William McKinley: The American Presidents Series: The 25th President, 1897-1901

A bestselling historian and political commentator reconsiders McKinley's overshadowed legacy

By any serious measurement, bestselling historian Kevin Phillips argues, William McKinley was a major American president. It was during his administration that the United States made its diplomatic and military debut as a world power. McKinley was one of eight presidents who, either in the White House or on the battlefield, stood as principals in successful wars, and he was among the six or seven to take office in what became recognized as a major realignment of the U.S. party system.

Phillips, author of Wealth and Democracy and The Cousins' War, has long been fascinated with McKinley in the context of how the GOP began each of its cycles of power. He argues that McKinley's lackluster ratings have been sustained not by unjust biographers but by years of criticism about his personality, indirect methodologies, middle-class demeanor, and tactical inability to inspire the American public. In this powerful and persuasive biography, Phillips musters convincing evidence that McKinley's desire to heal, renew prosperity, and reunite the country qualify him for promotion into the ranks of the best chief executives.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Author: Kevin Phillips
Publisher: Times Books
Published: 10/01/2003
ISBN: 9780805069532
Pages: 208
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.48w x 0.76d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 06/09/2003 pg. 42
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2003 pg. 849
Booklist 07/01/2003 pg. 1860
Library Journal 08/01/2003 pg. 97
New York Times 10/05/2003 pg. 24