"These letters--intimate and intellectual, personal and
political--offer stunning insights into Taft's presidency and the
broader time period. Gould's introductions provide invaluable
historical context, with expert insights on key policy issues.
Reading this volume one gains an unmatched appreciation for the
development of the modern presidency, and for the difficult
relationship between the impressive figures who occupy this office
and the almost inhuman demands of executive leadership. Taft's
letters reveal how a man of intelligence and integrity struggled to
lead a powerful nation."--Jeremi Suri, author of Henry Kissinger
and the American Century"Nellie Taft has long been seen as one of
our most involved first ladies--ambitious to advance her husband's
career and shrewd at sizing up his opposition. President Taft's
letters to her show how much he valued her counsel and support. Why
else would he update her on tariffs, mull over his chances for
reelection, and confess his worries about his weight and his golf
scores? Lew Gould has produced a superb editing of the letters,
using his thorough knowledge of the Taft years to help the reader
identify obscure players and put events in context. The book adds
an important dimension to the Taft presidency, mixing political
maneuverings with behind the scenes gossip."--Betty Boyd Caroli,
author of First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle
Obama
"This collection of 113 previously unpublished letters from Taft to
his wife, Nellie, exposes the uncertainty and struggles experienced
by the 27th President. Edited by Gould, the book shows Taft to be a
compelling, avuncular personality who happened to be ill suited for
the job at hand. Taft conveys his increasing frustration with
former friend and new competitor for the 1912 election, Theodore
Roosevelt; his thoughts on tariff and election reform; and
rationales behind his frequent vetoes of congressional
bills."--Library Journal"Taft's letters to his closest adviser and
confidant, his wife, Helen, do show a man of thoughtfulness,
decency and conscience."--Ohioana Quarterly"Should stand as
standard works and valuable resources for those interested in the
twenty-seventh presidency and his wife."--H-Net Reviews
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