An American Life

By Ronald Reagan

Book Overview

Ronald Reagan 's autobiography is a work of major historical importance. Here, in his own words, is the story of his life--public and private--told in a book both frank and compellingly readable. Few presidents have accomplished more, or been so effective in changing the direction of government in ways that are both fundamental and lasting, than Ronald Reagan. Certainly no president has more dramatically raised the American spirit, or done so much to restore national strength and self-confidence. Here, then, is a truly American success story--a great and inspiring one. From modest beginnings as the son of a shoe salesman in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan achieved first a distinguished career in Hollywood and then, as governor of California and as president of the most powerful nation in the world, a career of public service unique in our history. Ronald Reagan's account of that rise is told here with all the uncompromising candor, modesty, and wit that made him perhaps the most able communicator ever to occupy the White House, and also with the sense of drama of a gifted natural storyteller. He tells us, with warmth and pride, of his early years and of the elements that made him, in later life, a leader of such stubborn integrity, courage, and clear-minded optimism. Reading the account of this childhood, we understand how his parents, struggling to make ends meet despite family problems and the rigors of the Depression, shaped his belief in the virtues of American life--the need to help others, the desire to get ahead and to get things done, the deep trust in the basic goodness, values, and sense of justice of the American people--virtues that few presidents have expressed more eloquently than Ronald Reagan. With absolute authority and a keen eye for the details and the anecdotes that humanize history, Ronald Reagan takes the reader behind the scenes of his extraordinary career, from his first political experiences as president of the Screen Actors Guild (including his first meeting with a beautiful young actress who was later to become Nancy Reagan) to such high points of his presidency as the November 1985 Geneva meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, during which Reagan invited the Soviet leader outside for a breath of fresh air and then took him off for a walk and a man-to-man chat, without aides, that set the course for arms reduction and charted the end of the Cold War. Here he reveals what went on behind his decision to enter politics and run for the governorship of California, the speech nominating Barry Goldwater that first made Reagan a national political figure, his race for the presidency, his relations with the members of his own cabinet, and his frustrations with Congress. He gives us the details of the great themes and dramatic crises of his eight years in office, from Lebanon to Grenada, from the struggle to achieve arms control to tax reform, from Iran-Contra to the visits abroad that did so much to reestablish the United States in the eyes of the world as a friendly and peaceful power. His narrative is full of insights, from the unseen dangers of Gorbachev's first visit to the United States to Reagan's own personal correspondence with major foreign leaders, as well as his innermost feelings about life in the White House, the assassination attempt, his family--and the enduring love between himself and Mrs. Reagan. An American Life is a warm, richly detailed, and deeply human book, a brilliant self-portrait, a significant work of history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 145162073X
• ISBN13: 9781451620733
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 752 Pages
• Weight: 2.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

To The Point

It reads more like a glossy Wikipedia page than a personal memoir, but I kind of like that every once in a while. It’s a quick read, detailed, and covers all of the main events in Reagan’s own words. It gave me a reinforced perspective of the 1980’s in the U.S.

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Arrived on time Interesting

Simply Fantastic

After President Reagan passed away, I realized that I didn't really know all that much about him. News reports on how great a man he was sent me on a search for more information. Ronald Reagan: An American Life is turned out to be a great read and a history lesson to boot. President Reagan wrote this book as if he was writing to friends or family. It is very warm and welcoming (if a book can be described that way). I was immediately drawn in and comfortable reading about everything from his childhood to his two terms in office.This book came out fourteen years ago, but is a definite case of better late than never. I am glad to have read this book and would recommend it highly!

The Greatest President of the 20th Century

This is the definitive book by and about a truly great leader, and a great man. Ronald Reagan came to office at a time when America desperately need a man of his strength and character. After a decade of downturn - particularly the Carter malaise years, Reagan renewed our faith in ourselves and our nation. Today's conservatives - especially our so-called "leaders" - need to read this book.Ronald Wilson Reagan - Ronaldus Magnus - will be missed, and we may never see his like again.

Ronaldus Magnus

In this 1990 autobiography, ex-President Ronald "Dutch" Reagan tells the story of his life, from his birth in Tampico, Illinois in 1911, to the end of his term as President of the United States in 1988. Moving along with a gentle humor and an unpretentious openness that endeared the "Gipper" to a nation, the book gives the reader a fascinating look into the real life of America's fortieth President. I must admit that I am far from impartial when it comes to President Reagan. I came of age during the Carter malaise, and the advent of Ronald Reagan seemed like a complete rebirth of the country to my young mind. In this wonderful autobiography, Mr. Reagan takes you into his heart and mind, showing you the forces that formed him and the steps he took to form the world.If you do not like President Reagan, then I am confident that you will not like this book - people rarely write autobiographies to expose startling and upsetting facts about themselves. But, if you are a fan of Ronaldus Magnus, then you will LOVE this book. I know I did. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

This book really helped me get to know Ronald Reagan the man

As a generation Xer, my growing-up years were the 80's, and this book helped me put all the things I'd heard one the news as a youngster into perspective. It's neat getting the history from one of the people who were making history at the time, such as the president. They have a unique view and insight into the events of the time. What I also liked is how Ronald Reagan presented his life story and how it led to his presidency, and the philosophies his parents tought him about life and politics. Again, another great insight into the man. I came out feeling what a humble leader he was, and though he made mistakes, he always wanted what was best for the people of this country who he was serving.