Customer Reviews

Presidential Inaugurations

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I tend to have a soft spot for any book that covers a part of the American Presidency that is not widely covered. This book falls into that category. The author takes a look at the Presidential Inaugurations through the years and tells the reader many different stories relating to and gathered together based on a particular part of the day. He separated the book into chapters that dealt with a particular part of the day, from the swearing in to the parades and then the balls. He also gives the reader a nice list in the back that covered firsts that happed for each President and a nice sampling of memorable quotes from the Presidents speeches.

To his credit the author did not just cover the more popular Presidents, but really tried to dig up and present information on all the Presidents. He also did a nice job with comparing the different Presidents style and how that effected the planned events. I also enjoyed how the author lead us through history with each type of event and explained how they changed through history. It was interesting that the author was able to add in information about the Bush 2 events, but he did not overload the book with what would probably be the easiest President to cover given time frames of the event and the writing of the book.

The two areas that I would have liked more detail on would have been the respective costs associated with each of the events and more humor. On the humor side, I would not have expected any except that the author choose cover art that leads one to think they may be a few good laughs hiding between the covers and the dust jacket had comments as to how funny parts of the book were. Either I had a different copy of the book or the humor was too subtle for my senses to pick up. I would have also liked a few pictures, but I always do with a non fiction book. Overall the book was interesting and entertaining. It gave the reader a nice sampling of history around the event and the author was able to slide in some interesting facts about the individual Presidents personalities.

Boller has filled his book with a number of anecdotes covering Presidential Inaugurations from Washington to George W. Bush. All of the Inaugurations are described in neatly arranged chapters from picking the day, coping with the weather to the inaugural parades and balls.

Along the way, Boller details how much inauguration day has changed from the early 1800's to today. For example: in the 1800's, the morning procession was the big event, not the balls; dancing by the president didn't become fashionable until Lyndon Johnson took to the floor (I thought they all danced); and Washington knowing that everything he did, or didn't do, would set a precedent for future presidents.

Boller also gives you an insight into the President's mood on inauguration day: Calvin Coolidge exclaiming to his wife on Hoover's inauguration that, "it always rains on moving day." JFK leaving an inaugural ball to party with Frank Sinatra; and Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address. Boller also reviews the Vice-Presidents, be sure to check out the story of Charles G. Dawes lecturing the Senate during his Vice-Presidential inaugural speech!

The book is certainly not a serious piece of work, but that just makes its all the more accessible and most importantly, enjoyable.

Presidential Inaugurations by Paul F. Boller Jr. provides an important historical account of Presidential Inaugurations from George Washington to George W. Bush. This entertaining and often humorous work is a must have for individuals interested in the human side of politics and the history of the United States. This well researched work is well worth the modest list price, and it makes an excellent addition to the libraries of individuals interested in the history of the Presidency.

The author is leading presidential historian. This book is desired to really get a feel and understanding without being overly analytical and intellectualized. It can be humorous at times as well. I would have felt that the history of presidential inaugurations would have been better enhanced by visual images such as actual photographs or illustrations. Other than that, the author does a good job in detailing the history of everything from choosing the date, the first inauguration, the first inaugural ball, and other first that make the occasion both special and unique. It's an American tradition followed by rituals evolved over time. With the recent inauguration of President Obama, the book helps the reader understand how a President-elect becomes President. The book would be good for history buffs as well.

Funny, informative and full of great pieces of American history. You'll learn more about the famous presidents and a ton about presidents you rarely hear about (Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Taft). A great read for everyone interested in the intricate inuagurational history of the United States, highly recommended!