Ronald Reagan (1911–2004)

Books of quotations are irresistible to me -- from even before I ever heard the term "sound bite." Ronald Reagan in Quotations follows the traditional format for quotation books, with quotes organized alphabetically by subject, then chronologically within the subject. Other than a very brief Introduction, there is no commentary. This is definitely a reference book, not a biography or a reminiscence. The practical nature of the book is heightened by inclusion of a Table of Contents at the show more beginning, a topical index at the back, and a textbook-like photo cover.

While everything about the book makes it a must-have for scholarly libraries, the book will appeal to Reagan fans eager to read and relive his Presidential speeches.

The only drawback is that the contents are limited to his years in the White House. Hopefully Daivid Frost will undertake a companion volume focusing on Reagan's years before becoming President. show less

4.5 out of 5 stars, as you might find it a boring slog through a person's not that all revealing day planner/diary.

A judicious and nice selection of Ronald Reagan's diary entries from his time in office. These are mainly just a rehashing of everything he did on a particular day, but sometimes there is some analysis and oftentimes seeing what information is crossing Reagan's desk is helpful in realizing what is going on in his thinking and his administration. Case in point, when you realize show more that from the very beginning, 1981, evidence is crossing Reagan's desk that the communists in Cuba and in the Soviet Union are providing weapons and other supplies to the communists in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras, you realize why Reagan was so gung-ho about covert operations in the area and aid to the Contras. Without that bit of context, and liberal writers and professor often fail to mention Soviet/Castro money in these countries, it seems as if America is the only nation doing the "meddling" in Central America. well, no, they weren't. Also, you realize that Reagan was (p. 345) concerned about AIDS early on (liberals to this day want to "blame" Reagan for AIDS, for some reason) and that he (p. 434) was starting to not remember things in 1986, and it baffled him. You learn, as every Reaganite already knows, that he (a) really loved Nancy, (b) his children Ron and Patti are ungrateful ne'er-do-wells, and (c) Reagan was never the simple, smiling, dunce liberals believed then and still believe now. All-in-all, good if you can get cheap, especially as you can read the diary entries online now. Good intro, nice photographs, good glossary and index. show less

A warm and appealing account of Ronald Reagan's life in his own words; it assumes a great deal of knowledge about the events that occurred during his presidency and while he was governor (something that might be difficult for those under the age of 21), and you can expect some of the self-promotion inherent in a politician. Despite that, however, the account gives great insight into the mind of the man who is perhaps one of the most posthumously worshipped/vilified leaders the US has ever show more had.

The book is large but not in the least difficult to get through. It is very enlightening, both politically and personally, as Reagan details how he and Nancy met, what caused him to "convert" from the Democratic to the Republican Party, his childhood, his acting career, and his work against the Communists in Hollywood before and during his time as governor. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't howl with unchecked rage at the mention of Reagan's name. show less

This was a terrific book, and one that came very close to 5 stars. Why? While the first third of the book was a customary "introduction" to Ronald Reagan, the last third of the book was a fascinating discourse of foreign policy with failures - Iran/Contra, and successes - ending the cold war.

Reagan's defense of his Iran/Contra policy as not trading guns for hostages rings hollow, but his continued defense of his strategy as sound is fascinating to read. His admittance of continuing to show more pursue the policy even against his staff's recommendations is pure political drama and stubbornness.

Likewise his dealings with the Soviet Union leadership was fascinating and his single minded approach of dealing with the Soviets with strength is the key factor to ending the cold war. The exchanges documented between him and Gorbachev are stuff of legend and fascinating to read.

On second thought, I'm giving this 5 stars, a book that describes the monumental shift in geopolitics in the 80s through correspondence with the main parties involved is a great read. show less