Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden [Large Print]

By Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Book Overview

"From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and some have changed as America has changed. ... The authors' ... research has uncovered never before seen historical facts based on private correspondence and newly discovered documentation, such as George Washington's troubled relationship with his mother. In [their book], O'Reilly and Dugard present 45 ... entertaining and insightful portraits of each president, with no-spin commentary on their achievements--or lack thereof. Who best served America, and who undermined the founding ideals? Who were the first ladies, and what were their surprising roles in making history? Which presidents were the best, which the worst, and which didn't have much impact?"--

• Format: Library Binding
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1420516817
• ISBN13: 9781420516814
• Release Date: October 2024
• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
• Length: 16 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

There is 'Spin,' But Not Much

This is a good, historical read on the history of the U.S. presidents, giving an overview of each administration's backstory, history, and legacy. There are a lot of gems in here that stuck with me, and I thoroughly enjoyed most of it. The "No Spins Assessments" in the title is mostly true until it gets to 2016-2024, then it turns into the usual, opinionated jargon I expect from Bill O'Reilly. There certainly is a lot of 'spin' going on at this part, but before this there is none. Aside from an ending that will age badly, and doesn't fit the tone of the novel as a whole, this book is an honest snapshot of American history. If you enjoy presidential history you will most likely enjoy this one.

Know What your president had for Breakfast !

Confronting the Presidents wasn't a bad read actually, it had some fun facts and surprisingly interesting moments from the lives of various presidents. It's definitely written at an elementary level, offering more of a light overview than deep historical insight. The book mostly covers the basics of what each president did during their time in office but also dives into quirky details like what they ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are a few genuinely funny or unexpected moments sprinkled throughout for example, when Thomas Jefferson reportedly called John Adams a hermaphrodite. That kind of humor adds to the entertainment value, even if it’s not the most scholarly account. Overall, while Confronting the Presidents isn't much of a learning experience in the academic sense, it’s still an enjoyable and easy read. If you're looking for something casual, with a few laughs and light historical trivia, this book might be worth picking up.

Junior High Level

It is frustrating that people can rate a book w/o leaving a review. This book is Cliff Notes for those who want a quick, non- cerebral outline of US presidents. The title makes no sense, the book contains factual errors, the endless footnotes are irritating, and the closing remarks are extremely biased. Yes, it's light and somewhat informative, therefore the 3 stars, but hardly a "must read." A further irritant is the use of the meaningless PC term, "African American," and the author's' repeated assumption that inclement weather causes illness.

Truth at it’s BEST!

I was gifted this book for my bday & I’m buying one for my daughter as well!!! Every American Citizen should read this!!