The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan [Hardcover]

James C. Humes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 2007

Humes brings together the best observations and opinions of the Great Communicator. Spanning one-liners, anecdotes, zingers, and little-known stories, this collection also includes commentary about Reagan from friends and foes as well as an analysis of his best speeches.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

From Hollywood to the White House, the "Great Communicator's" Great Words

Ronald Reagan is more than a revered and popular president--he is a hero to millions, beloved as a persuasive leader who inspired America and shaped the future more than any other modern president. Reagan's everyman insight--stemming from his unique background as actor, sports broadcaster, and labor leader--make him America's most quotable president. In The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan, author James C. Humes brings together the best observations and opinions of the "Great Communicator." Spanning one-liners, anecdotes, zingers, and little-known stories, this collection also includes commentary about Reagan from friends and foes as well as analysis of his great speeches. The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan is an exceptional tribute to America's adored fortieth president.

From the Back Cover

A sample of Reagan's wit & wisdom

Reagan on Taxes:

"The taxpayer--that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take a civil service exam."

Reagan on the Cold War:

"We win; they lose."

Reagan on Welfare:

"I think the best possible social program is a job."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing (October 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596980451
• ISBN-13: 978-1596980457
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( R ) > Reagan, Ronald

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully nostalgic treat that can make a wonderful gift., January 2, 2008

By 

Craig Matteson (Saline, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan (Hardcover)

If you love and miss Ronald Reagan, this is a book that will feed your nostalgia while providing a warm glow to your day. The author has been a speechwriter and the author of several books, so he knows how to select great words. James C. Humes organizes the book in eight short chapters.

Chapter 1 provides quotations from the Gipper. They are a sentence or two on a wide range of topics (and are arranged alphabetically by topic). Chapter 2 is a collection of quips and jokes and also organized by topic. Chapter 3 provides brief comments by Reagan on world leaders and a few historic figures. Chapter 4 presents brief statements by friends and enemies about Reagan. For example, we are reminded that it was Margaret Thatcher who said he won the Cold War without firing a shot and Pat Schroeder who called him the Teflon President.

Chapter 5 consists of short anecdotes about Reagan's life and career. Chapter 6 puts some of Reagan's best zingers in their true historical context (which the media tries to twist and distort and forget - because they are invested in the notion that Reagan was a dunce. History is taking a much different assessment of the man and his two terms as President). Chapter 7 presents some of Reagan's best stories. They reveal a great deal about his beliefs and his character. Chapter 8 presents excerpts from his best speeches and provides some information about the context in which the speech was given and its effects. Again, this helps undo some of the work the liberals in the media do to insult and undermine his memory.

While much of the material Reagan used was not original with him (some of it is), he delivered it masterfully and had keen insight on when to use it for best effect. This book is not only an enjoyable read, it makes a great gift for anyone in your life who is fond of Reagan or someone you want to learn about how great and effective a President he was.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm. Reminiscent. Revealing., November 22, 2007

By 

Jeffrey E Ellis (Naperville, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan (Hardcover)

The WIT & WISDON OF RONALD REAGAN is warm, revealing and reminiscent of better days. Among this generation of politicians, Reagan shines all the more brightly as a leader of character, confidence, and common sense. Although the media vilified and derided him during his Presidency, America loved him.

The book contains many well-known quips and quotes of "the Gipper" including some which shook the world: "...tear down this wall" and the "evil empire" speech. Others amused and delighted us. "Honey, I forgot to duck". Through it all, the President conducted himself with humility, grace, and wisdom.

"Reaganonomics" was mocked by economists, liberals and the press. But it worked. The economic policies Reagan started with the 1982 tax cut and promoted through his two terms fueled unprecedented economic growth which is still driving the economy today.

From foreign policy to fiscal policy, Reagan stands tall. History will remember Reagan as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. This book helps us remember why.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Reagan, August 31, 2008

By 

M. Stark (Round Rock, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wit & Wisdom of Ronald Reagan (Hardcover)

An amazing President with a keen sense of what to say and when to say it! His quips and one-liners were timely, humurous and extremely insightful! This book was a pleasure to read and will remain on my bookshelf for many years to come.