Our Country's Presidents (National Geographic)

A full update of the popular Our Country's Presidents offers the same fascinating and comprehensive profiles of the nation's first 42 Presidents, plus an all-new profile of George W. Bush and, if applicable, his successor. In this family reference volume filled with period paintings and vibrant photographs, meet the country's most powerful statesmen and share the highlights of their administrations. Find out why George Washington gave up his life as a Virginia planter to lead a nation, and why John Tyler was nicknamed "His Accidency." Walk with the Presidents through wars, depressions, civil rights movements, and the race for space. Follow the party politics of Democrats, Republicans, and Whigs. Tour the White House where Abigail Adams hung laundry in the unfinished East Room, where the Garfield sons held pillow fights, and where silk-gowned hostesses still entertain royalty. Even meet the latest White House resident, newly-elected (or re-elected) President ?! New thematic spreads, new pictures, up-to-date historical context, and up-to-the-minute Presidential achievements make this new volume even richer than the last. Our Country's Presidents includes in-depth profiles on each of the nation's 43 (or 44) Presidents. Introductory paragraphs list each President's major accomplishments right up front before launching into a more detailed account of his life and administration. Background historical information is provided as needed and all political terms are explained. Raised quotes from letters, speeches, and diaries help reveal the men who have led the United States and the world. Periodic thematic spreads designed specifically to educate and entertain kids provide additional information on government, American politics, electoral process, First Ladies, kids in the White House, and more. Easy reference fact boxes include information on the Presidents' political parties, Vice Presidents, birth, inauguration and death dates, nicknames, and other fun facts. "Geographic scene" and "Selected landmarks" make the National Geographic connection. Sixteen all new pages allow room for the most recent events-from 2004 election results to a look at the war on terror. A foreword from the newly elected President of the United States sends a message to students straight from the Oval Office. An expanded introduction gives an excellent background on American democracy and the institution of the Presidency. Updated and expanded back matter offers students a full resource guide of places to visit, web sites, books, articles, and videos on the American Presidents. Several new thematic spreads add exciting information. "Presidents at War" traces the role of the Commander-in-Chief from the Revolutionary War to the war in Iraq. A spread on Vice Presidents takes a closer peek at the often-overlooked number two spot. "Presidential Landmarks" features a brand-new comprehensive map of Presidential sites to visit, from monuments to Presidential libraries to famous retreats of the First Families. The book is illustrated with spectacular photography and art of the Presidents' lives and times, including all the official portraits of the Presidents, additional official and personal photographic material, political cartoons, artifacts, plus numerous images from each historical era to give flavor of period. Historic spreads with photographic period montages place the Presidents in the context of their age. A handsome design and stunning reproduction of historic imagery makes the book a pleasure to look at, as well as to read. Our Country's Presidents is an authoritative volume on a topic of general interest as well as an essential resource for students who study American history.

Ann Bausum is an award-winning author of American history. She wrote three prior National Geographic books (see "Previous Titles" below). She lives in Beloit, Wisconsin.