The Presidency of James Earl Carter, Jr. (American Presidency (Univ of Kansas Paperback))
As president, Jimmy Carter was "long on good intentions but short on knowledge." The author of this superb book (history, Virginia Tech.) firmly grounds his research in the massive collections of the Carter Library in Atlanta. He demonstrates convincingly that while Jimmy Carter was certainly "one of the nation's brightest chief executives," he failed to articulate "an overarching purpose and direction for his administration." Though personally sympathetic toward Carter and his efforts in such fields as energy conservation, arms control, and the Mideast, Kaufman must conclude that "his was a mediocre presidency and that much of the reason for this was his own doing." This reasoned and sprightly monograph will inform scholars and lay readers alike. Highly recommended.- Thomas H. Appleton Jr., Kentucky Historical Soc., FrankfortCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.