The President's Speech: The Stories Behind the Most Memorable Presidential Addresses

Gr 9 Up—To read through this compendium of 20 key presidential speeches from 14 presidents is to appreciate not only some stirring language and great rhetoric, but also the scope of our involvement in the greater world as well as the depth of our internal issues and conflicts. Beginning with Washington's Farewell Address to the American People, subsequent chapters include the inaugural addresses of Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush; addresses to joint sessions of Congress by Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, and Lyndon Johnson; and various other entries by Monroe, Theodore Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan. Each beautifully laid out chapter gives the historical and social context in which the speech was written, along with information on the speech writers, and those who gave input or edited the remarks. The impact of the speech is considered, and then the full text is given in blue type. Facsimiles of both working and reading copies are shown (Washington and Jefferson win the handwriting awards), as are photographs or period reproductions of the president who delivered the address. An accurate index, comprehensive bibliography, and list of photo credits rounds out an exemplary book showing how our leaders have set our national course or addressed defining issues of the times. An excellent primary source.—Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA