Ronald Reagan

the long version

Reagan's career is, like Lincoln's, mythologic from beginning to end. Providence held out for Ronald Reagan. The pitfalls are here recorded, though they do not slow down the momentum of life and destiny fulfilled. The book does not make light of an assassination attempted, or a conclusive illness contracted. But the narrative adamantly reflects the character and temperament of the man it celebrates, the sunny and resourceful optimist. The reader is here to luxuriate in the heroic aspects of a life that lent itself to the making of historical poetry, and happily agrees to be edged into fantasy. That life is captured by adroit text and recorded tributes from many of his countrymen; but, mostly, by pictures. These portray what journalist David Broder called "a kind of personal ease and charm that not only delighted his audiences, but disarmed his critics." The American whose "wit and grace he elevated to the level of legend." This resplendent volume is fit celebration of that legend, this legend. - William F. Buckley, Jr. - p. 24. Text and plentiful photos chronicle the life story of Ronald Reagan, including his youth, his years as an actor, his marriage to Nancy, and his experiences as governor and president.