For many years, Armstrong turned down biography offers from authors such as Stephen Ambrose and James A. Michener, but agreed to work with James R. Hansen after reading one of Hansen's other biographies.
Selama bertahun-tahun, Armstrong menolak tawaran biografi dari para penulis seperti Stephen Ambrose dan James A. Michener, tetapi setuju bekerja sama dengan James R. Hansen setelah membaca salah satu biografi karya Hansen.