A Higher Purpose: Profiles in Presidential Courage

By Thomas J. Whalen

In the American political system today, courage and the presidency are rarely spoken of in the same sentence. Forgotten is the wisdom of Andrew Jackson: "One man of courage makes a majority." Thomas J. Whalen's A Higher Purpose seeks to prove the truth behind Jackson's words by relating the stories of nine historic decisions made by commanders-in-chief over two centuries of American history. From Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation to Theodore Roosevelt's confrontation with the business trusts, these vignettes show how some of our presidents have demonstrated the capacity to place their political lives on the line for a higher purpose.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566636302
• ISBN13: 9781566636308
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Ivan R. Dee
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.1" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

An important survey key to any library strong in political science.

Nine historic decisions made by Presidents over two centuries of American history chart key episodes which show how these presidents demonstrated the ability to place their political careers on the line for the greater good of the nation they served. Chapters consider how these principles thwarted partisanship, special-interest influences and even public opinion, and make for an important survey key to any library strong in political science. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch