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Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader. Whether he was in his White House residence study or aboard Air Force One, each night Reagan wrote about the events of his day, which often included his relationships with other world leaders Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, Mohammar al-Qaddafi, and Margaret Thatcher, among others, and the unforgettable moments that defined the era---from his first inauguration to the end of the Cold War, the Iran hostage crisis to John Hinckley Jr.'s assassination attempt.
The Reagan Diaries reveals more than just Reagan's political experiences: many entries are concerned with the president's private thoughts and feelings---his love and devotion for Nancy Reagan and their family, his belief in God and the power of prayer. Seldom before has the American public been given access to the unfiltered experiences and opinions of a president in his own words, from Reagan's description of near-drowning at the home of Hollywood friend Claudette Colbert to his determination to fight Fidel Castro at every turn and keep the Caribbean Sea from becoming a "Red Lake."
To read these diaries--filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor--is to gain a unique understanding of one of the most beloved occupants of the Oval Office in our nation's history.
Upon entering the White House in 1981, President Ronald Reagan committed himself to daily journaling for the sake of posterity. As edited by historian Douglas Brinkley and read by Eric Conger, the entries convey a palpable sense of focus and determination. Conger plays down the larger-than-life Great Communicator public persona in favor of a straight-shooting businessman that one might expect to encounter around the table at a Rotary Club meeting in the rural Midwest. As Reagan reflects on such decisions as removing controversial Secretary of State Alexander Haig from office or firing the striking air traffic controllers, Conger skillfully portrays matter-of-fact toughness, though he demonstrates equal command of Reagan's softer side, particularly his expressions of grief during times of national tragedy. The abridgment melds reactions to historically significant events with more routine narratives in a smooth flow, though history buffs will still feel the urge to dig more deeply, and younger listeners not sufficiently schooled in key people and events from the '80s may wish that Brinkley had provided contextual information beyond his introduction. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover (Reviews, Apr. 2). (June)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information"D----n those inhuman monsters," runs Ronald Reagan's diary entry for May 17, 1981. He was referring to the Soviet authorities who were keeping Natan Sharansky in the gulag despite Reagan's personal and private appeal to Leonid Brezhnev. These diaries will complete the reevaluation of Reagan by the historical profession. Whatever one thinks of his policies, Reagan emerges here as a focused, take-charge president in full control of his cabinet and administration. He was extremely selective in regard to which issues he took up and willing to let many lower-priority matters slide, but on the things that he cared about, he was forceful and persistent. These are diary entries and lack the intellectual heft and stylistic polish of some of the earlier Reagan writings to reach the public. But they show a president stamping his personality and his views on an administration and contribute to a richer vision of the most influential U.S. president since Franklin Roosevelt. One can only wish that Roosevelt had also kept a diary.<
1981
The Inaugural (Jan. 20) was an emotional experience but then the very next day it was "down to work." The first few days were long and hard-daily Cabinet meetings interspersed with sessions with Congressional leaders regarding our ec. plan.
Monday, January 26
A meeting on terrorism with heads of F.B.I.-S.S.-C.I.A. Sec's of St., Defense & others. Have ordered they be given back their ability to function. Next a Cabinet meeting on the deal with Iran. We just may not implement some of the Carter executive orders on grounds they violate our own laws. Hostages will arrive in country tomorrow. It seems some of them had some tough questions for Carter in Germany as to why they were there so long and why they were there to begin with. Rest of day meeting committee chairmen & Sens. on raising the debt ceiling.
Tuesday, January 27
Ceremony on S. Lawn to welcome hostages home. Thousands of people in attendance. Met the familys earlier. Now we had in addition the familys of the 8 men who lost their lives in the rescue attempt. One couple lost their only son. His widow was also here. I've had a lump in my throat all day.-Evening 1st white tie reception for the diplomatic corps.
Wednesday, January 28
Visit by P.M. Seaga of Jamaica, his wife & members of his admin. Our 1st state luncheon. He won a terrific election victory over a Cuban backed pro-communist. I think we can help him & gradually take back the Caribbean which was becoming a "Red" lake.
Thursday, January 29
Nancy had a great triumph with committee which rides herd on White House (to preserve its history). They were enthusiastic about what she has already done to upgrade the 2nd & 3rd floors.
[Received cable from Mike Mansfield, U.S. ambassador to Japan.]
Friday, January 30
More meeting with Cong. leaders on trying to get debt ceiling lifted. If don't we'll be out of money by Feb. 18. Cong. recessing from 5th to 12th. Must get passage of bill by Fri. the 5th.
Short day in office-left for 1st weekend in Camp David. It was great to be in a house with the knowledge you could just open a door and take a walk outdoors if you wanted.
Saturday, January 31
Had a before lunch walk (it was cold). Spent afternoon in front of fire reading intelligence reports & Briefing papers for visit by Pres. Chun (Korea). We have definite evidence Nicaragua transferring hundreds of tons of arms from Cuba to El Salvador. P.M. ran a movie-"Tribute"-Jack Lemmon. He is truly a great performer.
[Sunday, February 1: took walk; returned to W.H.]
Monday, February 2
What's getting to be routine-full day in Oval office.
Tuesday, February 3
The arrival of Pres. Chun, his wife & staff. These meetings through an interpreter which can become a strain. Good meetings though-assured him we would not withdraw our troops from Korea
Wednesday, February 4
Cabinet discussion of grain embargo. I've always felt it hurt our farmers worse than it hurt Soviets. Many of our allies?? filled the gap & supplied Soviet. But now-how do we lift it without sending wrong message to Soviets? We need to take a new look at whole matter of strategy. Trade was supposed to make Soviets moderate, instead it has allowed them to build armaments instead of consumer products. Their socialism is an ec. failure. Wouldn't we be doing more for their people if we let their system fail instead of constantly bailing it out?
[Compliment from Weinberger on cabinet meeting.]
Thursday, February 5
[President's prayer breakfast; meetings with Boy Scouts and high school students.]
Lots of phone calls-Sen. Robt. Byrd (D) is playing games with bill to raise debt ceiling. Has held vote over til tomorrow.
Friday, February 6
My birthday. Nancy, Tip O'Neil, Paul Laxalt, Tom Evans & Cong. Wright from Texas surprised me (all duly recorded by Cap. Press Corps) with a beautiful cake. Tip gave me a tie & the flag which flew over the Cap. on Jan. 20. We wheeled the cake into another room where it was cut up by about 200 of our staff. That afternoon received a great present-our own Sens. who had held out on debt. ceiling turned around and we carried the day.
[Surprise birthday party with California friends.]
P.S. During day discovered my Ambas. appts. were processed by State Dept. They take forever. I want Bill Wilson cleared by them before 26th so he can meet Pope (he's to be Ambas. to Vatican) in Alaska. Told Penn James to tell the guy at State that was advising him to get off his A- & do it.
[Saturday, February 7: photo sessions and dinner party.]
Sunday, February 8
Thank you letters for gifts we found on 2nd floor Fri. night. It took entire Sat. morning to open. Just had a call from Al Haig. I had asked that we quietly have Swiss [...] tell Iranians if they did not free Mrs. Dryer (Am. woman they had charged with being a spy & imprisoned) we might find it difficult to implement the terms of the Carter hostage agreement. Mrs. Dryer is coming home. She was turned over to the Swiss. Word [...] is that last 2 weeks of hostage negotiations were completely dominated by Iranian fear they'd have to negotiate with our admin. I couldn't be happier.
Monday, February 9
Started the day learning Mrs. Dryer did not leave Iran-some snafu with paper work. Hopefully tomorrow.
[Meetings on timing of tax cuts, and with groups of state legislators; signed citation for Vietnam veterans.]
Tuesday, February 10
This was a day. I was wired for sound. David Brinkley is doing "a day in my life" for TV showing Fri. His cameras catch me in every meeting etc. and I turn on the sound for those things suitable & turn it off for balance of meetings. Began with Brkfst....
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The Reagan Diaries by Ronald Reagan Copyright © 2007 by Ronald Reagan. Excerpted by permission.
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Anonymous
Posted June 4, 2007
This book is not about conservatives¿ verses liberals, it¿s a piece of history that I¿m really enjoying. It¿s interesting to get a first hand look into his days in the White House, as well as read and understand his thought process. This is truly a great book that I think anyone who loves history will enjoy.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 8, 2011
Few presidents have chronicaled their days in office, perhaps the greatest living president in our memory has. He's Ronald Reagan. I'm 44 pages into a book of 803 pages. This book is incredible, giving us an insightful view of what it means to hold and preserve the greatest office in the world. One of things you find unique in this day and time. Is RR dealt with the very same issues our current president is dealing with. The exception is RR didn't wait for polling to see what needed to be done. He just did it!!! IN this book you see RR as a human being, not really concerned how history would view him, he already knew. I'm convinced this man woke up every morning thinking how can I make the lives of Americans better. He was concerned about AMERICANS first. The lives of the other people in the world were secondary...this seems to be contarary to our current leaders. This is not a book you read at one sitting. Settle into a few pages at a time, you will find yourself falling into a presidency that you will wish we had now. If we are going to add an additional face to Mt Rushmore, lets hope and pray it will be Ronald Reagan.
9 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 5, 2007
I'm in the process of reading the Reagan Diaries and find it to be my favorite of many Reagan books. Why? Because I see history through the eyes of the man who changed history as it happens. Reagan's wit shows through as well as his compassion for others. This book shows that Reagan was truly in control of the administration's direction and not sleeping as liberal detractors would have you believe. A great read for those who enjoy history and those who believe that Ronald Reagan was one of our greatest Presidents
8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 30, 2010
Great for picking up and reading just about anywhere in the book. Fascinating historical detail and a deep look into the wonderful personality of one of our best presidents!
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 10, 2012
This book really states what he really thought. You get to know him and what he really stand for.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 6, 2012
I have never been interested in politicians but this book is awsome. It gives you a very good insight what the President goes through every day. Of course Reagan is the best. Had bought the hard cover but decided I wanted it on the Nook.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 3, 2007
Honestly, I must say I was disappointed with this book, but would still recommend it to someone who wants to know more about Regan's pres. I was looking more for indebt writing and NOT the short and to the point writing that Regan uses. It basically his thoughts, written in short hand. Its not a fun read, but does give you a different insight about Regan.
2 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 2, 2007
It's so interesting to see what this great president was thinking and doing on a daily basis.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 14, 2012
The whole insite of this book is to show America what the preaidents daily rutene is. This book is a great and a must get.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 13, 2010
I was pretty intimidated to pick up this book when I saw the size of it. But I figured that Ronald Regan was one of the greatest presidents that we have ever had. He was a conservative and sincere man and it truly shows throughout this book. These diaries cover his two terms in office during the Cold war, terrorism and an unstable economic path. In these diaries he shows his passion for America in fighting Communism and putting the Soviets down. Regan also identifies the culture bias media and the corrupt schemes during the 80s with the media.
Overall do recommend this book if you want to find out about a true American hero. His personal voice is put into this book and his ideas and opinions on America and how it should be. This is a must have.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 23, 2009
The first two or three years of the biography was very matter of fact. It was like I was reading an appointment book or an daily agenda of a business executive. Then to my surprise, on page 213, President Reagan also realizes this, and comments the diary was appearing like a log book, and that he should comment more on the particulars, and provide more insight. The second term of the President, is the most interesting part of the book. I wish Mr. Brinkley would have expanded the glossary. I kept having to go to my computer to "goggle" many names. Overall, President Reagan kept a fascinating account of his presidency.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2007
this is one of the most indepth books on president reagan that I have seen that has come out in a long time. I was very impressed to read his inter most thoughts on terrorism and his deep commitment to ending its grip on the freeworld. Iam so thankful that this diary is being published right now cause I feel it will be a great guide for the voters in 2008 whean they want to know what it means to be a conservative.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 23, 2007
This is one of the most fascinating books I have read in years. Through his writings President Reagan always you into his inner most hopes, dreams and fears. There are two things that really stand out in this book. One is that Reagan had a keen intellect. His reputation for average intelligence is laid to rest with this book. Second was his love for Nancy. The most emotional passages in his diary speak of his love for her. I highly recommend this book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 6, 2013
Awesum book
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Posted August 23, 2009
The Reagan Diaries is an extremly insightful look into the private thoughts of a President.
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Posted March 4, 2008
This book was absolutely fascinating. If you already like Ronald Reagan, you will love this book. The diaries have entries about politics, Nancy, etc.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 29, 2009
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Posted May 29, 2010
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Posted March 30, 2011
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Posted November 27, 2009
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Overview
Brought together in one volume and edited by historian ...