Book description
The most interesting and inspiring presidential speeches, from
Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama.
From Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama, American presidents have
faced unprecedented challenges at home and abroad. From the onset of
the Great Depression, through World War II, the Korean War, the Cuban
Missile Crisis, the Cold War, Desert Storm and the War on Terror,
American presidents have warned and rallied the nation during each
crisis. Presidents have also addressed the people in times of triumph
-- the creation of the United Nations, advances in civil rights, the
fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
My Fellow Americans includes the speeches that capture
times of challenge, conflict and change, with such memorable phrases
as "We have nothing to fear but fear itself," "Ask not
what your country can do for you" and "Begin again the work
of remaking America," which have entered the vernacular and have
become a part of our heritage.
This book is a record of how our presidents established their
leadership through thick and thin. The language of the speeches
reflects the country's mood over decades of fear and hope and the
ongoing faith and values that sustain our nation.
My Fellow Americans is divided into six parts:
- 1933-1945: Roosevelt
- 1945-1961: T ruman and
Eisenhower
- 1961-1969: Kennedy and Johnson
- 1969-1981: Nixon, Ford and Carter
- 1981-1993: Reagan
and Bush
- 1993-2009: Clinton, Bush and Obama.
Each part is introduced with a short essay that provides a timeline
and context for the events of the period.
There is also an introduction to the book that focuses on the
president's use of language to inspire listeners. Illustrated with 30
black-and-white historical photographs,
My Fellow Americans is a stunning testament to America's
recent history.
The American Constitution, Article II, Section 3, mandates that the
president "shall from time to time give to Congress information
on the state of the union." Since George Washington delivered the
first State of the Union address in 1790, each president has addressed
Congress and the people of the United States every year. Presidents
have also given inaugural and farewell addresses as well as many
formal and informal speeches. From these speeches there is a vivid and
immediate record of the major triumphs and tragedies the nation has
faced and clear portraits of the men who have led.
Famous speeches in the book include:
Roosevelt's first Inaugural Address, 1933:
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Eisenhower's Farewell Address, 1961:
"We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence
... by the military-industrial complex."
Kennedy's Inaugural Address, 1961:
"Ask not what your country can do for you..."
Johnson's State of the Union Address, 1967:
"We have chosen to fight a limited war in Vietnam in an attempt
to prevent a larger war."
Reagan's Evil Empire speech, 1983:
"[Do not] ignore the facts of history and the aggressive
impulses of an evil empire."
George W. Bush's State of the Union Address, 2004:
"We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the
21st century."
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address, 2009:
"Begin again the work of remaking America."
[Review of print edition] Since its beginnings, America has looked to
its presidents for words of action or assurance. This collection of
speeches from 1933 to 2009 features the full text of the most
inspirational and inspiring Chief of State addresses from FDR to Barack
Obama. With 30 black-and-white photos illustrative of the times, it's a
must for history buffs and a handy reminder for everyone of the
power--and beauty--of words in times of crisis, celebration and change.
Michael Worek is an editor, publisher and lifelong student of
language and American history, with a special interest in the role of
presidents. His previous books include An American History Album
and Nobel: A Century of Prize Winners.
