best biography ronald reagan

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20 Ronald Reagan Best Books to Read – The 2024 Updated Edition

Are you a history buff or a political enthusiast looking for the best books about Ronald Reagan? Look no further! Whether you’re interested in his presidency, personal life, or political legacy, we’ve got you covered with this list of the 20 best books about Ronald Reagan. From biographies to in-depth analyses of his policies, these books offer a comprehensive look at the life and impact of the 40th President of the United States. Dive into the world of Reagan with these captivating reads.

• 1 Reagan: The Life
• 2 The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008
• 3 Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan
• 4 Reagan: An American Journey
• 5 The Reagan Diaries
• 6 Reagan: American Icon
• 7 The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan
• 8 Reagan: The Hollywood Years
• 9 Reagan: A Life in Letters
• 10 The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed
• 11 Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All
• 12 The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years and the Untold Story of His Conversion to Conservatism
• 13 Reagan’s War: The Epic Story of His Forty-Year Struggle and Final Triumph Over Communism
• 14 The Reagan Imprint: Ideas in American Foreign Policy from the Collapse of Communism to the War on Terror
• 15 Reagan: The Life
• 16 Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency
• 17 An American Life
• 18 Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader
• 19 Reagan: A Life in Letters
• 20 The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
• 21 Conclusion

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Reagan: The Life

By h.w. brands.

Reagan: The Life by H.W. Brands is a captivating biography that delves into the fascinating life of the 40th President of the United States. This comprehensive book on Ronald Reagan takes readers on a journey through his humble beginnings in Illinois, his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor, his transformation into a conservative icon, and his impactful presidency. H.W. Brands meticulously explores Reagan’s personal and political life, providing insight into his leadership style, his triumphs, and his challenges. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book about Ronald Reagan offers a compelling portrayal of one of America’s most influential leaders. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a political buff, or simply curious about the man behind the legacy, Reagan: The Life is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Reagan era.

The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008

By sean wilentz.

The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008 by Sean Wilentz is a comprehensive book on Ronald Reagan that provides a detailed overview of the political, social, and economic landscape in the United States during the Reagan era. Wilentz offers a compelling narrative of Reagan’s presidency, examining his impact on American society and politics. The book about Ronald Reagan delves into the complexities of Reagan’s leadership, his conservative ideology, and the lasting legacy of his policies. With insightful analysis and rich historical context, Wilentz presents a nuanced portrait of the 40th President of the United States. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or interested in understanding the influential figure of Reagan, this Ronald Reagan book offers a captivating exploration of a pivotal period in American history.

Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan

By edmund morris.

Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan by Edmund Morris is a captivating biography that provides an in-depth look at the life of the 40th President of the United States. The book delves into the early years of the young man who would later become a prominent political figure, exploring his personal and professional journey in a compelling and insightful manner. Morris offers a unique perspective on the iconic leader, shedding light on his character, motivations, and impact on American history. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author paints a vivid portrait of the man behind the political legend. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of biographies, or simply curious about the life of Ronald Reagan, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the influential figure.

Reagan: An American Journey

By bob spitz.

Reagan: An American Journey by Bob Spitz is a captivating biography that delves into the life of the 40th President of the United States. The book provides a comprehensive look at Ronald Reagan’s journey from his humble beginnings in small-town America to his rise as a Hollywood actor and ultimately, a political titan. Spitz skillfully weaves together Reagan’s personal and professional life, offering readers a deeper understanding of the man behind the political legend. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, the book offers a rich and insightful portrayal of Reagan’s impact on American history. Whether you’re a history buff, a political enthusiast, or simply curious about one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, this book about Ronald Reagan is a must-read.

The Reagan Diaries

By ronald reagan.

The Reagan Diaries is a firsthand account of the presidency of Ronald Reagan, offering an intimate glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of the iconic leader. This book on Ronald Reagan provides a unique insight into the daily life and decision-making of the 40th President of the United States, as recorded in his personal diaries. Spanning from 1981 to 1989, the diaries cover major events such as the assassination attempt, the Cold War, and Reagan’s dealings with world leaders. The entries reveal Reagan’s wit, wisdom, and unwavering optimism, showing the man behind the politics. A fascinating and revealing book about Ronald Reagan, The Reagan Diaries offers a rare opportunity to understand the inner workings of one of the most influential presidents in American history.

Reagan: American Icon

By iwan morgan.

Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan is a captivating book about Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. This insightful biography delves into the life and legacy of the iconic leader, exploring his rise from a Hollywood actor to a political powerhouse. Morgan provides a detailed account of Reagan’s presidency, his conservative revolution, and his lasting impact on American politics. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author paints a vivid portrait of Reagan, showcasing his charisma, political savvy, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about one of the most influential figures in modern American history, this ronald reagan book is a must-read. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened by the extraordinary journey of a true American icon.

The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan

By rick perlstein.

The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan by Rick Perlstein is a captivating book about Ronald Reagan that delves into the political upheaval of the 1970s. Perlstein examines the events leading up to Reagan’s ascension to the presidency, including the Watergate scandal, the end of the Vietnam War, and the rise of conservatism. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Perlstein paints a vivid portrait of the era and the charismatic figure of Reagan. The book offers a deep exploration of Reagan’s political evolution, from his time as governor of California to his eventual triumph in the 1980 presidential election. The Invisible Bridge is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics, the conservative movement, and the legacy of Ronald Reagan.

Reagan: The Hollywood Years

By marc eliot.

Reagan: The Hollywood Years by Marc Eliot is a fascinating exploration of the early life and career of the beloved actor turned politician. This insightful biography delves into the lesser-known aspects of Ronald Reagan’s life, focusing on his time in Hollywood and his rise to fame in the entertainment industry. The book provides a captivating look at Reagan’s journey from a young, aspiring actor to a prominent figure in American politics, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the public persona. Eliot’s detailed research and engaging storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in the life of the iconic figure. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of classic Hollywood, or simply curious about the man himself, this book about Ronald Reagan is sure to captivate and enlighten.

Reagan: A Life in Letters

By kiron k. skinner.

Reagan: A Life in Letters by Kiron K. Skinner is a captivating book about Ronald Reagan that provides a unique insight into the personal and political life of the former president. Through a collection of letters written by Reagan himself, readers are given a glimpse into his thoughts, beliefs, and experiences throughout his remarkable career. This intimate portrayal of Reagan allows readers to understand the man behind the presidency, shedding light on his leadership style, decision-making process, and his relationships with friends and foes alike. The book is a treasure trove of historical documents that paint a vivid picture of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a political aficionado, or simply curious about the life of Ronald Reagan, this book on Ronald Reagan is a must-read.

The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed

By david stockman.

The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed by David Stockman is a thought-provoking book on Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Stockman, who served as Reagan’s budget director, offers a candid and critical analysis of Reagan’s economic policies and the political climate that ultimately led to their failure. The book provides an insider’s perspective on the challenges and compromises that shaped Reagan’s presidency, shedding light on the complex interplay between ideology and practical governance. Stockman’s sharp insights and compelling storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of political decision-making and the legacy of the Reagan era.

Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All

By craig shirley.

Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All by Craig Shirley is a captivating book on Ronald Reagan’s rise to power. The author provides a detailed account of Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign, highlighting the strategy, challenges, and triumphs that ultimately led to his historic victory. Shirley delves into the behind-the-scenes events, the key players, and the groundbreaking tactics that propelled Reagan to the presidency, shedding new light on the pivotal moments that shaped his political legacy. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book offers a fresh perspective on Reagan’s remarkable journey to the White House, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American politics and the legacy of a transformative leader.

The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years and the Untold Story of His Conversion to Conservatism

By thomas w. evans.

The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years and the Untold Story of His Conversion to Conservatism by Thomas W. Evans is a captivating book about Ronald Reagan that delves into his lesser-known journey from a liberal Democrat to a conservative icon. Evans explores Reagan’s time as a spokesman for General Electric, where he traveled the country and engaged with everyday Americans, ultimately shaping his political beliefs. Drawing on interviews, speeches, and personal correspondence, the book offers a fresh perspective on Reagan’s transformation, shedding light on the pivotal moments and influences that led him to embrace conservatism. With rich detail and compelling storytelling, Evans provides a fascinating look at the formative years of the 40th President of the United States, making this a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Reagan’s political evolution.

Reagan’s War: The Epic Story of His Forty-Year Struggle and Final Triumph Over Communism

By peter schweizer.

Reagan’s War is a captivating book about Ronald Reagan’s four-decade battle against communism. Author Peter Schweizer chronicles Reagan’s relentless fight against the spread of communism, from his early days as an actor to his presidency. The book delves into Reagan’s strategic approach to dismantling the Soviet Union and his pivotal role in ending the Cold War. Schweizer provides a fascinating insight into Reagan’s unwavering determination and the political and personal obstacles he faced along the way. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Reagan’s War offers a comprehensive exploration of Reagan’s legacy as a leader and his pivotal role in shaping the world’s political landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Cold War and the remarkable impact of one of America’s most influential leaders.

The Reagan Imprint: Ideas in American Foreign Policy from the Collapse of Communism to the War on Terror

By john arquilla.

The Reagan Imprint explores the evolution of American foreign policy from the collapse of communism to the war on terror, offering a comprehensive analysis of the ideas and strategies that shaped this pivotal period. John Arquilla delves into the legacy of the influential president in this insightful book on Ronald Reagan, examining how his leadership left an enduring imprint on American foreign policy. From the end of the Cold War to the challenges of terrorism, Arquilla provides a compelling narrative of the key events and decisions that defined this era. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, The Reagan Imprint offers a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of Reagan’s ideas on American foreign policy, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of international relations during this transformative period.

by H. W. Brands

Reagan: The Life by H. W. Brands is a captivating biography that delves into the fascinating life of the 40th President of the United States. This comprehensive book about Ronald Reagan takes readers on a journey through his humble beginnings in Illinois, his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor, and his transformation into a political powerhouse. H. W. Brands skillfully paints a vivid portrait of Reagan, capturing his charismatic personality, unwavering optimism, and his impactful presidency. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this book on Ronald Reagan offers a compelling look at one of the most influential figures in American history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the man behind the political legend, Reagan: The Life is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this iconic leader.

Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency

By bill o’reilly.

Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency by Bill O’Reilly is a gripping book on Ronald Reagan that delves into the 1981 assassination attempt on the 40th President of the United States. O’Reilly and co-author Martin Dugard provide a riveting account of the events leading up to and following the shooting, as well as the impact it had on Reagan’s presidency. The book about Ronald Reagan offers a fascinating insight into the personal and political struggles Reagan faced during his recovery, and how the assassination attempt ultimately shaped his time in office. With its fast-paced narrative and meticulous research, Killing Reagan is a compelling read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of the iconic Ronald Reagan.

An American Life

An American Life is a captivating autobiography by the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. This insightful book on Ronald Reagan takes readers through his humble beginnings in Illinois, his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor, and his eventual transition into politics. Reagan provides a firsthand account of his presidency, detailing the key events and decisions that shaped his time in office. From the triumphs of his administration to the challenges he faced, Reagan offers a compelling narrative of his leadership and the impact of his policies on America. This book about Ronald Reagan paints a vivid portrait of a man whose unwavering optimism and belief in the American dream left an indelible mark on the nation. An American Life is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of this influential leader.

Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader

By dinesh d’souza.

Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader” by Dinesh D’Souza is a captivating biography that delves into the life of the iconic president. D’Souza masterfully explores the journey of the man who went from being an ordinary individual to an extraordinary leader. The book provides an in-depth look at Reagan’s humble beginnings, his rise in Hollywood, and his transformation into a political powerhouse. D’Souza skillfully portrays Reagan as a visionary leader who navigated through challenging times and ultimately left an indelible mark on American history. This compelling book about Ronald Reagan sheds light on the character, values, and leadership style of the beloved president, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of this influential figure in American politics.

Reagan: A Life in Letters offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of the beloved former president. This extraordinary book on Ronald Reagan is a collection of personal letters that span over seventy years, providing a rare insight into the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the man behind the public figure. Through these letters, readers can witness Reagan’s growth from a young man with big dreams to a powerful political leader, as well as his enduring love for his wife and family. The book about Ronald Reagan is not just a historical account, but a touching portrayal of a man who shaped the course of American history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of the influential Ronald Reagan.

The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction

By gil troy.

The Reagan Revolution: A Very Short Introduction by Gil Troy is a concise and engaging book on Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Troy provides a comprehensive overview of Reagan’s presidency, his conservative ideology, and the impact of his policies on American politics and society. The book delves into Reagan’s economic policies, his stance on foreign affairs, and his impact on the conservative movement in the United States. With insightful analysis and clear prose, Troy offers readers a well-rounded understanding of Reagan’s legacy and the lasting influence of his presidency. Whether you’re a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of America’s most influential leaders, this book about Ronald Reagan is a must-read.

In conclusion, these 20 top-notch books about Ronald Reagan offer a comprehensive and insightful look at the life and presidency of the 40th President of the United States. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a political junkie, or simply curious about one of the most influential figures in American politics, these books are sure to provide a fascinating and informative read. Dive into the world of Reagan’s legacy and gain a deeper understanding of his impact on the nation and the world.

Which ronald reagan book is best?

The best book on ronald reagan can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• Reagan: The Life by H.W. Brands ,
• The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008 by Sean Wilentz ,
• Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan by Edmund Morris .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about ronald reagan?

For those looking to learn about ronald reagan, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan by Edmund Morris ,
• Reagan: An American Journey by Bob Spitz ,
• The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan ,
• Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan ,
• The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan by Rick Perlstein ,
• Reagan: The Hollywood Years by Marc Eliot ,
• Reagan: A Life in Letters by Kiron K. Skinner ,
• The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed by David Stockman

These books offer a range of perspectives on ronald reagan, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on ronald reagan?

The best books on ronald reagan include:

• Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All by Craig Shirley ,
• The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years and the Untold Story of His Conversion to Conservatism by Thomas W. Evans ,
• Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of ronald reagan are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best ronald reagan books of all time?

Choosing the best ronald reagan books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed by David Stockman ,
• and Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All by Craig Shirley .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of ronald reagan and continues to be influential today.

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List of best books about Ronald Reagan, including jacket cover images when available. All these popular books on Ronald Reagan are sorted by popularity, so the highest rated books are at the top of the list. This well-researched Ronald Reagan bibliography includes out-of-print titles and generally contains the most popular, famous, or otherwise notable books - fiction or non-fiction - about Ronald Reagan. If you're looking for a list of top books on Ronald Reagan then you're in the right place.

List books range from Ronald Reagan: The Power of Conviction and the Success of His Presidency to Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan. You should be able to answer the question, "What are the best books about Ronald Reagan?" after checking out this list.

Reagan, In His Own Hand: The Writings of Ronald Reagan that Reveal His Revolutionary Vision for America

• First Published : 2001
• Subjects : Ronald Reagan
• Genres (Book) : Non-fiction

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan

• Genres (Book) : Biography

God and Ronald Reagan

• Subjects : California, Ronald Reagan, Politics, International relations, United States of America

How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life

• First Published : 2003
• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, Peter Robinson
• Genres (Book) : Non-fiction, Memoir

The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order, 1964-1980

• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, Conservatism in the United States, Liberalism in the United States

Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power

Reagan's War: The Epic Story of His Forty-Year Struggle and Final Triumph Over Communism

• First Published : 2002-10
• Subjects : Cold War, Ronald Reagan, Communism

Generation of Swine

• First Published : 1988
• Subjects : Popular culture, Literature, Ronald Reagan, Politics, Classics
• Genres (Book) : Travel, Fiction

Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All

• First Published : 2005-01
• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, Republican Party presidential primaries, 1976

The President, the Pope, and the Prime Minister: Three Who Changed the World

• First Published : 2006-10
• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher

Architects of Victory: Six Heroes of the Cold War

• First Published : 1999
• Subjects : Cold War, Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan: The Power of Conviction and the Success of His Presidency

• First Published : 2002-12
• Subjects : Current events, Ronald Reagan, American Government, United States of America, Late 20th Century

Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader

• First Published : 1997
• Subjects : Entertainment, Ronald Reagan, United States of America, Late 20th Century, Performing arts

The Long Goodbye

• Subjects : Alzheimer's disease, Ronald Reagan, United States of America, Late 20th Century, History of the United States

Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan

• Genres (Book) : Fiction, Novel

The Education of Ronald Reagan: The General Electric Years and the Untold Story of his Conversion to Conservatism

• Subjects : General Electric, Ronald Reagan, Conservatism in the United States

• Ronald Reagan
• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, United States of America, Late 20th Century, History of the United States

Nancy Reagan

The Crusader

• Subjects : Government, Socialism, United States of America, Military, Russia
• Genres (Book) : Biography, Autobiography

The conservative revolution in America

• Subjects : Ronald Reagan, United States of America, Late 20th Century, History of the United States, 20th century
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• US Presidents
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7 Best Books On Ronald Reagan

“When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”

Having grown up in rural Illinois to an alcoholic father and fiercely religious mother, it’s clear to see why the life of Ronald Reagan has fascinated and inspired so many across the United States. A military man who took on the bright lights of Hollywood before becoming a prominent governor of California, Reagan’s wit and ability to project an infallible level of self-confidence catapulted him into the White House in the 1980 election. 

Reagan’s two terms as President coincided with the US’ largest period of peace-time expansion and is still regarded as the golden age for American conservatism. Huge cuts to both taxes and government spending to combat the stagflation of the 1970s led to the term ‘Reaganomics’ being coined. In foreign affairs, Reagan’s increased military spending moved the Cold War away from detente policies and helped to contribute to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe and the USSR. Still regarded as one of the most interesting and enigmatic Presidents in US history, check out the best Ronald Reagan books at What We Reading !  

Reagan: An American Journey – Bob Spitz

New York Times bestselling biographer Bob Spitz pulls together a rich biography of an epic American life, mapping out exactly what made Ronald Reagan so consequential and beloved to the nation. Having spent over five years in production, Reagan is an epic marriage of Spitz’s vivid storytelling, hundreds of interviews and utilisation of documents that had previously been unavailable. 

The result is one of the best Ronald Reagan books that captures all the biggest events in his life, and how they forged his ideals and beliefs . From growing up in poverty, his marriage to Nancy to his political career as governor and finally President, it stands as one of the best US President biographies ever written. 

The Reagan Diaries – Ronald Reagan, Douglas Brinkley (Editor) 

During his two terms in the White House, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, in his own words, the extraordinary occurrences, innermost thoughts and observations during his Presidency. 

Now, Douglas Brinkley gives readers access to all of these recordings in one volume in his book, The Reagan Diaries . Not only do The Reagan Diaries provide a striking character study into one of the most enigmatic and popular Presidents in US history, but they also provide an illuminating insight into the demands thrust upon an American leader. 

Reagan: The Life – H.W. Brands

Bestselling biographer H.W. Brands captures the visionary prowess of Ronald Reagan and paints him as one of the two greatest US Presidents in Reagan: The Life . Through meticulous research and archival material, Brands masterfully captures Reagan’s ascent through US politics through pragmatic leadership and an unmatched level of ambition. 

He demonstrates how these traits remained with the fortieth President of the United States during his two terms, helping to engineer a conservative revolution across the country, bringing down Communist Eastern Europe and ushering in the age of Reagan. 

Reaganland: America’s Right Turn 1976-1980 – Rick Perlstein

Rick Perlstein, the bestselling author of Nixonland and Invisible Bridge, offers a complex picture of Ronald Reagan and the US shift to the right during his administration in Reaganland. Covering four years between 1976 and 1980, Perlstein breaks the book into four different divisions: the warring within the Democratic party against Jimmy Carter , an aggressive corporate sector rallying against environmentalism and unions, the movement of politically mobilized conservative Christians and, finally, the ascent of the charismatic and astute Reagan. 

Reaganland is not only a striking assessment of Reagan’s rise but also an eye-opening portrait of late ‘70s America that offers insight into issues that remain relevant to this day. 

Check Out The Best Books On Richard Nixon

Dutch: A Memoir Of Ronald Reagan – Edmund Morris

When he moved into the White House in 1981, one of the first literary guests President Reagan hosted was Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Edmund Morris. Acclaimed for his biography on the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt, Morris became so fascinated by the power and mystery of Reagan that he shelved his proposed follow-up to this work, instead choosing to focus his energies on unwrapping America’s fortieth President. 

Having been granted access to his papers, including early autobiographical stories and a diary from inside the White House, Edmund Morris’ Dutch is a stellar celebration of the array of positions and achievements Reagan acquired during his life. From lifeguard, to film star to President, it’s all passed through here. 

Three Days In Moscow: Ronald Reagan And The Fall Of The Soviet Empire – Bret Baier And Catherine Whitney

In Three Days in Moscow , bestselling author Bret Baier lifts the lid on the dramatic endgame of America’s struggle against the Soviet Union, and how Ronald Reagan’s actions helped the world we live in today. In it, he captures a speech made by the President in May 1988 on the steps of Moscow University . There, Reagan became the first US leader to address human rights on Russian soil. 

The importance of the speech was largely overlooked at the time. But, through vivid storytelling and the benefit of retrospect, Baier examines how Reagan’s address demonstrates the critical and often overlooked role the President had in bringing about a successful and peaceful end to the Cold War. A classic book on Ronald Reagan, Baier succeeds at creating a compelling portrait of the fortieth President, as well as drawing comparisons between the issues he faced and those dominating the country today. 

When Character Was King: A Story Of Ronald Reagan – Peggy Noonan

A New York Times bestseller, Peggy Noonan’s When Character Was King remains one of the best Ronald Reagan books for capturing the spirit that made America’s fortieth President. The biography features Noonan’s reflections on Reagan, as well as those from figures ranging from George Bush Sr and George Bush Jr, his wife Nancy and daughter Patti, to the Secret Service men and White House colleagues that followed him during his Presidency. 

Renowned for blending striking writing prose with incisive wit, When Character Was King is a book that enlightens, moves and informs throughout. Capturing the man as well as the leader, it is the perfect final word on an individual whose naysayers even have to concede left a stunning imprint on history. 

Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).

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Reagan: His Life and Legend Hardcover – September 10, 2024

NEW YORK TIMES • 10 BEST BOOKS OF 2024 INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Washington Post • 50 Best Nonfiction Books of 2024 Best Books of 2024: The New Yorker , The Economist , Chicago Public Library, The Auburn Citizen "This elegant biography of the 40th president stands out for its deep authority and nimble style.... A landmark work." ― New York Times , "10 Best Books of 2024" " Reagan: His Life and Legend aims to be the definitive biography, and it succeeds." ― New Yorker "Magisterial.... Important.... Vivid... Splendid." ― Washington Post Son of the Midwest, movie star, and mesmerizing politician―America’s fortieth president comes to three-dimensional life in this gripping and profoundly revisionist biography.

In this “monumental and impressive” biography, Max Boot, the distinguished political columnist, illuminates the untold story of Ronald Reagan, revealing the man behind the mythology. Drawing on interviews with over one hundred of the fortieth president’s aides, friends, and family members, as well as thousands of newly available documents, Boot provides “the best biography of Ronald Reagan to date” (Robert Mann). The story begins not in star-studded Hollywood but in the cradle of the Midwest, small-town Illinois, where Reagan was born in 1911 to Nelle Clyde Wilson, a devoted Disciples of Christ believer, and Jack Reagan, a struggling, alcoholic salesman. Boot vividly creates a portrait of a handsome young man, indeed a much-vaunted lifeguard, whose early successes mirrored those of Horatio Alger. And contextualizing Reagan’s life against American history, Boot re-creates the world in which Reagan transitioned from local Iowa sportscaster to budding screen actor. The world of Hollywood from the 1930s to the 1950s would prove significant, not only in Reagan’s coming-of-age in such classics as Knute Rockne and Kings Row but during the twilight of his film career, when he played opposite a chimpanzee in Bedtime for Bonzo , and then his eventual emergence as a television host of General Electric Theater , which established his bona fides as one of the leading conservative voices of the time. Indeed, the leap to California governor in 1966 seemed almost preordained, in which Reagan became a bellwether for a nation in the throes of a generational shift. Reagan’s 1980 presidential election augured a shift that continues into this century. Boot writes not as a partisan but as a historian seeking to set the story straight. He explains how Reagan was an ideologue but also a supreme pragmatist who signed pro-abortion and gun control bills as governor, cut deals with Democrats in both Sacramento and Washington, and befriended Mikhail Gorbachev to end the Cold War. A master communicator, Reagan revived America’s spirits after the traumas of Vietnam and Watergate. But Boot also shows how Reagan was armored in obliviousness. He traces Reagan’s opposition to civil rights over forty years, reveals how he neglected the exploding AIDS epidemic, and details how America experienced a level of income inequality not seen since the Gilded Age. With its revelatory insights, Reagan: His Life and Legend is no apologia, depicting a man with a good-versus-evil worldview derived from his moralistic upbringing and Hollywood westerns. Providing fresh examinations of “trickle-down economics,” the Cold War’s end, the Iran-Contra affair, as well as a nuanced portrait of Reagan’s family, this definitive biography is as compelling a presidential biography as any in recent decades.

• Print length 880 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Liveright
• Publication date September 10, 2024
• Dimensions 6.5 x 1.8 x 9.6 inches
• ISBN-10 0871409445
• ISBN-13 978-0871409447
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Liveright (September 10, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 880 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0871409445
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0871409447
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.73 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.8 x 9.6 inches
• #20 in United States Executive Government
• #40 in US Presidents
• #54 in Political Leader Biographies

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Max Boot on His New Book "Reagan: His Life and Legend"

W. W. Norton

About the author

Max Boot is a historian and biographer, best-selling author, and foreign-policy analyst. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a weekly columnist for The Washington Post.

Max Boot’s best-selling biography of Ronald Reagan, "Reagan: His Life and Legend," was named one of the Ten Best Books of 2024 by the New York Times, and also made best-of-the-year lists from The New Yorker, The Washington Post and The Economist. It has been acclaimed as “a landmark work” (The New York Times), the "definitive biography" (The New Yorker), “magisterial” (The Washington Post), and “enormously readable and scrupulously honest” (The Sunday Times).

Max Boot’s previous biography, "The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam," was also a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in biography.

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Brilliant. Essential to understand Reagan, 20th century history, and antecedents to Donald Trump.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive and illuminating

5.0 out of 5 stars a solid, balanced biography, 4.0 out of 5 stars very informative.

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful presidential biography

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Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan helped redefine the purpose of government and pressured the Soviet Union to end the Cold War.

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Ronald Reagan Today: Reagan Biopic Premieres in Theaters

Despite their striking physical resemblance, actor Dennis Quaid was initially reluctant to play former President Ronald Reagan in the new movie Reagan . That changed with a visit to Rancho del Cielo, more commonly known as the Reagan Ranch, in California.

“Coming through the gates, I could feel him there,” Quaid told the Today show . “Reagan was not a rich man, I realized. He was a very humble man, and that’s what led me into it.”

Quaid’s turn as the influential commander-in-chief arrived in theaters August 30. The biopic also stars Penelope Ann Miller as Ronald’s wife, Nancy Reagan , and chronicles the president’s life from childhood through his time in office.

Get Tickets to Reagan

The 70-year-old Quaid undertook years of preparation for the role, studying the real Reagan’s voice through YouTube videos and learning about the president’s life behind the scenes to lend his portrayal authenticity. “Reagan is like Muhammad Ali —you show a picture of him to anybody in the world, and they’re going to say, ‘That’s Reagan,’” Quaid said. “I didn’t want to do an impersonation. I wanted to get to the human being behind the public persona.”

Who Was Ronald Reagan?

Quick facts, young ronald reagan, acting career: movies and tv shows, political career, u.s. president, assassination attempt, wife nancy reagan and children, later years, death and legacy.

Ronald Reagan was the 40 th president of the United States, holding the office for two terms from 1981 through 1989. Prior to politics, Reagan gained fame as an actor, appearing in more than 50 movies beginning in the late 1930s. While in Hollywood, he worked as president of the Screen Actors Guild. His leadership skills came in handy when he transitioned to life as a politician. Originally a liberal Democrat, Reagan ran for and won the California governor’s office as a Republican in 1966; he served two terms during which time already had his sights on the White House. During his presidential administration, Reagan instituted a conservative economic agenda and signed a historic agreement with the Soviet Union that ended the Cold War. Reagan died in June 2004 at age 93 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

FULL NAME: Ronald Wilson Reagan BORN: February 6, 1911 DIED: June 5, 2004 BIRTHPLACE: Tampico, Illinois SPOUSES: Jane Wyman (1940-1948) and Nancy Reagan (1952-2004) CHILDREN: Maureen, Michael, Christine, Patti, and Ron ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Aquarius HEIGHT: 6 ft. 1 in.

Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, to John Edward “Jack” Reagan and Nelle Wilson Reagan. His father nicknamed the boy “Dutch,” saying he resembled “a fat little Dutchman.” Ronald had an older brother, Neil, who went by “Moon.”

During Ronald’s early childhood, his family lived in a series of towns before finally settling in Dixon, Illinois, in 1920. There, Jack opened a shoe store. Ronald was raised as a Christian in the Disciples of Christ denomination. As an adult, he became a Presbyterian and considered himself a “born-again Christian.”

In 1928, Ronald graduated from Dixon High School, where he was an athlete and student body president and performed in school plays. During summer vacations, he worked as a lifeguard in Dixon at Lowell Park. According to newspaper accounts, Reagan helped rescue 77 swimmers from drowning.

Enrolling at Eureka College in Illinois on an athletic scholarship, Reagan majored in economics and sociology. He stayed busy outside of the classroom by playing football, running track, captaining the swim team, serving as student council president, and acting in school productions.

After graduating in 1932, Reagan found work as a radio sports announcer in Iowa.

In 1937, Reagan signed a seven-year contract with the Warner Bros. movie studio. Over the next three decades, he appeared in more than 50 movies. Among his best-known roles was that of Notre Dame football star George Gipp in the 1940 biopic Knute Rockne, All American . Another notable role was in the 1942 film Kings Row , in which Reagan portrayed an accident victim who wakes up to discover his legs have been amputated.

During World War II, Reagan was disqualified from combat duty due to poor eyesight and spent his time in the Army making training films. He left the military ranked as a captain.

From 1947 to 1952, Reagan served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. As his movie career began to plateau, he landed a job as host of the weekly television drama series The General Electric Theater in 1954. Part of his responsibility as the host was to tour the United States as a public relations representative for GE. He appeared on the show for eight years before he was fired in 1962 for his increasingly controversial comments about politics.

Reagan made his final film appearance in the controversial 1964 noir movie The Killers , also starring Angie Dickinson , only months before his political career quickly took off.

Now a conservative icon, Reagan was initially a Democrat who said he was a “New Dealer to the core.” But while working for GE, Reagan’s political views shifted from liberal to conservative. He led pro-business discussions and spoke out against excessive government regulation and wasteful spending. He officially switched parties in 1962.

Reagan stepped into the national political spotlight two years later when he gave a well-received televised speech for Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater , a prominent conservative. Although the address, known as “A Time for Choosing,” didn’t help Goldwater win the 1964 election against incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson , the party looked at Reagan as a rising star.

He decided to run for governor of California in 1966. It marked his first race for public office, and he defeated Democratic incumbent Edmund “Pat” Brown Sr. by almost one million votes. Reagan was reelected to a second term in 1970.

Not long into his first term as California governor, Reagan set his political ambitions on the White House. The conservative made unsuccessful bids for the Republican presidential nomination in 1968 and 1976 but was undeterred. He finally received his party’s nod in 1980. In that year’s general election, Reagan defeated Democrat incumbent Jimmy Carter by capturing 489 electoral college votes to Carter’s 49 and winning almost 51 percent of the popular vote. At age 69, Reagan was the oldest person elected to the U.S. presidency at the time.

First-Term Accomplishments and Challenges

In his inaugural speech on January 20, 1981, Reagan famously announced, “Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.” The 40 th U.S. president called for an era of national renewal and hoped that America would again be “a beacon of hope for those who do not have freedom.” He and First Lady Nancy Reagan also ushered in a new era of glamour to the White House, with designer fashions and a controversial redecoration of the executive mansion.

On the domestic front, President Reagan advanced a number of conservative policies. Tax cuts were implemented to stimulate the United States’ economy, which was facing double-digit inflation numbers and unemployment above 7 percent. He also advocated for increases in military spending, reductions in certain social programs, and measures to deregulate business. By 1983, the nation’s economy had begun to recover and, according to many economists, entered a seven-year period of prosperity. Critics, however, charged that his policies had increased the federal budget and trade deficits and actually hurt the middle class and poor Americans.

In 1981, Reagan made history by appointing judge Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to the U.S. Supreme Court . She was sworn in that September.

The most pressing foreign policy issue of Reagan’s first term was the Cold War. Dubbing the Soviet Union “the evil empire,” Reagan embarked on a massive buildup of American weapons and troops. He implemented the Reagan Doctrine, which provided aid to anti-communist movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In 1983, he announced the Strategic Defense Initiative, a plan aiming to develop space-based weapons to protect the United States from attacks by Soviet nuclear missiles.

In the Middle East, Reagan sent 800 U.S. Marines to Lebanon as part of an international peacekeeping force in June 1982. Nearly one year later, in October 1983, suicide bombers attacked the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 Americans.

That same month, Reagan ordered U.S. forces to invade the Caribbean island of Granada after Marxist rebels overthrew the government. In addition to the problems in Lebanon and Grenada, the Reagan administration had to deal with an ongoing contentious relationship with Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi .

Second-Term Accomplishments and Challenges

In November 1984, Reagan was reelected in a landslide, defeating Democratic challenger Walter Mondale. Reagan carried 49 of the 50 U.S. states in the election and received 525 of 538 electoral votes—the largest number ever won by an American presidential candidate.

Yet his second term was tarnished by the Iran-Contra affair , a convoluted “arms-for-hostages” deal with Iran to funnel money toward anti-communist insurgencies in Central America. Although he initially denied knowing about it, Reagan later announced it was a mistake partially at the behest of the first lady.

The 40 th president had diplomatic wins, as well. Reagan forged a diplomatic relationship with the reform-minded Soviet Union chairman Mikhail Gorbachev . In 1987, the Americans and Soviets signed a historic agreement to eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles.

That same year, Reagan spoke at Germany’s Berlin Wall, a symbol of communism, and famously challenged Gorbachev to tear it down. More than two years later, Gorbachev allowed the people of Berlin to dismantle the wall, ending Soviet domination of East Germany. After leaving the White House, Reagan returned to Germany in September 1990—just weeks before the country was officially reunified—and, with a hammer, took several symbolic swings at a remaining chunk of the wall.

Scarcely two months into his presidency, Reagan survived an assassination attempt. On March 30, 1981, as he was exiting the Washington Hilton Hotel with several of his advisers, shots rang out. Quick-thinking Secret Service agents thrust the president into his limousine. Once in the car, aides discovered that he had been hit. At the hospital, doctors determined that the gunman’s bullet had pierced one of Reagan’s lungs and narrowly missed his heart.

His would-be assassin was John Hinckley Jr. , a mentally ill man who became obsessed with actor Jodie Foster and devised the plot as a way to attract her attention. During the assassination attempt, Hinckley shot three other people, though like the president, they all survived.

Reagan was back at work within several weeks of the shooting. Known for his good-natured humor, he later told his wife, “Honey, I forgot to duck.”

While Reagan served as SAG president, he met actor Nancy Davis , who had sought his help after she was mistakenly listed as a possible communist sympathizer on the Hollywood blacklist. Both were immediately attracted to each other, but Reagan was skeptical of marrying again after a painful divorce from his first wife.

From 1940 to 1948, Reagan was married to actor Jane Wyman. The couple had a daughter, Maureen, in 1941 and adopted a son, Michael, four years later. In 1947, their third child, Christine, was born prematurely. According to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum , it’s unclear whether their second daughter was stillborn or lived for a few hours after birth. The next year, the couple parted ways.

Around 1950, Ronald and Nancy, who was 10 years younger, began dating. Over time, he recognized her as his kindred spirit, and they wed on March 4, 1952. Nancy Davis officially became Nancy Reagan. She eventually gave up her acting career to raise the couple’s children but not before Nancy and Ronald appeared together in the 1956 movie Hellcats of the Navy .

The Reagans had a daughter and a son together: Patricia, born in 1952, and Ronald, born in 1958. Patricia eventually changed her name to Patti Davis and began a career as a writer, model, actor, and producer. She has written 13 books, including the autobiography The Long Goodbye: Memories of My Father that details her relationship with her parents as the former president declined from Alzheimer’s disease later in his life. The younger Ron was a ballet dancer before he became a talk show host. Now a longtime political commentator who backs liberal policies, Ron also wrote a book about his dad, 2011’s My Father at 100 .

In 2001, the former president saw his daughter Maureen die from cancer.

After leaving the White House in January 1989, Reagan returned with his wife to their home in Los Angeles. The Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs opened in Simi Valley, California, two years later.

In 1993, Reagan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from his successor George H.W. Bush in recognition of Reagan’s many contributions in entertainment and public service. President Bill Clinton recognized Reagan by signing a 1998 bill that renamed Washington National Airport located just outside the U.S. capital to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The facility is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving more than 25.5 million passengers in 2023.

In November 1994, Reagan revealed in a handwritten letter to the American people that he had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His mother also suffered from the disease.

Nearly a decade later, on June 5, 2004, Reagan died at his home. He was 93 years old, making him the nation’s longest-lived president at that time. A state funeral was held in Washington D.C., and Reagan was later buried on the grounds of his presidential library in California. His widow, Nancy, was interred near him upon her own death in 2016.

Ronald Reagan is remembered as a conservative icon. He solidified key tenets of the conservative ideology, such as deregulation, lower taxes, and the federal government’s reduced responsibility for social problems that have lasted for decades after his presidency.

The former president is remembered in a variety of ways. His life and presidency are the subject of a 2024 biopic titled Reagan , starring Dennis Quaid in the title role and Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan. Additionally, his name has graced the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center since 2008.

• Democracy is worth dying for because it is the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.
• A people free to choose will always choose peace.
• Information is the oxygen of the modern age.
• There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.
• Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.
• It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
• I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.
• Government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem.
• We in government should learn to look at our country with the eyes of the entrepreneur, seeing possibilities where others see only problems.
• In America, our origins matter less than our destination and that is what democracy is all about.
• Coercion, after all, merely captures man. Freedom captivates him.
• In a world wracked by hatred, economic crisis and political tension, America remains mankind’s best hope.
• One of the worst mistakes anybody can make is to bet against America.
• We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.

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Review of “Reagan: An American Journey” by Bob Spitz

12 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by Steve in President #40 - R Reagan

≈ 14 Comments

American history , biographies , Bob Spitz , book reviews , presidential biographies , Ronald Reagan , US Presidents

At first glance, Spitz seems an unlikely presidential biographer. He is neither a journalist who spent decades closely covering his subject nor is he a historian with a predilection for writing. And yet Spitz has authored the most substantial – and possibly the most commendable – comprehensive, single-volume biography of Reagan I’ve read.

This 761-page tome is built upon a foundation of hundreds of interviews with Reagan’s family, friends and associates, access to his personal papers (granted by Nancy prior to her death in 2016) and insights provided by earlier biographers. Anyone curious about the scope of effort involved in undertaking a biography should consult Spitz’s “Acknowledgements.”

Spitz’s skills as a biographer are quickly clear. He is an extremely competent writer adept at holding a reader’s attention. Rarely satisfied just divulging facts, he often places the reader in a scene with vivid descriptions of the setting, the players and the drama. Though not quite as gifted as Caro or McCullough in this respect, Spitz clearly revels in creating a rich literary tapestry.

Reagan’s pre-presidency (nearly seven decades of his life) absorbs about 60 percent of the book and is the most valuable portion of the biography. Spitz provides one of the most detailed and interesting explorations of Reagan’s ancestry I’ve read anywhere, and Reagan’s childhood is no less revealing.

Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis receive marvelous multi-page introductions while several other supporting characters receive comparatively concise, but still enlightening, introductory attention. And Spitz describes Reagan’s involvement with the Screen Actors Guild in as colorful and comprehensible a way as I’ve seen.

Reagan’s public and personal lives each receive appropriate focus throughout the book. And even readers familiar with Reagan are likely to learn something new about his early years (though new details about young Dutch’s sex life seem gratuitous). Finally, Spitz approaches his subject with a remarkable sense of balance; there is no impression of political preference or prejudice…just the sense of a detached observer in pursuit of a compelling story.

The author’s instinct for analyzing and conveying Reagan’s youth and acting career is often excellent; the reader gains an excellent understanding for what happened (and often why ) as well as the residual impact on Reagan’s later personality and character. But Spitz’s dexterity as a political analyst is less extraordinary, and his coverage of Reagan’s gubernatorial and presidential careers lacks the same degree of insight or wisdom.

Spitz does not provide the thorough examination of Reagan’s evolving political philosophy informed readers may expect. And while his review of Reagan’s governorship is competent, a notable billion-dollar tax hike is dispatched with a single sentence and Reagan’s 1970 opponent (“Big Daddy”) is never mentioned. Coverage of Reagan’s 1976 presidential campaign is too pithy and his remarkable (and impromptu) convention speech almost goes entirely unobserved.

Coverage of Reagan’s two-term presidency is satisfactory but unexceptional. Spitz is at his best when describing discrete events – such as the attempt on Reagan’s life – rather than legislative priorities or policy details. Finally, notable figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev receive disappointingly curt introductions…and the book contains an occasional careless error (such as substituting “million” for “billion”).

Overall, however, Bob Spitz’s “Reagan: An American Journey” proves to be a well-written and delightfully engaging biography of the 40th president. It is somewhat uneven in emphasis and anyone seeking special insight into Reagan’s political career may wish to supplement this book. But for readers in search of a captivating and comprehensive cradle-to-grave biography of Ronald Reagan, there may be no better place to turn.

Overall rating: 4¼ stars

14 thoughts on “Review of “Reagan: An American Journey” by Bob Spitz”

December 12, 2018 at 3:40 pm

I read the Kindle Sample and really enjoyed it, so I was hoping that it would continue to go as well. Glad to hear it.

December 12, 2018 at 3:42 pm

FWIW this seems to be the division between RR biographers. Those who do justice to his political career don’t cover other aspects as well, and those who do a good job with youth and Hollywood don’t do a great job on the politics (or in Morris’s case even an adequate one).

December 12, 2018 at 4:06 pm

This is very true. Reagan lived a very full life, and indeed many aspects of it have received their own books of several hundred pages. One extreme example is “Reagan’s 1968 Dress Rehearsal” which focuses on Reagan’s relationships with Eisenhower and even RFK during just the two year period 1967-1968, and how it prepared him for his presidency, and this book comes in at over 900 pages! There are books focusing just on his covert policies with Poland, his collaboration with the Pope, and other focused topics. Having read over 100 books on Reagan, I’ve dug myself into a hole now where whenever I read a single volume bio, I know exactly what it leaves out and how significant it was. Nonetheless, I love the single volume biographies as each has its merits, and I still enjoy reading and reviewing them.

December 12, 2018 at 10:26 pm

Since you’ve read a wild amount, what would you list as the “go to” Reagan bio’s? Mostly looking for a complete life bio, but if i had a preference i would lean more towards his political life than childhood and hollywood (which kind of turns me off to Spitz’s book).

December 14, 2018 at 9:26 am

If you are looking for the best review of his political life I would either turn to Iwan Morgan’s “Reagan: American Icon” for a relatively efficient treatment or to Lou Cannon’s “President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime.” For the best review of Reagan’s pre-political career I would obviously go in a different direction 🙂

December 16, 2018 at 1:15 am

Thanks Steve, appreciate the feedback…I was anxiously awaiting this review. Now we’ll see if the wife ordered this from my xmas wish list, if so ill read it if not i’ll go Lou Cannon.

January 7, 2019 at 1:36 pm

With the holiday craziness, I was unplugged for a while and didn’t respond, though Steve’s response is excellent. I really like Iwan Morgan’s “Reagan: An American Icon” as it is the most balanced and fair analysis of Reagan’s presidency, and is more recent than Cannon’s “Role of a Lifetime.” As good as Cannon’s work is, it is now somewhat dated as we have learned MUCH more about Reagan’s presidency since then as a wealth of foreign policy information has been declassified in the last 15 years. Still, it’s one of the better options and one I’d recommend. Also, Steve provides some great reviews and recommendations here, and I’ll try to touch on books he didn’t cover, so while “When Character Was King” is a great analysis of Reagan’s character, I won’t touch on it in my comment because Steve already did so perfectly.

Unfortunately, there is not yet a definitive go-to cradle to grave biography of Reagan. I felt Spitz’s would be that one through the first half of the book, but then once it got to his presidency it was a whole new animal, and not for the better. Frankly, Brand’s treatment of Reagan’s presidency is better than Spitz’s, but it is also imperfect. There are a few excellent books that offer exciting insights into specific aspects of his presidency and life. With Reagan, to get the most complete and accurate coverage, you’d probably need to pick a few books, even if you just read sections of some (such as Spitz’s pre-gubernatorial coverage to learn about Reagan’s life through Hollywood). I’ll list a few below, most of which are shorter books as they focus on specific things, so it’s very easy to pick a couple and read them fairly quickly.

“Reagan at Reykjavik” is a thrilling account of this unplanned yet pivotal summit from October 1986. It offers excellent first hand insight and observations into that event from people who were there. I really enjoyed this.

“Rawhide Down” focused just on the Reagan assassination attempt, but this is one of the most thrilling presidential oriented books I’ve read, even my wife couldn’t put this one down and that is REALLY saying something as she does NOT read history books. It details how close to death Reagan really came, and how scared all the nurses and doctors were that they would lose him, and how close to reality that eventuality was for a couple of hours.

“The Reagan Enigma” is one of the best books out there for really getting inside Reagan’s mind. It is one of the best and most revealing character portraits.

“Victory” is one that reads like a spy thriller and is less academic and more pure narrative of many clandestine efforts in Reagan’s foreign policy. The reason for this is that Peter Schweizer wrote it shortly after Reagan’s presidency and couldn’t be very specific because much of the material to confirm it was classified, but in recent years the narrative has been confirmed by declassification of documents.

Some other short, excellent topical books you could choose from based on interest are “Ronald Reagan and His Quest to Abolish Nuclear Weapons,” “Reagan’s Secret War” (one of many topical books focused specifically on his foreign policy efforts to wage all out economic war on the Soviet Union, others include “The Crusader” and “Reagan’s War”), and the just published “A Covert Action: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War Struggle in Poland.”

I have a lot of rare transcripts from academic conferences focused on the Reagan years. These are some of my favorite additions to my library as they are the transcripts of remarks given at week long conferences by well known and respected historians and academics. It’s interesting to read their remarks where they aren’t tailoring them to broad audience who they hope will read their book, but to hear them simply present all the evidence they have found, and then debate it with each other. Some of these include “The Economic Legacy of the Reagan Years: Euphoria or Chaos?”, “The Reagan Presidency & the Politics of Race: In Pursuit of Colorblind Justice,” “Ronald Reagan’s America, Volumes 1 and 2,” and “President Reagan and the World.” These are great to pick-up and read a lecture or two at a time, and each one is followed with a Q&A section from conference attendees and other participants who drill down into the lecture that was just given. Super interesting stuff.

When I began studying presidents years ago, I had no idea so much of my time would be taken by Reagan, but I think my journey has recognized the fact that his presidency is the most recent one being objectively analyzed now as the appropriate amount of time has passed for that to happen, so there’s a lot happening on that front. Hoover and Grant are the other two who unexpectedly took a lot of my time and over 10,000 pages of research each.

December 12, 2018 at 3:51 pm

It seems you shared my biggest takeaways from this book–excellent coverage of Reagan’s youth and ancestry, but overall uneven in emphasis. The high points were very high indeed. This was the best coverage I’ve ever read of Reagan’s youth and adolescence, as well as his ancestry. Spitz really took his time allowing us to get to know Reagan, with Reagan not leaving for Hollywood until page 149 (most books reach this point before page 50). I was absolutely loving this book for the first few hundred pages, but then things took a turn when Reagan become president.

I actually felt like Spitz was writing about two different Reagans, the Reagan who was President and the one who wasn’t. Most of the focus during the pages devoted to Reagan’s presidency had nothing to do with his policies or achievements, which surprised me. I felt Spitz focused far too much on Iran-Contra, making that the most covered aspect of Reagan’s presidency and being addressed on 72 pages of the 253 devoted to Reagan’s presidency, or a full 30%. The next most covered part of his presidency was Reagan’s Cold War policies, coming in at about 18% of coverage. I was surprised Reagan’s economic policies were only addressed on 8 pages total, and most of those references weren’t very insightful. He would flesh out arguments against them, but then casually mention their positive aspects briefly as an aside without any equal analysis. I remember reading one passage in particular that was several paragraphs discussing the pitfalls of the economic policies, and then in a single sentence he shared some of the positive results but left it at that.

In addition to feeling the balance of treatment during the presidential years was highly uneven, I felt many things worth covering weren’t addressed at all, such as the significant 1987 bipartisan tax bill, or the equally significant and bipartisan immigration bill (which has had significant impact, for better and worse, on our broken immigration system). Both of those bills were a success for the president, and even more so because they were passed with a Congress controlled by Democrats. I also yearned for some coverage on his friendship with Bush, but found Bush nearly absent. There was also no coverage of Reagan’s covert assistance to Poland, which provides some VERY exciting stories, and lasted much of his presidency, and there was also an absence of coverage on Reagan’s alliance with the Pope in these clandestine efforts and the Pope’s overall cooperation with Reagan’s anti-Communist crusade. These efforts were all perfectly legal and authorized by Congress, and even more impactful and significant than Iran-Contra, but I felt that is the reason why Spitz didn’t address them. Being legal and authorized, they are not as titillating to read about, despite their being more significant and full of incredible stories. Scandals sell better than simple stories, no matter how exciting they may be.

Going back to your original word of “uneven,” this felt like a book of two tales—one of Ronald Reagan the President, an unstable actor who ascended to the presidency simply because he knew how to put on a good show and play to people’s emotions, and Ronald Reagan the man, who outside of his presidency was honest, principled, and consistently committed to what he genuinely believed was right. I felt like Spitz admired Reagan the man, and this was apparent when Reagan wasn’t president, but during the 253 page section on his presidency, Spitz struggled to present a balanced assessment of Reagan’s 8 years in the White House because he was not a fan of the Reagan presidency and policies. Iwan Morgan did a much better job in “American Icon” of objectively analyzing Reagan’s presidency, and he admits right up front that he was a liberal opponent of the president during his two terms. Still, this book had the significant merits that you pointed out about Reagan’s youth and his ancestry. I even enjoyed the brief coverage after Reagan’s presidency very immensely. Given the strengths and weaknesses of both this and Morgan’s books, I would recommend them as a pair. Start with this one, but supplement the coverage of his presidency with Morgan’s work for an overall exceptional treatment of Reagan.

December 14, 2018 at 9:12 am

Thanks for your detailed commentary – knowing you had read this book I was quite curious to see what you thought. Nothing you said surprised me and in a few areas you managed say what I was thinking better than I was able.

This turned out to be one of the longest reviews I’ve written (I try to keep them to 500-550 words) and I struggled to keep it *this* short – there was simply so much more to say, most of which you captured in one way or another.

It occurred to me that I would love to combine Spitz’s “pre-presidency” with Lou Cannon’s volume covering Reagan’s two presidential terms. And if I could get Cannon to refresh his volume a bit (since it’s about a quarter-century old) that would create an extraordinary one-two punch.

Or, even better, I’d love to combine Spitz’s pre-presidency with Cannon’s presidency and Morgan’s post-presidency. If I could find a way to harmonize the writing styles that might be an unbeatable combination.

December 13, 2018 at 2:35 pm

Steve, couple questions for you on your Reagan journey; would you say it is accurate that the Spitz book, with its focus on his personal life, plus Cannon’s book on his role as POTUS would make up the best combination to understand Reagan’s life? I’ll await your summary of POTUS #40, if you’re still considering things.

I’ve read numerous reviews on Bob Spitz’s work and it has been mentioned on several occasions that he is a brilliant writer, but far from a political analyst.

On a related note, I must say that the epilogue in Iwan Morgan’s book was an excellent encapsulation overall, and I’m curious to know if you happen to feel the same way on any aspect or parts of Mr. Spitz’s book?

December 14, 2018 at 9:18 am

I think you hit the nail right on the head (see my response to the comment just prior to yours).

I was previously unfamiliar with Spitz but found him to be an phenomenally keen observer of people and an incredibly articulate and engaging writer. But as a political analyst he is mediocre (which is a shame).

So while the pre-presidency portion of his book was essentially a ‘5’ on my scale, the part of his biography covering Reagan’s political career was probably a 3 or 3.5.

And as you may see in my soon-to-come “Best Biographies of Ronald Reagan” post, I absolutely think combining Spitz’s pre-presidency with Lou Cannon’s presidential volume with Iwan Morgan’s “epilogue” would form very nearly the perfect presidential biography (for me, anyway).

…as to your last question, there isn’t a single chapter of Spitz’s book that I thought was unusually exceptional, but I think that even someone who has already read “too many” biographies of Reagan would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t buy Spitz’s book JUST to read the first 335 pages (up to the beginning of his gubernatorial career).

December 13, 2018 at 7:17 pm

I was interested in your comments about this. I generally agree with your analysis on the ranking of these biographies. I was curious about this one. I generally don’t do many “celebrity” biographies, preferring political and military characters for the most part (with Gary Giddens’ Bing Crosby (2 vols. so far) and Neal Gabler’s Walt Disney being exceptions. Bob Spitz’s Beatles was also in that category and Reagan was a “celebrity” President, even more so than Trump. That might explain his great strengths before his political analysis. I think to capture Reagan’s essence though, the biographer needs such strength, which is why you probably gave this book such a high rating. I’ll have to check it out.

December 14, 2018 at 9:28 am

To be more specific, I think Spitz’s book captured Reagan’s pre-political years exceptionally well but for someone hoping to understand Reagan’s “essence” I would also read Noonan’s “When Character Was King” since I think she penetrated his persona better than anyone.

December 21, 2018 at 1:08 am

I just got this in the mail and cant wait to jump in. I’m only doing one book on each president and I think this is the right one for me. I lived through the Reagan years and I’ve studied him extensively, so a book that’s not as focused on politics doesn’t bother me here.

It will be interesting to see your thoughts going forward. I find that modern presidents are much more difficult to evaluate. From here on out, the cement is still wet on these president’s legacies.

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