American Caesars: Lives of the US Presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George W. Bush

(Paperback)

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A group biography of the twelve Caesars of our time- American Presidents from Roosevelt to George W. Bush. The twentieth century has been called 'the American Century'. Not since the days of the Roman emperors has there been such a succession of rulers holding the fate of the world in their hands. Now, award-winning biographer Nigel Hamilton gives us the lives of the twelve men, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George W. Bush, who presided over America's imperial fortunes - the good, the bad and the truly awful. How did these American Caesars reach the White House What were the challenges they faced when they got there and how did they meet them And who were these men in their private lives Compulsively readable, packed with unforgettable characters as well as stories, lessons and revelations, American Caears is essential reading for our times.

Reviews

A mighty president's-eye view of post-war US history * Daily Express *
A provocative, stimulating, infuriating and readable history * Herald *
Incisive and highly entertaining...engaging... American Caesars is a commanding study on the nature of personal authority and the presidency. It is also a poignant one * Irish Times *
As Hamilton hits his straps, the book springs to life with an authentic feeling for each man...Rogues and (a few) heroes - they are all here in this impressive gallop through eighty years of US history. Here's hoping that Barack Obama ends up on the right side of the ledger * Literary Review *
It is a brilliant idea to take Suetonius's The Twelve Caesars...and to make it the template for a 500-page collective portrait of the 12 emperors of America...The effect is a compelling rhythm and a good sense of proportion * Prospect *

Author Bio

Nigel Hamilton is one of Britain's most distinguished biographers. He began his career with The Brothers Mann, a life of two of Germany's greatest 20th century authors. He then won the Whitbread Prize and Templer Medal for Monty, his definitive, three-volume official life of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, following which his JFK- Reckless Youth proved an international bestseller and which was filmed as an ABC mini-series, starring Patrick Dempsey. He became the first Professor of Biography in Britain, at De Montfort University, and currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.