Jimmy Carter as Peacemaker: A Post-Presidential Biography (Praeger Series in Presidential Studies) [Hardcover]

Rodney L Troester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0275954447 | ISBN-13: 978-0275954444

Jimmy Carter left the White House in January of 1981 in the wake of the Iranian hostage crisis, a faltering economy, and a stunning defeat at the polls. At the relatively young age of 56, Carter joined the elite fraternity of former presidents. When contemporary U.S. presidents have left office, they have generally written their memoirs, established their presidential libraries, served on corporate boards, or assumed elder statesman roles. Jimmy Carter has taken a different path, and this study demonstrates how the Carter post-presidency has redefined the role of former president and refurbished Carter's image. The author argues that Carter has shown that through active involvement in world affairs and humanitarian causes, and through the careful investment of post-presidential credibility and political capital, a former president can make significant contributions to a more peaceful world.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Examines the post-presidency of Jimmy Carter, arguing that through active involvement in world affairs and humanitarian causes, Carter has redefined the role of former presidents.

About the Author

ROD TROESTER is Associate Professor at Behrend College, Pennsylvania State University at Erie.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (June 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275954447
• ISBN-13: 978-0275954444
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,352,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unremarkable, July 3, 2009

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Cory Geurts (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jimmy Carter as Peacemaker: A Post-Presidential Biography (Praeger Series in Presidential Studies) (Hardcover)

A decade after the publication of this book, President Jimmy Carter released his own book about his post-presidential years entitled Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope. President Carter's 2007 book is not only newer, but it is also wider in scope and better written than this book. Following is why I highly recommend "Beyond the White House" over "Jimmy Carter as Peacemaker."

Author Rod Troester fails to provide a fresh or unique prospective on Jimmy Carter with this book. There is no critical discussion of Carter, and the author's sympathetic viewpoint comes through loud and clear.

Of course, those of us who love President Carter know what a positive difference he and Rosalyn and the Carter Center have made in the lives of millions people worldwide. It is nearly impossible to find fault with an ex-president who has worked tirelessly to eradicate disease and improve health in some of the world's poorest nations.

"Beyond the White House" extensively documents the post-presidential work of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. The book is eye opening about plague-like diseases and incredible poverty, yet it is inspirational and easy to read, and is stuffed with dozens of excellent pictures - everything from Carter with North Korea's Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il to African villagers.

Troester's book is a nicely written tribute and is well thought-out, but the author uses almost entirely secondary sources. He quotes about two sources in the text of each paragraph, which makes for very choppy reading. There is no need for a recap of newspaper articles and CNN news stories when you can hear a much more complete account directly from President Carter. Granted, the Troester book predates "Beyond the White House" by 10 years. But this short book is now dated, and offers no information that is not already available in "Beyond The White House."

There is no reason to pay $110.95 for this book when you can buy "Beyond the White House" - both the book and the Audio CD (read by President Carter himself), for under $25. Don't waste your time and money on this one.