The Unfinished Presidency: Jimmy Carter's Quest for Global Peace

by Douglas Brinkley

Book Overview

Jimmy Carter isn't the first American president to become more popular after leaving the Oval Office than when he served in it; even Richard Nixon managed a semi-rehabilitation in the post-Watergate... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067088006X
• ISBN13: 9780670880065
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 586 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Very Well Written, Informative Book!

If you are even slighly interested the post-presidential career of Jimmy Carter, this book is a great work of art! I knew that President Carter was a hard working, great man; I just did not realize How Hard Working, Caring, and Diligent President Carter actually is. He is defintely a man that is a great role model for all people that are interested in running for a political office, or wish to live peacefully on planet earth. Mr Brinkley does a fabulous side of pulling us in to the Carters' world, educating us, and entertaining us. This is a GREAT book!

Gives the Carters their due

Who would have thought back in 1980 that Jimmy Carter would not only reclaim a great reputation, but that his accomplishments and public standing since losing to Ronald Reagan would be so much better than during his years as U.S. president? Brinkley does a tremendous job both at detailing what Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done in the last 15+ years and at getting to the core of what motivates their actions and their lives. Brinkley's examination of the Carter's strong Christian beliefs is a good reminder that there is a moral Christian majority in America that doesn't need the divisive tactics of Jerry Falwell or Phyllis Schlafley and simply opts for practicing what they preach, so to speak. Love him or hate him, Jimmy Carter has always been true to his visions of a better America. To see him put those visions to work instead of fading into the sunset is inspiring, and this book goes a long way in showing how he and Rosalynn Carter did it.

Balanced, interesting book

I loved this book. It struck me as an honest portrayal of a yes, flawed (aren't we all?) but well meaning fascinating individual. I like how it wasn't purely idolatry. Brinkley states when Carter gets angry, or how he snapped at a particular individual, or when his views caused problems for others. It's nice to find a biography written that way.Jimmy Carter is a fascinating individual. You may not agree with his political views, but as Brinkley says, even his critics agree that his post-presidency has been exemplary. Please do yourself a favor, and set your political views aside, and dive into a fascinating portrayal of a rare individual who lives his life and beliefs.

Excellent look at an incredible man

This book provides insight into the life of Jimmy Carter after his defeat to Reagan in 1980. Every chapter divulges new aspects of Carter's amazing post-presidential life. Brinkley has managed to present an accurate picture of Carter that does not gloss over or mock his faith. Well done!To the below reviewer who wrote that "Carter has not done an intelligent thing since leaving office", I would say that you are entitled to your opinion but you obviously did not read this book. To make such an assertion needs factual backing. You can say that Carter failed as a civilian ambassador but you cannot deny that he and his Carter Center helped forge peace, eradicate numerous illnesses, free thousands of political prisoners, and inspire millions. That is a viscious, partisan attack and has no place in a review of this book. Interesting to note that outside of the US, world leaders and people would heartily disagree with any assessment of Carter that fails to acknowedge his monumental contributions to peace and human rights. I defy you, after reading this book, to list a single modern president who has done more than Jimmy Carter.

Book gives an excellent insight on Jimmy Carter

This book is outstanding. I was stupid enough to fall for Reagan in 1980, and I voted for Reagan in 1980. What an idiot I was voting for this immoral man. Carter, on the other hand, is a sincere and goodhearted person; he has a heart of gold. The reader below from NYC obviously didn't even read the book. I did, and I highly recommend it.