Strong Presidents by Philip Abbott
Strong Presidents is a fascinating discussion of presidential thought processes. Like Barber's study of personality, the author relies heavily on speeches and writing that often predate these "poets' " presidencies. This is an important effort that shows the early ambition of these future presidents to succeed. In this sense, Abbott offers a fascinating evolution of the thought processes of some of the strong poet-presidents. More than half of the book is devoted to three "monumental" presidents: Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt. Of course, much prior work exists on these presidents and, presumably, it would be impossible to garner this same amount of evidence on less poetic presidents: however, we need to know more about the huge residual category to better understand the difference between the strong and the weak, the latter of whom are ignored here. Abbott wonders whether strong presidents are necessary or desirable for the public good and draws implications about the strong presidents' misreading their predecessors, thereby creating substantial obstacles for their successors.
Abbott, Philip: - PHILIP ABBOTT, Professor of Political Science, Wayne State University, specializes in the history of American political thought and culture. His many books include Political Thought in America: Conversations and Debates (1991), The Exemplary Presidency: FDR and the American Political Tradition (1990), The Liberal Future in America (co-editor, Greenwood, 1985) and Furious Fancies: American Political Thought in the Post-Liberal Era (Greenwood, 1980).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780870499319 |
| ISBN 10 | 0870499319 |
| Title | Strong Presidents |
| Author | Philip Abbott |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | University of Tennessee Press |
| Year published | 1996-09-12 |
| Number of pages | 296 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |