interested in the various incidents. Therefore, I would have also show more preferred that the authors relate the principles to the narrative of the WH.

Apart from this, I think that the book holds valuable lessons for all of us. show less