Ronald Reagan: An American Hero
This loving, even worshipful, tribute to America's 40th president is a  visually stunning work of art. Packed with over 500 photographs, many previously unreleased from Nancy Reagan's private collection, memorabilia, magazine covers on which he appeared, and even his belt buckle collection, this is a fitting celebration of a man who touched people around the world. There are brief remarks written by Mrs. Reagan and William F. Buckley Jr., as well as short essays on key points in Reagan's life, but the focus is on the images. And what images they are! Whether wading into a crowd wearing his trademark grin or giving a speech at the Berlin Wall, the man's charm and grace are clearly evident in these photographs. In looking them over, it appears that no one can stand near him without smiling."Not since Lincoln, or Winston Churchill in Britain, has there been a president who has so understood the power of words to uplift and inspire," Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Great Britain at the time, said of Reagan. Appropriately, this book highlights dozens of quotes for which Reagan is fondly remembered, including the humorous and self-deprecating quips such as  "I consider all proposals for government action with an open mind before voting 'no'" and "It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure why take the chance." In addition, over 200 quotes from a range of world leaders, cabinet members, journalists, family, and friends speak to the man's character and vision and bear testimony to why he was one of the most beloved American presidents of the 20th century.--Shawn Carkonen