Dear Mr. President: Letters to the Oval Office from the Files of the National Archives

By Dwight Young and Brian Williams

Book Overview

Drawn from the extensive holdings of the National Archives--which includes all of the Presidential libraries--these carefully chosen letters remind us that ours is a government "of the people, by the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792241851
• ISBN13: 9780792241850
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: National Geographic
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 0.8" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A special look at American history and culture, through the eyes of the people

This book was pretty good. It did at times seemed a bit vague and I felt there could have been more to it. It was very interesting and a great way to see how people put their emotions on paper to our presidents throughout history. It really shows how people were feeling in times of great struggle and great triumph and how by writing a letter to the president, they were taking part in their nation and trying to make an impact. It was an amazing way to look at some of the National Archives treasures.

The National Archives Opens Its Treasure Trove

Dear Prospective Book Buyer, Anyone who's ever visited the National Archives temple in D.C. has probably wondered what unknown treasures are hidden away in its recesses. In that respect, this book -- a collection of letters written to a variety of presidents (and their wives) -- is a genuine gem. Reading through these, I was struck at the excellent job the book's editors had done in getting a wide variety of material from throughout our nation's history. In emotional tone they range from children asking for help with cleaning their rooms ("My mom says it's a federal disaster zone") to bereaved mothers sharing poignant remembrances about their sons lost to war. Kudos also to Dwight Young for his informative and often witty commentary that accompanies and illuminates the manuscripts. Particularly interesting is the variety of stationery used throughout the years, all faithfully reproduced here in their original form, with accompanying translations when necessary. Letters are written in crayon, or beautiful calligraphy, or are carved into wood blocks, and one is even painted. One of my favorites was a witty letter from Churchill to FDR typed on the British prime minister's spare and elegant letterhead. Best regards, Bart King Portland, Oregon

Dear Mr. President; Letters to the Oval Office

A great insight to the culture, personalities, and word usage in the early history of the United States.

Purchased for a gift

The gift receiver has thanked me twice for the book. He has enjoyed it very much.

Great, fun book

This is a great book of a collection of letters written over the years to various presidents. National Geographic looked over the national archives to find the most memorable letters written. There are serious letters in here, such as Jackie Robinson to Dwight D Eisenhower to take action on Civil Rights, from relatives of people serving in Pearl Harbour and some cute letters from a lot of kids. There is even a letter from Fidel Castro when he was 12 to F.D.R asking for a $10 bill. In here is a letter from one kid called Brian Williams hoping to one day go to the White House. Well he is now the NBC Nightly News reader and over his journalistic career, has gone to the White House many many times (he also wrote the forward). This is a fun read - one that's moving, humourous, touching and really interesting. (Elvis fans - theres also a letter from him in here too).