Ronald Reagan: An American Hero [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author), Nancy Reagan (Contributor), William F. Buckley Jr. (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001

A photo essay on the life and times of America's 40th President. "He did not adjust his beliefs to conform to prevailing political winds.... Instead he spoke directly from his heart to the hearts and minds of the American people. And, in doing so, he initiated the greatest love affair between an American President and his constituents in recent history." -- Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Even before he made the White House his home, Ronald Reagan spoke for the American people, capturing the hearts of small-town citizens and world leaders alike. His remarkable career in public life, spanning over fifty years, began in the Midwest, as a student leader and sports broadcaster, then in Hollywood as an actor and long-time director of the Screen Actors Guild, later as governor of California, and finally, as president of the United States. His legacy, too, is extraordinary: In the eight short years as president, Ronald Reagan presided over epochal international changes and ushered in unparalleled peace and prosperity--not only to his country but the world. Ronald Reagan: An American Hero is the story of Ronald Reagan's trials and triumphs, the story of his character and vision and values. It's the love story of a man for his wife, his country, and the world--the story of his unquenchable passion for liberty and life itself. Over 500 archival and full-color images, including many never-before-published photographs from Nancy Reagan's private collection and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, chronicle the milestones of America's fortieth president. Punctuating this visual history are close to 200 quotes from world leaders, actors, journalists, family, and friends who bear testimony to the greatness of the man who, for millions, has become an enduring American hero.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This loving, even worshipful, tribute to America's 40th president is a visually stunning work of art. Packed with over 500 photographs, many previously unreleased from Nancy Reagan's private collection, memorabilia, magazine covers on which he appeared, and even his belt buckle collection, this is a fitting celebration of a man who touched people around the world. There are brief remarks written by Mrs. Reagan and William F. Buckley Jr., as well as short essays on key points in Reagan's life, but the focus is on the images. And what images they are! Whether wading into a crowd wearing his trademark grin or giving a speech at the Berlin Wall, the man's charm and grace are clearly evident in these photographs. In looking them over, it appears that no one can stand near him without smiling.

"Not since Lincoln, or Winston Churchill in Britain, has there been a president who has so understood the power of words to uplift and inspire," Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Great Britain at the time, said of Reagan. Appropriately, this book highlights dozens of quotes for which Reagan is fondly remembered, including the humorous and self-deprecating quips such as "I consider all proposals for government action with an open mind before voting 'no'" and "It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure why take the chance." In addition, over 200 quotes from a range of world leaders, cabinet members, journalists, family, and friends speak to the man's character and vision and bear testimony to why he was one of the most beloved American presidents of the 20th century. --Shawn Carkonen

Review

Beautiful.... You will find it almost impossible to put down! (Billy Graham) This books truly captures the spirit of [a] great man, our beloved President Reagan (Elizabeth Dole, former secretary of transportation, president of the American Red Cross) To open this book at any page is to meet an old friend radiating the vigor and hope with which he infused the nation. The book is as big and colorful and stirring as the life it celebrates. (George Will, Washington Post) A fine tribute to the greatest American president of modern times. It will be treasured by all Ronnie's friends and countless admirers. (Lady Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain) A pictorial masterpiece. (Larry King, CNN's Larry King Live) A handsome new book... (Daily Oklahoman)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st Ed. (U.S.) edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789479923
• ISBN-13: 978-0789479921
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Absorbing!!!, July 7, 2001

By 

ZAZA SIAMASHVILI "Reaganesque Republican" (Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Ronald Reagan: An American Hero (Hardcover)

I will start by saying that I have to admit that I am biased while writing this review as I have been a Reagan admirer and fan for more than two decades. Especially, I am NOT an American citizen! I am from Georgia, one of the constituent republics of the former Soviet Union, i.e. Evil Empire and belong to the millions who were liberated by this Cowboy President. President Reagan is a true hero and his values, his vision and his voice always reached us. This books will absorb you by its contents and fabulous pictures. There is also an interesting thing that you will notice - the book will remind you of the published version of some video titles about Ronald Reagan!! I have every video titles about him and never get tired by watching them! Buy this book and you will be absorbed by the vision, values and goals he had set as objectives when he came to the office. You will also share the humor he always had. I have many books about him and some of them are illustrated but none of them is so exhaustive as this one. I am truly appreciative of the work the Reagan Foundation has done to publish this book. It is NOT honoring just our beloved President, it is honoring US - by keeping us aware of what we are and what we happened not to become. We got rid of so many tragedies and catasrophs, just because there was always a man who never was afraid of bear!! Thank YOU Mr. President and Thank you for those wonderful things you envisioned!!! Thank you for your ideals, for your vision and your everlasting optimism.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New American Coffee Table Centerpiece, June 24, 2001

By 

John F. Reing (Doylestown, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ronald Reagan: An American Hero (Hardcover)

This compendium of pictures and narative covers the life and times of Ronald Reagan, Americas 40th President. It is an excellent review of the many differnt stages that Ronald Reagan stood on and from which he influenced so many people. It contains pictures of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra and many others from his Hollywood days, as well as pictures from his days as Governor and President. Of course, there's a picture or two of his soulmate Nancy. Something I found interesting was the inclusion of a page of pictures of the various political buttons and paraphenalia from his political campaigns.

There are many books published on the life and the presidency of Ronald Reagan. However, this book contains no right wing or liberal slant. It is a wonderful book for a young adult to pick up on a rainy afternoon and browse through. The changes that occurred in America and the world during Reagan's years in the White House, the love affair that Americans and others around the globe had with this charasmatic leader of the 80's, are all captured here. It brings history alive and .... it belongs on your coffe table.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bigger than LIfe!, March 9, 2002

By 

Jerome S. "The Old Referee" (Northampton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ronald Reagan: An American Hero (Hardcover)

I am still working my way through this marvelous collection of pictures and anecdotes. I do not usually highly rate this type of offering but this book is different. It captures President Reagan as he was, bigger than life, a true leader of men. This one wil stay on my bookshelf long after I complete reading and viewing it.