Customer Reviews

The President's Table: Two Hundred Years of Dining and Diplomacy

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Barry Landau's wonderful book deserves special attention as it covers an area, for the most part, largely ignored by historians. In addition to broad general appeal, this book will particularly interest history buffs, gourmands, socialites, collectors, and scholars. History is most truly enjoyed through the tangible items that provide us a connection to our past, as well as, the stories that make those from the past come alive and more human. Landau has masterfully connected the two elements and created a wonderful saga that threads its way through our country's major events, all through a unique lens. A tremendously enjoyable and elaborate presentation of American material culture interspersed with the historic stories of dining, grand celebrations, and the subtle nuances of diplomacy and politics --- often as major events unfolded over food and drink. Not only is it beautifully presented but the material, fondly collected over 40 years, is a resource and collection of the first order. It is lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully organized with succinct yet insightful descriptions of each administration. He knows his subject. Further, the author's credentials could not be more relevant. Barry Landau has had the unique opportunity to participate on the stage of which he writes. His mother, lovingly acknowledged in the book for sparking his lifelong interest and thus this book, would be proud. I am told he is now working on a second volume. Let's hope it is an equally engaging companion to this one, and that he doesn't wait long!

The President's Table is a book for the ages. It should be in every library and university for all those with an interest in American history and the Presidency. I've ordered 50 copies for all my friends for Christmas. It is both historical and beautifully illustrated with magnificent color images of all those unbelievably elegant Presidential menus. I never knew the President's menus were so luxuriously presented. I've always loved American history, and particularly the Presidency; this wonderful new book presents both against the intriquing worlds of American politics and international diplomacy. Mr. Landau presents his text from such an entirely new perspective, and makes it great fun to read. He uses the menus to move the story along, and does so deftly as an artist applying his brush to the canvas. BRAVO! It's a cross between The New Republic and National Geographic.

I have always enjoyed American presidential history, and this wonderful book gives a rare view of White House events. It's easy to find information about the presidents in the context of politics and history, but "The President's Table" shows the presidents entertaining guests 'at home'; a more intimate aspect of their public lives. The presentation is beautiful. The invitations and menus are great fun to read, and of course, the guest list is mind-boggling. (Oh, to have been there!)
Mr. Landau has done a brilliant job of assembling his material. It is rare to find a 'coffee table' book and a readable book all in one. It also is a perfect gift.

A history book both interesting and fun. If you are at all intrigued by American history, this is delicious, little sidelight, a small but richly entertaining detail of the American tapestry.White House entertaining, presidential menus and invitations from Washington to Bush from a man who has been to WhiteHouse dinners. And very nonpolitical: in this election season ,it offers a relief from difficult and confusing campaign rhetoric but still emerses one in the lighter side of world in Washington.I really enjoyed it.

Wonderful pictures showing all the dinning invitations to the White House categorized by presidencies. I am amazed at how much more beautiful previous era invitations were; printings on lace! The stories accompanying the pictures are so entertaining! Some pictures could be displayed bigger. This book does not contain recipes as in the "White House Cookbook."

If you appreciate the finer things in life, like art, culture, manners, china, silver, crystal, and damask, you will appreciate the painstaking collecting Barry Landau has accomplished over some six decades.
You will also appreciate his collection of stories about those who have resided at the White House and those who have visited it.

Great collection for deltologists (people that collect printed cards), the text is peppered with great anecdotes without being gossipy or vulgar. The only flaw; you will want more, specially in the china department, but for the price it wont dissapoint.

This is the second Christmas in a row that I have purchased multiple copies of this wonderful book to give to friends as presents. The response I got from the four friends that I gave the book to last Christmas made me realize that I had struck gold and I ordered 8 more books for this Christmas. Mr. Landau's unique style appeals to friends who love the wonderful photo's and enjoy reading the "insider stuff" about our Presidents and First Ladies, that neither they, nor I have found in any other book. The chapters and sections make it very easy to read a chapter at a time or jump ahead to a favorite President. We have enjoyed laughing at the stories and wondering what our current first family would make of them. I and my friends are amazed at how beautiful the invitations to the White House were early in our history. I hope that Mr. Landau is writing another book about the Presidency, he is getting a lot of fans one book at a time.

Barry Landau gives us an insight into the part of the history that is mostly unknown.
He shows us elegance, beauty and sophistication of that very common task as a dinner preparation is. All these fantastic dinners and interesting diners are now connected with vibrant bits of history.
This book seams as one of the greatest gifts you can find. Unless the receiver is completely blind or striped from any classy tastes, this is the winner.
I hope more to come.....

What a surprise to read such a well-written account of each presidential administration flowing into his successor's tenure. It was an unexpected joy to be drawn into the very well informed authors past research. The menu collection is outstanding and very much appreciated.