Destiny's Consul: America's Greatest Presidents

by Michael P. Riccards

Overview

What makes a great president? Certainly leadership, accomplishments, crisis management, political skill, character, and integrity are part of the equation, but the great presidents have something more. They not only govern well, but are part of something lasting; their presidencies influence the thoughts and beliefs of generations. These powerful men are not flawless leaders, they have made mistakes and miscalculations, but in the end their decisions have changed the nation and often the world. In Destiny’s Consul: America’s Greatest Presidents, presidential scholar Michael P. Riccards provides a concise introduction to the lives, presidencies, and personal qualities of ten great individuals whom Riccards argues are our greatest presidents. Organized chronologically, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Ronald Reagan are shown to truly be great. It will be of interest to anyone interested in the presidency of American history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442216266
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	06/19/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	398
File size:	869 KB

About the Author

Michael P. Riccards is the Executive Director, the Hall Institute of Public Policy, Trenton, New Jersey. He has been a Board Member, Center for the Study of the Presidency and Chairman, Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in New Jersey. He is the author of numerous books including: The Presidency and the Middle Kingdom, Ferocious Engine of Democracy: The American Presidency 1789-1989, and A Republic If You Can Keep It: The Foundation of the American Presidency.

Table of Contents

Preface: How Presidents Become Great
Chapter 1: George Washington: Creating a Nation in War and then in Peace
Chapter 2: Thomas Jefferson: Establishing Popular Rule
Chapter 3: Andrew Jackson: The President as a Tribune of the People
Chapter 4: James K. Polk: The Arts of Waging Conflict
Chapter 5: Abraham Lincoln: The Commander in Chief Goes to War
Chapter 6: Theodore Roosevelt: The Dynamics of Domestic Reform
Chapter 7: Woodrow Wilson: The Progressive Agenda at Home and across the World
Chapter 8: Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Establishment of the Modern Presidency
Chapter 9: Harry S Truman: The First Imperial President
Chapter 10: Ronald Reagan: Unleashing Right Wing America
Conclusion
Notes

Editorial Reviews

Presidential greatness is impossible to quantify, but most Americans believe they know it when they see it—if only, in some cases, in retrospect. Having immersed himself in presidential studies for many years, the author offers this ‘ten best’ account.. .. Demonstrating an admirable familiarity with pertinent secondary literature, Riccards provides breezy narratives on each of his top ten.. .. This book will best serve as a handy reference for anyone interested in knowing more about ten of the best men who held the nation's highest office. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers/public libraries.

Choice Reviews

Far more than a collection of biographies, Destiny’s Consul provides insight into how ten U.S. presidents shaped the character of our nation. Once again, Michael P. Riccards demonstrates why he has long been highly regarded as a presidential scholar.

Richard A. Lee

America has been fortunate to have had some dynamic presidents, and also fortunate to have the accomplished scholar Michael Riccards delve into the qualities that made these men outstanding chief executives. Destiny's Consul is not just riveting political history, it also provides lessons in leadership.

Marc Mappen

The ten greatest American presidents presented by Michael Riccards in Destiny’s Consul all share the common traits of leadership that one would expect. More importantly, each was able to embrace and identify with national passions that outlasted their presidencies. While one may quibble over the selection of one or two of these men, Riccards provides case studies of their accomplishments that justify and fortify his position. Students of the presidency and observers of American politics will learn from and enjoy reading Riccards accounts of the individual administration of each.

Joseph R. Marbach

Presidential greatness is impossible to quantify, but most Americans believe they know it when they see it—if only, in some cases, in retrospect. Having immersed himself in presidential studies for many years, the author offers this ‘ten best’ account.. .. Demonstrating an admirable familiarity with pertinent secondary literature, Riccards provides breezy narratives on each of his top ten.. .. This book will best serve as a handy reference for anyone interested in knowing more about ten of the best men who held the nation's highest office. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers/public libraries.

Choice

Presidential greatness is impossible to quantify, but most Americans believe they know it when they see it—if only, in some cases, in retrospect. Having immersed himself in presidential studies for many years, the author offers this ‘ten best’ account.. .. Demonstrating an admirable familiarity with pertinent secondary literature, Riccards provides breezy narratives on each of his top ten.. .. This book will best serve as a handy reference for anyone interested in knowing more about ten of the best men who held the nation's highest office. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers/public libraries.

CHOICE