Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir [Hardcover]

John C. Lungren M.D (Author), John C Lungren Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 2003

" With an introduction by Rick Perlstein Richard M. Nixon remains an enigma even thirty years after his resignation. Of the many portraits of this complex man, none have been more intimate or revealing than this memoir from his personal physician, friend, and confidante of more than forty years, John C. Lungren, M.D. Dr. Lungren, with his son and co-author John C. Lungren Jr., portrays Nixon as a paradoxical man -- intense, compassionate, guarded, intelligent, resilient, deeply religious, enormously successful but ultimately tragic. Lungren describes his battle to restore the president's health after his resignation and reveals previously unknown details about Nixon's two intensive hospitalizations, his near fatal vascular collapse, and his depression. Lungren experienced firsthand Nixon's thoughts and feelings during the public scrutiny of federal prosecution for his role in the Watergate break-in. Accused of shielding his friend, Lungren himself came under fire; his private office was even burgled in an apparent attempt to copy Nixon's private medical records. Using previously unpublished sources, original correspondence, and private photographs, Healing Richard Nixon places Nixon in a new light. No future research or conclusions about Nixon -- the man or the president -- will be complete without consulting this fascinating memoir.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Lungren describes the real Nixon, as he struggled with and ultimately overcame near-fatal illness, depression, and political ridicule to become an 'elder statesman' constructively advancing international stability." -- Choice

"Dr. Kevin Starr, state librarian of California" -- Fascinating.

"Rather than retelling the familiar facts, the authors provide a fresh perspective: that of Nixon's personal physician, a post the senior Lungren held from 1952 until the early 1980s." -- ForeWord

"Out of all the books written about President Richard Nixon, the Lungrens have authored one of the few chronicles I find to be totally accurate. Brings the reader a personal view of Nixon which only would be available to a long-time personal friend and a doctor who stayed within his code of ethics even under the pressure of Watergate." -- Herbert G. Klein, Former Nixon Administration White House Director of Communicat

"Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand all the dimensions of a great architect of peace." -- John H. Taylor, Director, Richard Nixon Library & BirthplacePerhaps no one c

"Valuable for its conversation about Nixon's medical ordeals. Dr. Lungren admires Nixon but recognized some of his faults." -- Library Journal

About the Author

The late John C. Lungren, M.D., became Richard Nixon’s personal physician in 1952.

John C. Lungren, Jr. is a former reporter for Knight-Ridder and author of Hesburgh of Notre Dame: Priest, Educator, Public Servant.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky (July 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813122740
• ISBN-13: 978-0813122748
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,579,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My thoughts, December 14, 2003

By 

Rick Morin (Fair Oaks, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir (Hardcover)

This is a wonderfully well-written book that gives the reader an insightful look into the post-resignation life of RMN. The unique perspective that only Nixon's personal doctor could provide is refreshing and makes for a very interesting read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A different take on Richard Nixon, February 10, 2009

By 

Denzil Minyard "denlee42" (Parkville, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir (Hardcover)

I have read several books about Watergate and have a three volume biography of President Nixon. Their coverage of his life was less than flattering. It was good to see that underneath the scandal and his colossal mistakes, he was really a decent man who loved his wife and daughters.

2 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars My Thoughts on "A Doctor's Memoir", September 18, 2003

By 

E. Emily Gray (Springfield, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Healing Richard Nixon: A Doctor's Memoir (Hardcover)

I recently read "Healing Richard Nixon", I found it to be factually flawed and written in a dull and redundant manner. The book implied on several occasions that Richard Nixon was unable to make decisions as a result of his overbearing and controlling Cheif-of-Staff,H.R.Haldeman. It should be perfectly clear to anyone who has ever researched Richard Nixon that he (Nixon) was always capeable of making his own decisions. Haldeman was not the driving force of Nixons insecurities, but was only an asset to the preexisting problem. If you are looking for an accurate portrayal of Nixon, you should look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a poorly written fictional novel, this is the book for you.