American Presidents

The entries in this look at the American presidents start with folklore about each leader but quickly move on to a fact-filled explanation of his time in office that is understandable to students of high school age and older and general interest users. Each summary contains a few black-and-white illustrations, including political cartoons; a list of cabinet members; political party; and sidebars about the first lady. An alphabetical roster of the presidents can be found in both volumes, following the table of contents. The index in the second book is very detailed. Volume 2 features a glossary of terms, a time line, and lists of first ladies, vice presidents, executive departments, cabinet members by presidents, and election returns. The only difference between the third and fourth editions, besides an added president, is that some of the entries on pre-World War I presidents have been shortened by a page, and a select number of the pieces on post-World War II commander in chiefs have been lengthened slightly. Lyle Emerson Nelson's American Presidents: 1789–2000 is more detailed about their youth and events during their lifetimes, but its format of breaking down the information by year makes it difficult to use.