Exit With Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan (Right Wing in America) [Hardcover]

William E. Pemberton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0765600951 | ISBN-13: 978-0765600950 | Publication Date: May 8, 1997

Few presidents have sparked as much interest in recent years as Ronald Reagan, already the subject of a large number of biographies and specialized studies. This concise biography, based on the latest research into the Reagan archives and synthesis of the large memoir literature that has appeared in the past decade, explores the shaping of his values and beliefs during his childhood in the American heartland, his leadership of the American conservative movement, and his successful political career culminating in the first two-term presidency since Dwight Eisenhower. Pemberton finds Reagan's personal career and ability to understand and communicate with the American people admirable, but finds many of the long-term effects of his presidency harmful. This is the first complete survey of Reagan's life for a general audience, and the first book to make use of the Reagan Library archival sources.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Presidential biographies don't get better than this one. In ten comprehensive chapters, historian Pemberton, the author of previous biographies of Harry Truman and George Bush, covers the life and multiple careers of Ronald Reagan as well as his place in U.S. political history. Writing from a centrist interpretation, he presents both the positives and negatives of Reagan's personality, along with his successes and failures. Disagreeing with most historians, Pemberton views Reagan as successfully championing most middle-class voters, restoring their pride in country, Reaganomics notwithstanding. Remarkable for its balance and brevity, this biography deserves a place in both general and special collections. Highly recommended.?William D. Pederson, Louisiana State Univ., Shreveport
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American

Teachers of the American presidency and political buffs in general will welcome publication of this outstanding biography--whether supportive or critical of the Reagan presidency. ... The author presents both the positives and negatives of Reagan's unusual political personality, and his successes and failures. ... Remarkable in its balance and brevity, this book deserves a place in all libraries.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: M E Sharpe Inc (May 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765600951
• ISBN-13: 978-0765600950
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,585,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine one volume biography of Reagan, March 10, 2007

By 

Jack Lechelt "Jackyred" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan (Right Wing in America) (Paperback)

There aren't too many "fair and balanced" opinions out there on Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and GW Bush. This book on Reagan by Pemberton comes as close as most to some semblance of objectivity. No book comes close to the quality and objectivity of a recent president as does Cannon's "President Reagan: Role of a Lifetime." But Pemberton does a fine job in covering Reagan's entire life in a small number of pages (214 of text).

I used the book in an American government class and I thought it was readable for the students and told the larger story of the 20th century. Reagan's life, whether one agreed with him or not, in many ways represented the story of the 20th century. After WWII, the nation embraced FDR and his policies. In time, with the Great Society and the rise of anti-communism, the nation stepped away from the liberal label. Contrary to what many on the right believe, the nation never embraced conservatism to the same degree it embraced the New Deal, but changes did occurred. And the end of the Cold War was another huge event. The left and right will always argue over the impact Reagan had on the end of the Cold War, but Pemberton did well in presenting the many different theories. He also was quite fair in analyzing Reagan's budget and tax policies, which are also still debated today.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars short and to the point, September 18, 2000

By 

Rocco "jmbsacdc" (Moscow) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan (Right Wing in America) (Paperback)

If you are searching for an opinionated book on Reagan, than this is not the book to read. If it is general information with a few suprising tid-bits that you seek, than this book is worth your time. Pemberton tries his best to give an objective analysis of Reagan throughout this book. His thesis is that Reagan's up-bringing, job/co-worker influences, and general attitude toward life and the American people shaped his ideas for running the nation. Pemberton covers all the stops, from Reagan's mother's influence, to his radio career, to his acting career, to his governorship, to his presidency. Pemberton gives the facts about the Iran Contra mess and leaves it to the reader to decide Reagan's involvement. If you do not know much about Reagan, and you seek information but not opinions, than this book is an excellent resource that reads well.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars So-So look at Reagan, lacks depth, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Exit With Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan (Right Wing in America) (Hardcover)

The book is just over 200 pages of text, so detail is obviously lacking. In addition some statements/ideas are repeated verbatim, as if I didn't get the point. If you are somewhat interested in the 80's or Reagan this is a decent starting point. Think of it as the Cliff Notes on Reagan.