In 'Richard Nixon,' John A. Farrell delves into the complex life of America’s 37th president, revealing the man behind the controversies. From his early struggles to the heights of political power, Nixon's journey is one filled with ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Farrell presents a nuanced portrait that challenges the conventional narratives, showcasing Nixon's brilliance and moral ambiguities. As the Watergate scandal unfolds, the exploration of Nixon's psyche keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of loyalty and corruption. This compelling biography not only illuminates the political landscape of the time but also prompts readers to reflect on the legacy of one of America’s most enigmatic leaders.
By John A. Farrell
Published: 2018
""Every man has his breaking point, and in the case of Richard Nixon, it was the burden of ambition that both lifted him to great heights and ultimately brought him crashing down.""
From a prize-winning biographer comes the defining portrait of a man who led America in a time of turmoil and left us a darker age. We live today, John A. Farrell shows, in a world Richard Nixon made. At the end of WWII, navy lieutenant “Nick” Nixon returned from the Pacific and set his cap at Congress, an idealistic dreamer seeking to build a better world. Yet amid the turns of that now-legendary 1946 campaign, Nixon’s finer attributes gave way to unapologetic ruthlessness. The story of that transformation is the stunning overture to John A. Farrell’s magisterial biography of the president who came to embody postwar American resentment and division. Within four years of his first victory, Nixon was a U.S. senator; in six, the vice president of the United States of America. “Few came so far, so fast, and so alone,” Farrell writes. Nixon’s sins as a candidate were legion; and in one unlawful secret plot, as Farrell reveals here, Nixon acted to prolong the Vietnam War for his own political purposes. Finally elected president in 1969, Nixon packed his staff with bright young men who devised forward-thinking reforms addressing health care, welfare, civil rights, and protection of the environment. It was a fine legacy, but Nixon cared little for it. He aspired to make his mark on the world stage instead, and his 1972 opening to China was the first great crack in the Cold War. Nixon had another legacy, too: an America divided and polarized. He was elected to end the war in Vietnam, but his bombing of Cambodia and Laos enraged the antiwar movement. It was Nixon who launched the McCarthy era, who played white against black with a “southern strategy,” and spurred the Silent Majority to despise and distrust the country’s elites. Ever insecure and increasingly paranoid, he persuaded Americans to gnaw, as he did, on grievances—and to look at one another as enemies. Finally, in August 1974, after two years of the mesmerizing intrigue and scandal of Watergate, Nixon became the only president to resign in disgrace. Richard Nixon is a gripping and unsparing portrayal of our darkest president. Meticulously researched, brilliantly crafted, and offering fresh revelations, it will be hailed as a master work.
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“"Every man has his breaking point, and in the case of Richard Nixon, it was the burden of ambition that both lifted him to great heights and ultimately brought him crashing down."”
Richard Nixon
By John A. Farrell
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
John A. Farrell is an award-winning author and journalist known for his compelling biographies and insightful historical narratives. His notable works include 'Richard Nixon: The Life,' which offers a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the controversial 37th president, and 'Tip O'Neill and the Democratic Century,' a deep dive into the life of the former House Speaker and the evolution of the Democratic Party. Farrell's writing style is characterized by meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and a balanced perspective, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience.
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