A Presidents Story Too

Between Lincoln and FDR, the Presidency and the United States come of age

In the wake of the Civil War, fourteen men will succeed Abraham Lincoln and attempt to reunify the United States. As their personal tales intertwine and overlap on their way to the Presidency, they defer to Congress until it is clear that Democrats and Republicans are more concerned with the prerogatives of power and patronage than Lincoln’s pledge of freedom and opportunity for all Americans. The 19th-century Presidents battle with Congress to reform how jobs and other benefits are dispensed, while the Presidents of the early 20th century find themselves presiding over a country that has transitioned from an agricultural economy—supported by slave and immigrant labor—to an industrial economy generating the wealth that thrusts the country onto the world stage. Through it all, the Presidents continue the novel practice of handing over power peacefully, even in the face of a Depression that will challenge the United States’ newfound status as a world power. 

“Brad McKim is a masterful storyteller. He seamlessly wove the stories of our first 15 presidents together into a compelling, interesting, and informative narrative.” —Scott Barker, Author, The Kings of War: How Our Modern Presidents Hijacked Congress’ War-Making Powers and What to Do About It

“McKim weaves fascinating stories of presidential lives from their youth through early love affairs and careers, into political prominence. Not a retelling of common knowledge, this book reveals a fabric of personal stories not found in high school history books.” —Jeff Bensch, Author, History of American Holidays

“I have read countless books on the country’s chief executives and I learned something about each president that I never knew before. I could not put A Presidents Story down and can’t wait to read the sequel!” —Bradley Nahrstadt, Author, Alton B. Parker: The Man Who Challenged Roosevelt