A picture of the White House in Washington DC.

The U.S. Presidency

| Burlington County Library

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham
From his birth in the Kentucky frontier, to his leadership during the Civil War, to his tragic assassination, this book chronicles the remarkable life lived by Abraham Lincoln. Gain both a deeper understanding of Lincoln the person, as well as his political calculations in confronting the threats posed to democracy by slavery and secession in America.

The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis by George Stephanopoulos
This book offers a definitive look at one of the most critical locations within the White House: the Situation Room. With firsthand accounts from the people actually in the room, it details some of the most consequential moments and decisions that have unfolded in the Situation Room over the past six decades of presidential administrations.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama
This first volume of Barack Obama’s deeply introspective presidential memoirs focuses on his life experiences from a young community organizer to his first term as president. Personal anecdotes, political insights and historic moments make this book a powerful account of a leader who brought “hope and change” to America.

Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College by Jesse Wegman
This book is an impassioned and thoroughly researched case for reevaluating the existence of the Electoral College in the U.S. political system. It draws upon American history since the founding era, as well as insights from electoral officials across the political spectrum, to make the argument that every vote should count in a democracy.

The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution by Lindsay M. Chervinsky
Given how the delegates to the U.S. Constitutional Convention explicitly rejected the concept of a presidential cabinet, how did George Washington establish his unique advisory body? This book examines the political calculations, tensions and power behind Washington’s decision, both for his presidency and the Executive Branch thereafter.

American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady by Katie Rogers
Trace the evolving role of the First Lady across the 21st century from a ceremonial figurehead to an influential political operator. From Hillary Clinton in the 1990s to Jill Biden in the present, this book includes interviews with various political operatives who served the full scope of the modern First Lady of the United States.

The Presidents vs. the Press: The Endless Battle between the White House and the Media by Harold Holzer
This is an authoritative account of the historical origins and modern tensions between U.S. presidents and the free press. It chronicles the long history of disputes and distrust between these two core institutions of American government and society, revealing how this working relationship has been woven into the fabric of the nation.

Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House by Alex Prud’homme
Explore an entertaining and often surprising account of the unique tastes of U.S. presidents across history. From George Washington’s minimal meals on the battlefield to Joe Biden’s ice cream stops on the campaign trail, this book highlights the significance of dining on the political process and offers a variety of authentic recipes from presidencies past.

The Call to Serve: The Life of President George Herbert Walker Bush by Jon Meacham
Enjoy a vivid and illuminating portrait of the life and presidency of the 41st president of the United States, George H. W. Bush. This book features more than 450 photographs - including many never-before-published - alongside the relevant memories of Bush Sr., revealing his values and vision of service to the country.

The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President by Jill Wine-Banks
This book is a revelatory account of the Watergate scandal, as told by the only woman to serve on the legal team that prosecuted the high-ranking White House officials involved in the crime. It serves as both a cautionary and inspirational tale for those interested in the power of justice and the rule of law in America.

Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt's Shadow and Remade the World by David L. Roll
Discover an enthralling narrative of one of the most consequential presidential transitions in U.S. history. From Franklin Roosevelt’s declining health in his fourth presidential term to Harry Truman’s emergence as a global leader, this book covers the pivotal political years of 1944 to 1948 that reshaped America and the world for decades to come.

The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President by Edward F. O’Keefe
A spirited and poignant family story centered on one of the most remarkable U.S. presidents, this book celebrates five extraordinary women in Theodore Roosevelt’s life - including his mother, sisters, and wives - each of whom profoundly shaped the life experiences and political viewpoints of this iconic rugged leader.

The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation by Brenda Wineapple
With the end of the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson found himself inheriting a divided, war-torn nation. This well-researched book details the political drama surrounding the first ever impeachment of a sitting American president, in a battle between southern grievances and the pursuit of a free, fair and whole Union.

The Presidential Fringe: Questing and Jesting for the Oval Office by Mark Stein
This book offers a witty look at the long history of unconventional candidates outside of the major party system who’ve run for president of the United States. It surveys the American landscape for the interesting, unusual and pioneering figures who helped to amplify perspectives that were otherwise ignored during the American political process of their eras.

How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents by John Avlon
Explore an accessible and informative resource on how the most important leadership traits of past American presidents can be harnessed by the leaders of today. This book features wisdom inspired by George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and a variety of other effective presidents during their respective tenures.

Audience: Seniors, Adult, Emerging Adult
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