Presidential Inaugurations [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Paul F. Jr. Boller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2001

Paul Boller's hugely admired anecdotal histories have consistently shown us new aspects and undiscovered sides to the lives of presidents and those around them. Presidential Inaugurations is no exception, as it illuminates the new life of the president from the moment he is elected to the moment he takes office.

As might be expected from the most knowledgeable observer of American presidents, every chapter brings fresh delights that range from the sublime to, inevitably, the ridiculous. Boller accompanies Lincoln on his mysterious first entrance into Washington and renders the poignancy of FDR's last inauguration. There is the surprising appearance of Tallulah Bankhead at Truman's inauguration and the charming report on Eisenhower's 1953 inaugural by Jacqueline Bouvier.

Highlighting inaugural moments from 1789 to 2001, Presidential Inaugurations presents the United States displaying its pride, its passions, and its prejudices as it greets a new leader.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Boller Jr. (Presidential Anecdotes, Presidential Campaigns) here examines the events and controversies surrounding Presidential inaugurations. While some critics see Boller's work in general as "Presidency-lite," he is to be applauded for bringing to a general audience an engaging and entertaining work that is accessible to the public at large. Written with elegance and wit, this is a wonderful addition to the very thin literature available on Presidential inaugurations and is thus a valuable contribution to the field. Examining many of the human-interest stories behind the inaugural ceremony, Boller looks at how the President-elect got to Washington, DC, the often inclement weather, the inaugural addresses (most of which are quite forgettable), the swearing-in ceremony, the evolution of the parade and balls, and a host of other interesting aspects of this oft-neglected national spectacle. This fine book will be of wide interest to the attentive public. Michael A. Genovese, Loyola Marymount Univ., Los Angeles
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Emeritus Texas Christian University professor Boller specializes in presidential trivia; his previous books include Presidential Anecdotes (1996), Presidential Campaigns (1996), and Presidential Wives (1989). In this volume, he departs from the chronological approach one might expect; after a discussion of the precedent-setting first inauguration in 1789, he offers topical chapters. His subjects include the selection of inauguration day, problems posed by weather over the years, and the elements of the inauguration process: the night before, the morning procession, the formal installation of vice president and president, inaugural addresses, and receptions, parades, and balls. Boller closes with sometimes telling vignettes, a list of inaugural "firsts," and a selection of inaugural wisdom. A number of Boller's previous volumes have been book-club selections, so libraries should anticipate interest in his latest effort. Mary Carroll
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• ISBN-10: 015100546X
• ASIN: B0000C7C3F
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,323,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Its Party Time, June 19, 2004

By 

John G. Hilliard (Toronto Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Presidential Inaugurations (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light, but a great read on history, March 11, 2002

By 

J. Liesenfelt (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Presidential Inaugurations (Hardcover)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Potpourris of Presidential Inaugural Trivia -- A Fun Read, December 21, 2001

By 

steven bieda (Warren, Michigan, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Presidential Inaugurations (Hardcover)

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.