The Seven-Day Scholar: The Presidents: Exploring History One Week at a Time

by Dennis Gaffney, Peter Gaffney

Overview

"A bite of history a day, all year long . . ."

Flawless storytelling, expert research, and intriguing, one-page essays make The Seven-Day Scholar: The Presidents perfect for history buffs.

The Presidents addresses formative moments in the lives of the presidents, crucial political decisions, little-known facts, and insights into the intriguing individuals Americans have selected to lead our country. Each chapter includes seven related narrative entries-one for each day of the week. The book explores many fascinating facts and issues about the presidents, including: Did Washington really enjoy dancing? Why did President Jefferson avoid speaking in public? Why did Lincoln crack down on civil liberties? Why did Eisenhower fight against big defense budgets? How responsible was Reagan for the end of the Cold War?

As well as covering each president, the book includes chapters on the Best and Worst Writers and Speakers; Most Controversial Elections; Scandals; Most Controversial Foreign Policy Decisions; The Peacemakers; First Ladies; The Best and Worst Presidents; and more. Entries also include follow-up resources where curious readers can learn more.

Readers can sweep through the book from beginning to end, or use it as a reference book, periodically exploring topics and presidents in which they are interested.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781401304140
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	02/07/2012
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Dennis Gaffney is an adjunct professor at the University at Albany SUNY, and also a journalist who has written for The New York Times, Mother Jones, and Reader's Digest. Peter Gaffney is Senior VP, Programming, Scheduling and Acquisitions for HISTORY.
Peter Gaffney is the Vice President of Program Planning & Acquisitions for HISTORY Channel and A& E.

What People are Saying About This

Charles F. Bryan Jr.

Once again, Dennis and Peter Gaffney have assembled a large and rich array of information on a big and complex subject, this time the American presidency. As they did with their book on the Civil War, they point out little-known aspects of their subject matter. They dispel long-held myths. And they provide a wide array of fascinating information about the presidents. People who are interested in learning more about the American presidency will want to add this book to their reading list. (Charles F. Bryan, Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO emeritus, Virginia Historical Society)

Pamela Sanfilippo

The Gaffneys reveal the strengths, weaknesses, and political savvy of past presidents that we tend to think belong only to modern politicians. The one-a-day format allows readers to enjoy a daily appetizer, while the engaging writing entices one to feast on multiple courses at a single sitting. And, for those who are still hungry, references to letters, memoirs, and biographies provide avenues for further study. (Pamela Sanfilippo, historian, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site)