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The best biographies and memoirs of U.S. presidents
Explore the lives and careers of America’s 46 presidents.
Published on February 5, 2024
Washington: The Indispensable Man
James Thomas Flexner“Washington” is Flexner’s standalone abridgment of his four-volume, Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of America’s first president. It includes the essentials of Washington’s life as a youth, a military man, and Founding Father. With plenty of detail and delightful turns of phrase — “His lack of surface vivacity allowed other young men to cut him out with many a pretty girl” — Flexner’s work shows why American history, with its lofty goals and inevitable shortcomings, is so engaging.
John Adams
David McCulloughFounding Father John Adams became the second president of the United States, and many years later, the recipient of luscious treatment from one of the greatest historians of our time. McCollough expertly weaves humanizing details throughout the biography, including excerpts from letters and diary entries written by Adams. This biography inspired a 2008 HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti.
Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson
Alan Pell CrawfordThomas Jefferson is one of the most fascinating figures in American history, and while most people know plenty about him — like that he acquired about a third of America’s landmass with the Louisiana Purchase — you’ve never seen him in such an intimate light as “Twilight at Monticello.” Crawford focuses on Jefferson’s years after the presidency to grapple with the complications of his legacy.
James Madison
Richard BrookhiserOur fourth president was fundamental in establishing the dominance of the Republican Party (what would later become the Democratic Party) that continued for over 20 years. Brookhiser briskly takes you through all of Madison’s accomplishments while also offering glimpses of the president’s flaws.
Founding Rivals: Madison vs. Monroe, The Bill of Rights, and The Election that Saved a Nation
Founding Rivals: Madison vs. Monroe, The Bill of Rights, and The Election that Saved a Nation
Chris DeRoseJames Madison and James Monroe were pivotal in shaping the future of the United States long before either man became president. This in-depth history about their competition for a seat in Congress gives a unique perspective on the personalities that forged a nation.
James Monroe: A Republican Champion
Brook PostonThough often overshadowed by his fellow Founding Fathers, James Monroe’s presidency was chock-full of accomplishments, including the Monroe Doctrine and his instrumental role in the Louisiana Purchase. Poston offers an engaging historical account of Monroe’s life and career, including his defining legacy as an American patriot.
Martin Van Buren: The story of our two-party system: Martin Van Buren did much to create the political party establishments we have today. Experts Barbara Bair and Mark Cheathem, along with Washington Post reporter Chris Cillizza, examine his mark on modern politics.
Martin Van Buren: The story of our two-party system: Martin Van Buren did much to create the political party establishments we have today. Experts Barbara Bair and Mark Cheathem, along with Washington Post reporter Chris Cillizza, examine his mark on modern politics.
PresidentialIf you want to learn about each president without reading a ton of lengthy biographies, listen to the “Presidential” podcast from “The Washington Post.” This episode covers our 8th president, Martin Van Buren, including his role in founding the Democratic Party and how he helped establish America’s two-party system. Host Lillian Cunningham is joined by historian Barbara Bair, political history author Mark Cheathem, and “The Post”’s own Chris Cillizza.
William Henry Harrison: Great song, horrible death: Washington Post humor columnist Alexandra Petri, along with Barbara Bair and Dr. Philip Mackowiak, deconstruct Harrison's transformative presidential campaign and debunk the myth of what killed him after only 32 days in office.
William Henry Harrison: Great song, horrible death: Washington Post humor columnist Alexandra Petri, along with Barbara Bair and Dr. Philip Mackowiak, deconstruct Harrison's transformative presidential campaign and debunk the myth of what killed him after only 32 days in office.
PresidentialThere are few biographies of William Henry Harrison, who only served a month as president before his death. In this episode of the humorous “Presidential” podcast, Lillian Cunningham and “Post” columnist Alexandra Petri discuss Harrison’s background and the legacy of his untimely death. As Cunningham notes, Harrison was “the first president to ever die on the job, raising a ton of questions that the Founding Fathers hadn’t quite thought through about what’s supposed to happen in that scenario.”
John Tyler, the Accidental President
James Noggle“His Accidency,” “traitor president”: John Tyler’s ascendance to the presidency in the wake of Harrison’s death, after only being vice president for a month, gave him some colorful titles. Crapol writes less a biography and more a thorough examination of Tyler’s time of accidental presidency, paying particular attention to his pro-slavery stance and his beliefs in manifest destiny.
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America
Walter R. BornemanPresident James Polk feels somewhat like a mythical creature in this day and age: He declared he would only serve as president for one term, and he accomplished all the goals he had laid out for his campaign in those four years. Though Polk’s methods and beliefs were contested even at the time and only grow more questionable with age, it’s clear author Borneman holds great admiration for America’s largely overlooked 11th president.
Zachary Taylor: Soldier of the Republic
Prof. Holman HamiltonHamilton extensively researched President Zachary Taylor, reviewing historical records as well as traveling to relevant locations, to write his comprehensive two-volume biography. “Soldier of the Republic” skillfully weaves the tapestry of Taylor’s military career (his true passion) before he turned to politics. Be sure to read volume two, “Soldier in the White House,” for the complete picture of Taylor’s life and legacy.
Millard Fillmore: Teaching the obscure presidents: Should we teach the presidency of Millard Fillmore? What do we lose if we don't? Historians Jean Baker and James McPherson, along with Washington Post education reporter T. Rees Shapiro, tackle these questions in our 13th episode.
Millard Fillmore: Teaching the obscure presidents: Should we teach the presidency of Millard Fillmore? What do we lose if we don't? Historians Jean Baker and James McPherson, along with Washington Post education reporter T. Rees Shapiro, tackle these questions in our 13th episode.
PresidentialThis episode of “Presidential” covers Millard Fillmore, one of the lesser-known presidents of the United States. You’ll hear historians and a “Post” reporter discuss Fillmore’s life, as well as the importance of learning about each president in history — even the less exciting ones.
Franklin Pierce: Alexis and Elliott delve into the life of a handsome yet disappointing president, number 14, Franklin Pierce. They speak to a presidential grief specialist about how Pierce dealt with a tragic death two months before his inauguration, examine how the...
Franklin Pierce: Alexis and Elliott delve into the life of a handsome yet disappointing president, number 14, Franklin Pierce. They speak to a presidential grief specialist about how Pierce dealt with a tragic death two months before his inauguration, examine how the...
Presidents Are People Too!This episode of “Presidents Are People Too!” explores the life of Franklin Pierce and the defining moments of his altogether inadequate presidency, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the subsequent uprising in Kansas. This podcast is hosted by TV writer Elliott Kalan and historical author Alexis Coe.
I Am James Buchanan: He's the President that is on the bottom of most lists. But why? And is it fair? What did he think about his place in history? We talk about POTUS 15 and look at the events of the run-up to the American Civil War, and we hear...
I Am James Buchanan: He's the President that is on the bottom of most lists. But why? And is it fair? What did he think about his place in history? We talk about POTUS 15 and look at the events of the run-up to the American Civil War, and we hear...
My History Can Beat Up Your Politics“My History Can Beat Up Your Politics,” a podcast dedicated to giving historical context to political issues, dives into President James Buchanan. Learn about his White House tenure — one that is often eclipsed in fame by other presidents — and the years preceding the Civil War. You’ll even hear Buchanan’s side of things through excerpts from his personal memoirs.
Lincoln
David Herbert DonaldDonald’s exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s character unashamedly portrays our 16th president’s capacity for evolution and growth, illustrating the traits that made it possible for someone so inexperienced to become one of the greatest leaders the United States has ever seen.
Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy
David O. StewartFrom the award-winning author of “The Summer of 1887” comes the equally-riveting account of President Johnson’s impeachment trial. Johnson had big shoes to fill after the assasination of President Lincoln, and his shortcomings weren’t taken lightly. With Lincoln’s legacy at stake, Congress sought to impeach Johnson on a technicality. Stewart’s talent as a writer and knowledge as an attorney shine in “Impeached,” a book that paints Johnson’s supporters and detractors in a new light.
Grant
Jean Edward SmithSmith’s biography is one of the best about Ulysses S. Grant, the renowned military general and mediocre president. Adding richly to the 18th president’s story, Smith explores details of Grant’s history that other biographers only include in passing. Learn how Grant went from a failed farmer and impoverished firewood salesman to a leader of the Union forces in the Civil War and then a calm, collected president through Reconstruction.
Fraud of the Century: Rutherford B. Hayes, Samuel Tilden, and the Stolen Election of 1876
Fraud of the Century: Rutherford B. Hayes, Samuel Tilden, and the Stolen Election of 1876
Roy Jr. MorrisControversial elections aren’t a modern political marvel. In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden faced off in an unprecedentedly volatile election. Learn how Tilden won the votes, but Hayes secured the presidency in this fascinating, fast-paced account of political drama and corruption.
Rutherford B. Hayes: Alexis and Elliott explore the life of president number 19, Rutherford B. Hayes, and investigate how a seemingly decent man turned into possibly the worst president ever. Alexis and Elliott speak to author and historian Roy Morris Jr. about the stolen...
Rutherford B. Hayes: Alexis and Elliott explore the life of president number 19, Rutherford B. Hayes, and investigate how a seemingly decent man turned into possibly the worst president ever. Alexis and Elliott speak to author and historian Roy Morris Jr. about the stolen...
Presidents Are People Too!This “Presidents Are People Too!” episode is about Rutherford B. Hayes, our 19th president who is remembered as one of the worst. Hosts Elliott Kalan and Alexis Coe interview historians about the most notable events of Hayes’ presidency, including a stolen election and worker strikes.
James Garfield & the Civil War: For Ohio and the Union
Daniel J VermilyaBefore his presidency and untimely assasination, James Garfield demonstrated his bravery and patriotism as a Union soldier. Vermilya’s details on Garfield’s early life and military career provide context for his time as the nation’s 20th president.
The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
Scott S. GreenbergerDespite doubts about his ethics (from himself and the American people), Chester Arthur rose above his questionable background to become a president rooted in honesty and integrity. Greenberger gives an engaging account of Arthur’s redemption — a change largely attributed to encouraging letters he received from a determined woman named Julia Sand.
Grover Cleveland: The American Presidents Series: The 22nd and 24th President, 1885-1889 and 1893-1897
Grover Cleveland: The American Presidents Series: The 22nd and 24th President, 1885-1889 and 1893-1897
Henry F. GraffGrover Cleveland is the only president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, making him our 22nd and 24th president. Late author Graff — historian, professor, author, and editor — offers an overview of Cleveland’s attempts to restore the presidential reputation, as well as his unprecedented decision to return to the White House after Benjamin Harrison’s term.
The President Is a Sick Man: Wherein the Supposedly Virtuous Grover Cleveland Survives a Secret Surgery at Sea and Vilifies the Courageous Newspaperman Who Dared Expose the Truth
The President Is a Sick Man: Wherein the Supposedly Virtuous Grover Cleveland Survives a Secret Surgery at Sea and Vilifies the Courageous Newspaperman Who Dared Expose the Truth
Matthew AlgeoWhen journalist E. J. Edwards reported President Cleveland had undergone a secret surgery aboard a yacht in 1893, his claims were rejected and scorned. Years later, we now know that Edwards was correct. Cleveland was battling cancer and had a tumor surgically removed in secret. Author Algeo reveals this largely-unknown bit of history, offering an exciting exploration of journalism and medicine in the late 19th century.
Benjamin Harrison: The president as conservationist: Benjamin Harrison was the first U.S. president to use his position to try to save a species, the fur seal. He also set aside more than 13 million acres of forest reserves. This episode looks at the roots of conservation as a presidential responsibility.
Benjamin Harrison: The president as conservationist: Benjamin Harrison was the first U.S. president to use his position to try to save a species, the fur seal. He also set aside more than 13 million acres of forest reserves. This episode looks at the roots of conservation as a presidential responsibility.
PresidentialYou’re forgiven if you don’t know anything about President Benjamin Harrison (grandson of President William Henry Harrison), who was widely known in his time to be a bore, overshadowed by his family’s legacy. This episode of the “Presidential” podcast touches on Harrison’s much-maligned weaknesses, but mostly heralds his wins in nature conservancy. (Thanks to President Harrison, America has many beautiful national forests.)
President McKinley: Architect of the American Century
Robert W. MerryWilliam McKinley served two terms and ushered America through the turn of the 20th century before his assasination, though his careful, calculated nature is upstaged by Teddy Roosevelt’s grandeur in most historical accounts. Merry (“Where They Stand: The American Presidents in the Eyes of Voters and Historians”) excels at bringing McKinley to the forefront, shining a light on his accomplishments and strong moral character.
Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
David McCulloughThis multiple award-winning biography (by acclaimed author McCullough) is a vivid, moving portrait of Teddy Roosevelt’s life, beginning with his frequent health scares in childhood. McCullough enlightens us with fascinating details about Roosevelt’s family and the challenges that strengthened his character. “Mornings on Horseback” is a complete picture of Roosevelt as a person, not just a president.
The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism
The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism
Doris Kearns GoodwinHostile press relations aren’t just an upshot of modern presidencies. Pulitzer Prize-winner Goodwin explores Theodore Roosevelt’s “complex and sometimes contentious partnerships” with investigative journalists in this riveting story of Roosevelt and Taft’s once-close friendship, ultimately dismantled by political competition.
William Howard Taft: The American Presidents Series: The 27th President, 1909-1913
Jeffrey RosenWilliam Taft was Roosevelt’s hand-picked successor (Taft would have preferred chief justice over commander-in-chief), though it soon became clear they had many differences of opinion. Rosen’s installment of the “American Presidents Series” dives into Taft’s timid nature, his disagreements with Roosevelt, his love of the law, and his relationship with First Lady Helen “Nellie” Taft. Plus, get a clear picture of his career post-presidency, when he finally achieved his goal of serving on the Supreme Court.
Wilson
A. Scott BergPulitzer Prize-winning author Berg (“Lindbergh,” “Kate Remembered”) relies on years of research and access to never-before-seen documents to craft a compelling biography of Woodrow Wilson — the president at the helm of America during WWI and the creator of the Federal Reserve. Get an intimate, humanizing look at Wilson from his unlikely rise to the White House to the debilitating stroke that effectively ended his career.
Warren G. Harding: Love and scandal: Steamy love letters. Jazz. Scandal. Psychics. Newspapers. The Hope Diamond. Historian Nicole Hemmer helps guide us through the wild life and presidency of Warren G. Harding.
Warren G. Harding: Love and scandal: Steamy love letters. Jazz. Scandal. Psychics. Newspapers. The Hope Diamond. Historian Nicole Hemmer helps guide us through the wild life and presidency of Warren G. Harding.
PresidentialThe “Presidential” podcast is back — this time covering President Warren G. Harding. Historian Nicole Hemmer discusses the scandals of the Harding administration, as well as the 29th president’s compassionate nature and untimely death.
The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge
Calvin CoolidgeAuthor Shlaes is President Calvin Coolidge’s most fervent modern admirer, so it makes sense that she would provide annotations to the former president’s autobiography (she also wrote the critically lauded biography “Coolidge”). “Silent Cal” proves to be a deft writer, letting readers in on the private aspects of his own life as a public servant who never wavered in his championing of small government.
Herbert Hoover in the White House: The Ordeal of the Presidency
Charles RappleyeIt’s no surprise that the president who failed to prevent America’s nose-dive into the Great Depression — or contribute to its course-correction — is considered a disappointment. But Rappleye pulls off an impressive feat with “Herbert Hoover in the White House:” A balanced look at Hoover with equal parts compassion and criticism.
No Ordinary Time: Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II
Doris Kearns GoodwinGoodwin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography gives equal attention to President Franklin and First Lady Eleanor, including their relationship and respective roles in the White House. “No Ordinary Time” reveals the undercurrents of intimacy at the executive level and how personal relationships affect political policy. This is an essential read about the only four-term president in U.S. history.
Truman
David McCulloughHarry S. Truman’s presidency was eventful to say the least — most notably, his was the administration that ordered the atomic bombing of Japan to end WWII. Despite facing numerous challenges at home and abroad, Truman is fondly remembered for his honesty, humility, and integrity. This is a must-read: A Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of an iconic president, written by acclaimed historian McCullough.
Eisenhower in War and Peace
Jean Edward SmithSmith (“FDR,” “Grant,” and many more) offers a detailed examination of Dwight D. Eisenhower, including fair attention to his mistakes and the successes that catapulted him to one of America’s most fondly-remembered presidents. From military man to chief executive, Eisenhower’s life is a storied one. Smith’s access to all-new (at the time of publication in 2012) details about our 34th president makes this biography a compelling read.
Kennedy: The Classic Biography
Ted Sorensen“Kennedy” is lauded as one of the best biographies of JFK ever written — no surprise considering author Sorensen was JFK’s advisor and friend. Despite their close relationship, Sorensen provides a fair account of the president’s wins (proposing the Civil Rights Act, to name one) and losses (the Bay of Pigs, for example), but his first-hand experiences give this book a rare sense of intimacy.
Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream: The Most Revealing Portrait of a President and Presidential Power Ever Written
Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream: The Most Revealing Portrait of a President and Presidential Power Ever Written
Doris Kearns GoodwinAs a former member of his staff, Goodwin is uniquely qualified to write Lyndon B. Johnson’s biography. Details garnered from hours of conversation bring Johnson’s early years and administration to life. This book is surprisingly balanced, covering negative aspects of Johnson’s tenure, including his failure to end the Vietnam War, alongside his achievements.
President Nixon: Alone in the White House
Richard ReevesRichard Nixon’s personal memos reveal a man who wanted to be a strong leader, but his administration was built upon mistrust. A frequent liar (to his staff and the American people), Nixon’s legacy was doomed long before Watergate and impeachment proceedings. Author Reeves expertly combs through details that reveal Nixon’s self-imposed isolation and eventual fall from grace as the only president to voluntarily resign from office.
Ambition, Pragmatism, and Party: A Political Biography of Gerald R. Ford
Scott KaufmanThis absorbing account of Gerald Ford — the only unelected president in American history — offers straightforward reporting and critical analysis, but Kaufman presents both in an engaging narrative style. Learn about Ford’s unexpected presidency in the wake of Nixon’s impeachment (Ford would later pardon Nixon), as well as his role in bringing conservatism into the Republican Party.
White House Diary
Jimmy CarterIf you’re anything like us, you’ve probably wondered what it’s really like to be President of the United States. President Jimmy Carter’s “White House Diary,” a first-person, real-time documentation of his time as president, answers those questions. His words are deeply humanizing and charming.
President Carter: The White House Years
Stuart E. EizenstatEizenstat delivers an insider’s look at not just Carter’s administration, but at American presidencies overall. Though he was former policy advisor to Carter, Eizenstat manages to write a balanced account, relying on personal experience and interviews with other White House officials. Called the "Definitive book on Carter" by “The New Republic,” this biography is revealing and riveting.
President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination
Richard ReevesIn true Reeves fashion (“President Kennedy,” “President Nixon”), “President Reagan” is meticulously researched and highly engaging. Reeves discusses Reagan’s politics, but also his imposing and persuasive personality. Learn about the president whose policies forever changed America — whether positively or negatively is still up for debate.
All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings
George H. W. BushGet to know the late George H.W. Bush, including his strong love of family, sense of humor, and commitment to serving his country. This intimate autobiography is told through letters, journal entries, and memos.
First In His Class: A Biography Of Bill Clinton
David Maraniss“First in His Class” is not a biography of President Bill Clinton. It’s the story of a boy who grew up wanting to be president, the people and places that shaped him, and the philosophy that ultimately took him to the White House. It’s an intimate character study that dissects one of the most popular but also polarizing personalities of our time. Based on Maraniss’ Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting of Clinton’s run for president, this book is, quite frankly, first in its class.
Bush
Jean Edward SmithAcclaimed author Smith (“Grant,” “FDR,” “Eisenhower in War and Peace”) unites biography with unapologetic critique in “Bush.” Read about the president whose administration was rife with controversy. Ultimately, Bush’s decisions (many went against his advisors’ counsel) cost thousands of American lives and still affect our country today. Smith doesn’t mince words when it comes to Bush’s mistakes, but this biography also offers a thorough overview of the 43rd administration.
Barack Obama: The Story
David MaranissMost of us hope to understand presidents as human beings rather than just political figures. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Maraniss expertly accomplishes this in “Barack Obama: The Story.” Unfolding across continents and generations, Maraniss reveals the people and places that played a part in Obama’s upbringing and identity. Learn about the real Barack Obama — the thoughtful idealist who made history as the first Black president in America.
Unpresidented: A Biography of Donald Trump
Martha BrockenbroughNo matter your thoughts on Trump as a person or a president, there’s no denying his fascinating character and personal brand. Brockenbrough accomplishes a feat with “Unpresidented” — a story as bombastic as its subject. Learn about Trump’s family history and his tenure as a businessman and reality TV star before he became our controversial 45th president.
Joe Biden: A Life of Trial and Redemption
Jules WitcoverJoe Biden became our 46th president when American hearts and minds were desperate for renewed hope. Witcover goes behind-the-scenes on Biden, from his humble background to his admirable political career. (He went from one of the youngest senators in history to vice president to commander in chief). Ample research and interviews with those who know Biden personally and professionally back this thorough biography of our current president.
After the White House: Former Presidents as Private Citizens
Max J. SkidmoreMost presidential biographies focus on the time in office and the years that led to them, but Skidmore’s work explores the years following presidency. Learn about the lives of our chief executives (through Bill Clinton) after they leave the Oval Office, including their lingering influence on the United States.