Praise for God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life by Paul Kengor
“A profound character study, an engrossing work of history...a heartbreakingly beautiful love story about one man and his Maker.”―Peter Robinson, Reagan speechwriter and author of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life
“Paul Kengor now reveals the inner heart and soul of this great man.”―Judge William P. Clark, National Security Advisor, Reagan Administration
“Paul Kengor takes the reader to depths where no other writer has yet been―Ronald Reagan’s very soul.”―Peter Schweizer, author of Reagan's War
“God and Ronald Reagan fundamentally transforms the historical view of Ronald Reagan and his place in the 20th century.”―Donald M. Goldstein, co-author of At Dawn We Slept
“Paul Kengor has performed a masterful service by shining a light on this underappreciated but central aspect of Reagan’s life.”―Steven F. Hayward, author of The Age of Reagan
“[A] superb book―no interpretation of Ronald Reagan will be complete without reference to this vital work.”―Stephen Knott, Ronald Reagan Oral History Project, University of Virginia
“In this meticulously researched and insightful book, Paul Kengor finds the ultimate source of Ronald Reagan’s resolve against communism.”―Andrew E. Busch, author of Ronald Reagan and the Politics of Freedom
“God and Ronald Reagan deepens our understanding of Reagan’s life and the times in which he governed.”―Matthew Dallek, author of The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics
“Illuminates the role of faith in the life and worldview of one of the 20th century’s most important figures.”―Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief, National Review
“Illuminates the role of faith in the life and worldview of one of the 20th century’s most important figures.”―Lee Edwards, Distinguished Fellow, Heritage Foundation, and author of Ronald Reagan: A Political Biography
“Paul Kengor has written an excellent book which explores a previously neglected aspect of Reagan’s life―his religious faith.”―Edwin Meese III, Reagan administration Attorney General
“In the vast body of Reagan scholarship, what’s been missing is a spiritual biography. Kengor has admirably supplied our need.”―Robert P. George, Princeton University
“A penetrating history of the President’s evolving religious faith and its articulation in different settings during his career.”―Kenneth W. Thompson, University of Virginia
“Paul Kengor offers not only a thorough history of Reagan’s religious development but a good and sardonic eye for detail.”―Marvin Olasky, professor, University of Texas at Austin and editor-in-chief of World magazine
“Paul Kengor’s book offers a deeper understanding than can be found in any of the conventional academic literature.”―Hugh Heclo, Robinson Professor of Public Affairs, George Mason University
“For anyone who believes Christianity and politics don’t mix needs to read this work on an American president.”―David A. Noebel, Summit Ministries
“God and Ronald Reagan makes an important contribution to our understanding of the last major president of the 20th century.”―Ryan J. Barilleaux, Miami University of Ohio
“The conservative Christian who rarely went to church. That is the conundrum most pundits used to refer to Ronald Reagan when discussing his reltionship to religion. God and Ronald Reagan helps us finally come to grips wiht the man and the presidency taht was Ronald Reagan. From childhood to the Cold War, Paul Kengor has unearthed the Ropnald Reagan most of knew was there but which few of us had the chance to see. Enjoyable and enlightening.”―Gary L. Gregg, Ph.D., Mitch McConnell Chair in Leadership, director, McConnell Center for Political Leadership, University of Louisville
“Paul Kengor has addressed a critical issue in today’s study of the American Presidency: how religious background influences presidential decisions. This is a book particularly important to presidential scholars who are assessing President George W. Bush and how he too has interwoven his political and religious beliefs in presidential decisions.”―Shirley Anne Warshaw, Professor, Department of political science, Gettysburg College
Praise for A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century by Paul Kengor
"Kengor breaks new ground."—World magazine
"This book superbly captures and perfectly portrays the profound depth of the bond between John Paul II and Ronald Reagan."—Washington Times
"Dr. Kengor's book is extraordinary. . .A historical tome that is not only detailed, informative, and educational, but also inspiring and encouraging."—The Imaginative Conservative
"No Reagan biographer or scholar knows Ronald Reagan and conservatism like Paul Kengor."—Michael Reagan
"[Kengor] has written the most exhaustive and definitive account of Communism's twentieth-century assault on America to date."—Townhall
"Mr. Kengor's research is prodigious, his analysis keen and insightful, his writing clear, and his work distinguished. His command of the Reagan legacy is incomparable."—Tony Dolan, chief speechwriter and special assistant to President Reagan
"Kengor makes clear just how central the defeat of the Soviet Union was to Reagan's personal project."—National Review
"Combines great story-telling with his commitment to scholarly detail."—Peter Schweizer, bestselling author of Reagan's War
"[Kengor provides] more fascinating and never-before-reported details about how Ronald Reagan succeeded than any other Cold War historian. . . Kengor somehow got his hands on more secret documents than the KGB."—American Thinker
"Kengor has unearthed eye-popping new information that left me amazed."—Fred Barnes, Weekly Standard
"Provides authoritative insight into Reagan's campaign to destroy Soviet Communism."—Richard Pipes, professor of history, emeritus, Harvard University
"Kengor assembles a wealth of material."—National Catholic Reporter
"There are few historians who are closer students of the Reagan message, his thoughts, his utterances, and his convictions than Paul Kengor."—William J. Bennett, President Reagan's secretary of education
Praise for The Devil and Bella Dodd: One Woman's Struggle Against Communism and Her Redemption by Paul Kengor
“From Communism to Catholicism, Bella Dodd lived an incredible life. Mary Nicholas and Paul Kengor bring to life her walk from the dark side to the sunny path of faith in a Cold War saga of redemption.”—John Gizzi, White House Correspondent, NEWSMAX
“Bella Dodd is a seminal Cold War figure, a brave woman who fearlessly battled atheistic communism. She should not be forgotten. Finally, thanks to this work, she won’t be.”—Sebastian Gorka, Ph.D., NEWSMAX Host and former Deputy Assistant and Strategist to the President
“There is nothing hidden that will not come to light, as Bella Dodd proved after her reversion to the Catholic Church by revealing the extent of the communist conspiracy that she had helped to spread. Mary Nicholas and Paul Kengor have performed a great service by shining a new and delightful light on this remarkable woman.”—Michael Knowles, The Daily Wire
“The Devil and Bella Dodd is a powerful book about what happens when pernicious ideas grip a soul—and what happens when grace snatches her back.”—Julia Meloni, author of The St. Gallen Mafia
“I couldn’t put this book down. It seems timelier than ever as socialism continues to spread. But more than anything, it is a beautiful testament to the peace and love offered not by ideologies but by Christ and His Church.”—Carrie Gress, author of The Anti-Mary Exposed
Praise for The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism by Paul Kengor
“Combining the skills of great story-telling with his commitment to scholarly detail, Paul Kengor has written an important book that also makes for a fascinating read. The Crusader will not only entertain and inform, it will change minds.”—Peter Schweizer, author of Do As I Say Not As I Do and Reagan's War
“While many have tried, few have succeeded in telling such a complete history of my dad’s greatest triumph.”—Michael Reagan
“The Crusader is a masterpiece, painstakingly researched, filled with new evidence no one has seen.”—Michael Novak, author of Washington's God and former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission
“Provides an authoritative insight into Ronald Reagan’s campaign to destroy Soviet communism. Although I served as Reagan’s Soviet advisor in 1981 and 1982, there is information here of which I had been ignorant. Highly recommended as the story of one the most dramatic episodes of modern history.”—Richard Pipes, professor of history, Emeritus, Harvard University
“As in his previous work on Ronald Reagan, Paul Kengor’s latest book illuminates a side of the man evident only to those closest to him, including the deep influence of the man’s faith in his attack on atheistic Soviet communism. The Crusader is another important addition to our historical understanding of Ronald Reagan, his presidency, his policies, and the end of the Cold War.”—Bill Clark, National Security Advisor 1982-1983
Praise for The Worst of Indignities: The Catholic Church on Slavery by Paul Kengor
"Too often we hear that the Catholic Church tolerated—even endorsed—slavery in past centuries. In The Worst of Indignities, Paul Kengor obliterates this myth. He digs deeply into the Church's history to convincingly demonstrate how popes, saints, and theologians have consistently condemned this horrific and inhumane practice."—Eric Sammons, Editor-in-Chief of Crisis Magazine
"Slavery is as old as the human race, and it makes for a depressing study. Only with the rise of Christianity have people—saints—seen the possibility of its eradication. That is a far more hopeful story, told well in these pages by Dr. Kengor. The Worst of Indignities is a myth-busting history that's much needed right now."—Mike Aquilina, author of Africa and the Early Church: The Almost-Forgotten Roots of Catholic Christianity
"If you want to speak intelligently and honestly about slavery—past, present, and future—then you must read this book. It is indispensable. In our confused and confusing (and dishonest) times, Dr. Kengor has done the Church and the world a great service by writing a book that is careful, thorough, honest, and rigorous."—Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., Ph.D., host of "The Catholic Current" on The Station of the Cross Media Network
"Paul Kengor tells 'the rest of the story'—recognizing that the Church's historical role in ending slavery was not an ecclesiastical Black Legend but the neglected account of her role in advancing slavery's end."—John M. Grondelski, Ph.D., independent scholar and National Catholic Register Columnist
Praise for Dupes: How America's Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century by Paul Kengor
"Nothing short of horrifying. . .In terms of putting the last 100 years in perspective, Dupes may be one of the most significant literary offerings of our time."—Washington Times
"Bears witness to how digging for detail can yield not only clues to the past, but insights for the present. . .[Kengor] has written the most exhaustive and definitive account of Communism's twentieth-century assault on America to date."—Townhall
"Kengor presents an utterly invaluable study. . .Read Dupes and you'll understand how we finally won [the Cold War]—and how very close we came to losing."—Peter Robinson, speechwriter to President Reagan, host of Uncommon Knowledge
"Dupes is an enormously important book that will forever change the way you think about liberals and how they deal with America's enemies. Kengor has unearthed eye-popping new information that left me amazed and a bit frightened."—Fred Barnes, executive editor of the Weekly Standard
"A brilliant work. . .Read Dupes from cover to cover. It's that important."—WorldNetDaily
"Kengor's illustrations of dupery in his new book are plentiful. . .Perhaps most importantly, Kengor places the 'dupe' phenomenon beyond its Cold War context, linking it to current events such as Islamic terrorism."—Human Events
"A detailed, riveting history of those who were duped into serving the enemy. Dupes is not to be missed!"—Peter Schweizer, bestselling author of Clinton Cash
"During my time as Ronald Reagan's national security adviser, we saw the crucial need to stand up to the Soviets and the international Communist movement. Too many people on our side, while well-itentioned, did not see that need and were often misled. At long last, here is a book that explores this intriguing and troubling aspect of the Cold War."—William P. Clark, Reagan national security adviser
"Kengor applies meticulous research to peeling back the layers of lies and obfuscation the American Left has used for years in claiming that its associations with the Soviets and other tyrants were just coincidental. . .A great contribution."—Larry Schweikart, bestselling author of A Patriot's History of the United States
"A book so fascinating and so revealing that I couldn't put it down. Kengor gives us a fabulous tour of Communist dupes in America from FDR through SDS, Carter, Kerry, and Ted Kennedy. The gullibility of FDR and others would be comical if it weren't so tragic for U.S. foreign policy. Key American leaders, as Kengor shows clearly, ultimately strengthened and extended the life of a totalitarian regime that thrived on deceit, oppression, and mass murder."—Burton Folsom Jr., author of New Deal or Raw Deal?
"An extraordinary book that alters our understanding of the twentieth century."—Herb Meyer, special assistant to CIA director William Casey, 1981–1987
Praise for 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative by Paul Kengor
"No Reagan biographer or scholar knows Ronald Reagan and conservatism like Paul Kengor. If you want to know what's really meant by 'Reagan conservatism,' Paul Kengor is the guy and this is the book."—Michael Reagan
"Paul Kengor has done a great job and great service capturing the essence of Reagan's economic ideals. As someone involved with Reaganomics, and particularly tax cuts, I am especially pleased with Kengor's treatment of the subject. We need to properly understand what happened under Ronald Reagan in the 1980s—most notably, the enduring value of his tax cuts, which were a cornerstone of Reagan conservatism. This book gets it right. Nicely done."—Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, founder and chairman of Laffer Associates
"Dr. Paul Kengor's work on Reagan continues the great president's legacy wish to teach, as well as lead. Kengor's keen analysis of Reagan's conservatism will inform and inspire the next generation of conservative leaders as they take up the mantle of the sacred realities that so inspired the Gipper. Respect for individual, adherence to the virtues of the family, lower taxes and a less burdensome government are the values that Reagan fought for, and the standards that should direct the path of his acolytes that follow. Dr. Kengor has proven he is one of those acolytes who will ensure that the legacy of Reagan never dims."—Senator Rand Paul, (R-KY)
"A clear, concise outline of President Reagan's approach to politics—and a roadmap to victory for today's conservatives."—Herb Meyer, Special Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence and Vice Chairman of the CIA's National Intelligence Council during the Reagan Administration
"Ronald Reagan presents the rare combination of forward-looking with a back-to-basics foundation. No one captures Reagan's practice better than Paul Kengor, and his latest effort is an indispensable guide for everyone who wishes to extend the Reagan legacy for the next generation."—Steven Hayward, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Presidents: From Wilson to Obama
"Few writers have studied and written about Ronald Reagan more comprehensively than Dr. Paul Kengor. None offers a clearer view of the personal compass (core beliefs) that guided Reagan the man, the conservative leader and, the most successful President in modern history. In 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative, Kengor spells out the timeless tenets that made Reagan unique in his time, and that can also revive our spirit, enlighten and inspire our people, and restore our purpose to rebuild a strong America for our future."—Bently Elliott, former director of White House speechwriting under President Reagan
"After eight years with Ronald Reagan as his chief speechwriter, I can say without hesitation that Paul Kengor—far better than most current historians or journalists—understands the Reagan heart and mind. Mr. Kengor's research is prodigious, his analysis keen and insightful, his writing clear and his work distinguished. His command of the Reagan legacy is incomparable."—Tony Dolan, chief speechwriter and Special Assistant and Deputy Assistant to President Reagan
"It's really a handy volume for the young people who won't read longer ones. Paul Kengor reminds us of the building blocks of successful modern conservatism. He adds and multiplies to bring us back together with Ronald Reagan's basic principles that are unifying for all of us. Paul Kengor reminds us of what ties us together. His discussion of Ronald Reagan's principles will inspire future generations to come together and promote a true conservative future. Kengor is a noted authority on Ronald Reagan. This slim volume distills the principles of Reagan for future generations to learn and apply for rebuilding a free society."—Ed Feulner, retired President of The Heritage Foundation
"There are few historians who are closer students of the Reagan message, his thoughts, his utterances, and his convictions than Paul Kengor. In this primer of Reagan principles, Kengor offers us the heart of the Reagan vision."—Bill Bennett, Former U.S. Secretary of Education; host of the nationally syndicated radio show Morning in America
"What is a Reagan conservative? That's a question that I, as a Reagan conservative and a Reagan biographer, get asked frequently. It's also a question that few self-described conservatives truly understand. And yet, with all the books on Ronald Reagan, this is the first to undertake an answer. Paul Kengor, himself a Reagan conservative, lays out 11 principles of Reagan conservatism. This book couldn't be more timely and more needed as conservatives look desperately for the next generation of genuine Reagan conservatives."—Craig Shirley, Reagan biographer and New York Times bestselling author
"This succinct statement of the Principles of a Reagan Conservative, presented with a highly laudatory preface by Edwin Meese III, is sharp and well conceived. In this season, while we wait and pray for another Reagan, now in a time as dire as when Reagan took office amid domestic and foreign crises of the worst sort, this book will help us sort out the wheat from the chaff. It is not ideological purity that Reagan sought, but fidelity to practical, well-tested and proven principles. So many were against him, derisive and mocking. He smiled at them and continued in his quiet, courageous way, all the while careful never to violate the Eleventh Commandment: Speak ill of no other conservative—it takes all types."—Michael Novak, 1994 Templeton Laureate
"Paul Kengor has written an elegant primer on what Ronald Reagan believed, how he implemented so much of what he believed, and how it benefited the Republic. Here is essential reading for all who would vote for a better America."—R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr., founder and Editor in Chief of The American Spectator
"Writing with admirable clarity and concision, Paul Kengor identifies the bedrock convictions of the greatest Reagan conservative of them all: Ronald Reagan himself. This is an impressive overview of Reagan's political philosophy, which once moved a nation and might do so again, if those who invoke his name truly grasp what he stood for."—George H. Nash, author of The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 and other studies of the American Right
Praise for Takedown: From Communists to Progressives, How the Left Has Sabotaged Family and Marriage by Paul Kengor
"Paul Kengor offers a lively, yet sober, analysis of the most controversial social issue of our day, gay marriage. He traces the intellectual origins of the movement to redefine marriage, and how it has unfolded in recent times. His analysis of how the contributions of left-wing thinkers and political operatives found their way into mainstream American thought is masterful. Importantly, Kengor examines the way leading Catholic figures, such as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, saw how the destabilization of marriage and the family was aided by, and served the interests of, Communism. This is one of the book's greatest strengths: Kengor's weaving of the political with the cultural. Takedown deserves a major place in all future discussions on this subject."—Bill Donohue, Ph.D., President Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights
"Paul Kengor does an excellent job of tying historic events and personalities together to make a coherent tale of what happened to America in the 20th century, from John Dewey and his effect on public education, to Herbert Marcuse and the Communist influence, to Betty Friedan and the feminists’ attack on marriage and motherhood, and to the voices of sanity from Dr. Fred Schwarz and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen."—Phyllis Schlafly, president, Eagle Forum and author of twenty-four books
"America has been waiting for this book. History has been waiting for it. Takedown irrefutably documents that today’s leftist war against the traditional American family is rooted in Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto, which preaches the abolition [Aufhebung] of family. . .I am glad Paul Kenkgor is not politically correct. I hope his Takedown will hammer another nail in the coffin of Marxism."—Lt. Gen (r) Ion Mihai Pacepa, author of Disinformation
"Kengor’s depth of scholarship combined with a light style make Takedown a “must read.” He shows what Marx only dreamt of but Lenin planned and set in motion with the Frankfurt School, their academic allies (Margaret Mead, Wilhelm Reich, Herbert Marcuse), activists (Margaret Sanger, ’60’s feminists, The Weathermen) and finally the President of the United States. These all worked to change the West’s view of sexuality. Already they have achieved more than Marx ever dreamed of or any ordinary American thought possible—the destruction of the American family. The fall of the Berlin Wall may have seemed like the end of Marx but he is having the last laugh as his progeny tears down the our nation, law by law and family by family. Every parent, pastor, teacher and professor needs to be given a copy of this book."—Pat Fagan, Director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute, a division of Family Research Council
"Takedown is an explosive and significant book. While I respectfully disagree with some of Professor Kengor's conclusions, his work shows that the dark dream of an all-powerful government with officially enforced equality is both a cause and effect of the weakening of the family. In the process, he exposes aspects of the international left that may shock even careful students of recent history."—Michael Medved, nationally syndicated talk radio host
"Classic Kengor: researched; readable; and rivoting. This time, Paul Kengor connects the dots showing that the current push to redefine marriage is not some isolated end, but rather a coordinated means used for a larger ideological end: undermining the family and related mediating authorities so as to unleash an increasingly Leviathan State. Following the footnotes leads to one unmistakable conclusion: the Left and their Progressive friends focus on the family . . . in order to destroy it. Learn the truth; refute the error."—Jeffery J. Ventrella, J.D., Ph.D., senior counsel, senior vice-president Alliance Defending Freedom
"Very few people know how many generations the war against the family has been being fought, how intensely, how seriously. Paul Kengor, in short taut chapters, brings the outline up to date. Kengor includes many colorful first-person passages from enemies of marriage, and he pushes back with a certain brio of his own."—Michael Novak, 1994 Templeton Prize winner, editor of The New Consensus on Family and Welfare and author of many essays on the family
"Everyone should read this book, especially those conservatives who think they can support genderless marriage and other alternative family forms. Paul Kengor makes very clear the Leftist and Statist, big-government roots of these ideas."—Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D. Founder and President, The Ruth Institute
"Americans will be astounded to learn the history of the movement to undo the institution and definition of marriage, and its ultimate purposes. Takedown is a powerful documentary in an accessible book, and the one most critical to engage in our time, to face what comes next."—Sarah Liaugminas, host of A Closer Look and author of Non-Negotiable
"Takedown by Paul Kengor switches on the krieg lights to expose the shadowy theoreticians and practicioners who have undermined marriage for over a century. Kengor’s careful research shows that the hammer used to smash the House of Marriage has been invariably accompanied by the sickle used to cut the power cables. If you want to understand the ideology behind the “sudden” juggernaut against the millennia-old definitions of marriage and family, get this book."—Patrick Coffin, host of Catholic Answers Live and author of Sex Au Naturel: What It Is and Why It’s Good For Your Marriage
Praise for The Judge: William P. Clark, Ronald Reagan's Top Hand by Paul Kengor
“Bill Clark was at Ronald Reagan's side during some exciting and challenging times. This book is an insight into a man who, though perhaps not a household name, served our country well. He will always have my respect for all he did for the United States of America."—President George H. W. Bush
"Under sometimes difficult circumstances, Bill Clark knew how to make friends—even with Democrats. I am proud to have been one of them."—President Jimmy Carter
“Readers of this book will see that Bill Clark not only served Ronald Reagan as counsel, close advisor, and friend, but at times as a form of conscience. This is not only a great book about Bill Clark but a great book about my dad. No one who worked for Ronald Reagan knew him like Bill Clark, and that fact comes through in this book. I learned more about my dad in this biography than probably any other. The Judge is not only informative and eye-opening but a riveting read. I couldn't put it down.”—Michael Reagan
“It's now more than time that Bill Clark get full recognition for all that he did with and for Ronald Reagan. He was one of the most influential people in Washington...He was enormously important in the achievement of the President's goals and his success—including during the governor years—but that's generally not known today.”—Casper "Cap" Weinberger, Former Secretary of Defense
“With the coming of The Judge we now have the definitive Reagan-era biography...Judge Clark was Ronald Reagan's only real friend and soul-mate. These two men operated on the same wavelength for thirty years...Best of all, the insights into key movements of Reagan history is unique. No one else had the access. This is the definitive history. Do not miss it; its a great read.”—T. C. Reed, Former Air Force Secretary, and author of At the Abyss: An Insider's History of the Cold War
