Encyclopedia of the American Presidency Unabridged V2

The American presidency as an academic discipline and a multidisciplinary approach to the study of American history is outstandingly served by this comprehensive, accessible resource. The 1011 articles by 335 authorities are all signed and conclude with current, useful bibliographic citations. The longest articles, averaging seven to ten pages, focus on the philosophy and major policies of the presidents and the events occurring during their administrations. Not all contributors are academics, but all are recognized experts. Lou Cannon ( Washington Post ), and Gerald Seib ( Wall Street Journal ) present excellent surveys of the Reagan and the Bush administrations, respectively. Elizabeth Drew's analysis of the early stages of the Clinton years is also good but will become quickly dated; in addition, it includes only one bibliographic citation, Putting People First , the president's campaign piece. Shorter articles on First Ladies, cabinet members, and politicos provide detailed information often difficult to find. Articles on quirky, provocative topics, including presidential pets, flag desecration, coattail effects, and dirty tricks, show how deeply ingrained America's highest office is in popular culture. Thorough articles on cabinet departments and briefer ones on the institutions surrounding the presidency trace the evolution of the office over two centuries. Finally, the detailed index and a logical arrangement of topics are excellent features. By looking under the heading "Election, Presidential," for instance, the reader will find a complete discussion of the issues, parties, nominees, and the results and impacts of all elections from 1788. While the less expensive The Presidency Volume 3-4 is a good ready reference, it is far surpassed by the depth and writing of this set. The wealth of information, authoritatively explained and logically and conveniently presented, thoroughly justifies the price.