Pledging to deliver captivating, timely reading and great breadth of information, The Handy Presidents Answer Book addresses more than 800 questions relating to the presidency. These range from why presidents refused to act against states’ rights to extraordinary powers taken by presidents during times of war, as well as actions in times of boom and bust, isolationism and expansion. Foreign policy questions address Washington’s controversial neutrality, the Monroe Doctrine (and later expansions), the Cuban Missile Crisis, the War in Iraq, and much more.

Arranged in twelve topical chapters, the questions begin with background on the Executive branch and the official duties of the president. Then the gloves and top hats come off to address presidential candidates, campaigns, and elections—including lively accounts of deals, slogans, and controversies, from smoke-filled rooms to election night surprises … and recounts.

Six chapters fully cover presidents in office, answering intriguing questions on personal characteristics, leadership styles, relationships with the people and the press, and, of course, the first ladies. Details on administrations include vice presidents and outstanding and notorious figures; social and economic programs; foreign policy; relations with Congress; and the presidency and the judiciary, from Marbury v. Madison to modern judicial appointment controversies. Handy Presidents also focuses on times of crisis (illness,death, and scandal) and legacies of the residents, including historical and contemporary evaluations.

As a bonus for presidential devotees, Handy Presidents devotes a section to presidential trivia. Here are revealed the shortest and tallest president; presidential pets—including the goat one president’s son used to pull his wagon around the White House; why one president bathed in a specially constructed tub; and other matters of national importance. The book concludes with a listing of presidential sites and landmarks, a timeline, and a bibliography of print and web sources. More than 100 illustrations and a variety of charts, tables, and figures round out the book.

Roger Matuz • 7.25" x 9.25" • paperback • 600 pages • 100 photos and illustrations • September 2004 • ISBN 1-57859-167-8 • $21.95 ($32.95 Can.) • Political Science, History and Biography