Scan barcode
A review by bryan8063
Coolidge by Amity Shlaes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. What resonated with me was how she showed what the presidency was before the modern one. What a difference. Coolidge believed in refrain, waiting to act, then act at the right moment. His presidency was about fiscal responsibility as he cut the WWI debt, which is hard to leave a large legacy with that. His foreign policy accomplishment was the Kellogg-Briand Pact and that fell to ashes with the start of WWII. What was left? The Great Depression and he was unfairly blamed for that. Then you had FDR, JFK, LBJ, and so one that had these huge personalities. Coolidge just wasn't that kind of president.
I think Shlaes could have refrained her bias, especially during the time she was writing about Coolidge's presidency. Some of her points about Coolidge's thinking, especially about his relationship with the farmers, is a little confusing. Yet, overall, I recommend this book to anyone interested in Coolidge or history of the presidency.
I think Shlaes could have refrained her bias, especially during the time she was writing about Coolidge's presidency. Some of her points about Coolidge's thinking, especially about his relationship with the farmers, is a little confusing. Yet, overall, I recommend this book to anyone interested in Coolidge or history of the presidency.