I have to congratulate Richard Reeves on writing a biography of Ronald Reagan that I found myself enjoying. Yes I know how could a biography based on the Presidency of such boringness be interesting? Well it is.
President Reagan: the Triumph of Imagination is a good read that follows Reagan for the eight years he was in power. Say what you will about the man, and this book hasn't changed my views much, Reagan was in power during some important events. America's troubled relationship with South and Central America, the decline of Russian power, the rise of Gorbachev, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and others.
Reeves does a good job of providing a balanced view of Reagan, there is no attempt to show him as a political master in charge at all times. In fact the book gives the impression that Reagan was only brought in at the last minute to rubber stamp things. But there were also things that Reagan was good at, especially persuading senators to vote for bills.
So, put your preconceptions on hold and pick up this book, it may not change your view of Reagan but it will give you a better understanding of how Washington works.
President Reagan: the Triumph of Imagination is a good read that follows Reagan for the eight years he was in power. Say what you will about the man, and this book hasn't changed my views much, Reagan was in power during some important events. America's troubled relationship with South and Central America, the decline of Russian power, the rise of Gorbachev, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and others.
Reeves does a good job of providing a balanced view of Reagan, there is no attempt to show him as a political master in charge at all times. In fact the book gives the impression that Reagan was only brought in at the last minute to rubber stamp things. But there were also things that Reagan was good at, especially persuading senators to vote for bills.
So, put your preconceptions on hold and pick up this book, it may not change your view of Reagan but it will give you a better understanding of how Washington works.
No comments:
Post a Comment