The Reagan Diaries

Book excerpt: The edited and abridged diaries of the 40th U.S. president, chronicling the day-to-day of his two terms in office and revealing his true character. #1 New York Times Bestseller During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day—to-day occruences of his presidency. Brought together in one volume and edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation’s most important presidencies and shed new light on the character of this American leader. Praise for The Reagan Diaries “Historians will treasure Doug Brinkley’s superbly edited version of President Reagan’s diaries for generations to come. In one remarkable entry after another, the president’s compelling voice, strength of character, and sunny personality come vividly to life.” —Doris Kearns Goodwin “These are amusing and enlightening diaries. . . . I quite simply couldn’t put them down.” —Christopher Hitchens, The Times (London)