This biography by Amity Shlaes chronicles the life and presidency of Calvin Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929. The book details Coolidge's rise from a New England hamlet to the governor of Massachusetts and eventually to the presidency. It emphasizes his disciplined leadership, bipartisanship, and fiscal stewardship, which helped restore America's confidence during a period of crisis. The biography also explores Coolidge's decision not to run for reelection in 1928, a rare demonstration of political character. Shlaes provides a rich context of the social, economic, and political currents of Coolidge's times, although some critics note the narrative feels detached and lacks vibrancy in character portrayal[3][4][5].
This biography by David McCullough provides a detailed and engaging account of Harry S. Truman's life, from his early days in Missouri to his presidency. The book explores Truman's military service in World War I, his rise in politics, and his pivotal decisions as president, including the atomic bombing of Japan, the Potsdam Conference, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War. McCullough's narrative is enriched by extensive research, including interviews with Truman's family and colleagues, and his own letters and diaries. The book portrays Truman as a courageous and determined leader who embodied 19th-century midwestern ideals of honesty and integrity[2][3][4].
In 'The Forgotten Man,' Amity Shlaes offers a striking reinterpretation of the Great Depression by shifting the focus from the New Deal to the moving stories of individual Americans who endured the era. The book explores the brave leadership and perseverance of common people, such as the Schechters, a family of butchers in Brooklyn, and Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Shlaes also examines the failures of Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt in understanding the prosperity of the 1920s and the long-lasting impact of their policies. The book argues that the real question about the Depression is why it lasted so long, rather than whether Roosevelt ended it with World War II.
A Note from James:
So we have a brand new president of the United States, and of course, everyone has their opinion about whether President Trump has been good or bad, will be good and bad. Everyone has their opinion about Biden, Obama, and so on. But what makes someone a good president? What makes someone a bad president?
Obviously, we want our presidents to be moral and ethical, and we want them to be as transparent as possible with the citizens. Sometimes they can't be totally transparent—negotiations, economic policies, and so on. But we want our presidents to have courage without taking too many risks. And, of course, we want the country to grow economically, though that doesn't always happen because of one person.
I saw this list where historians ranked all the presidents from 1 to 47. I want to comment on it and share my take on who I think are the best and worst presidents. Some of my picks might surprise you.
Episode Description:
In this episode, James breaks down the rankings of U.S. presidents and offers his unique perspective on who truly deserves a spot in the top 10—and who doesn’t. Looking beyond the conventional wisdom of historians, he examines the impact of leadership styles, key decisions, and constitutional powers to determine which presidents left a lasting, positive impact. From Abraham Lincoln's crisis leadership to the underappreciated successes of James K. Polk and Calvin Coolidge, James challenges popular rankings and provides insights you won't hear elsewhere.
What You’ll Learn:
- The key qualities that define a great president beyond just popularity.
- Why Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the best president—and whether James agrees.
- How Franklin D. Roosevelt’s policies might have extended the Great Depression.
- The surprising president who expanded the U.S. more than anyone else.
- Why Woodrow Wilson might actually be one of the worst presidents in history.
Timestamped Chapters:
- [01:30] What makes a great president?
- [02:29] The official duties of the presidency.
- [06:54] Historians’ rankings of presidents.
- [07:50] Why James doesn't discuss recent presidents.
- [08:13] Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during crisis.
- [14:16] George Washington: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- [22:16] Franklin D. Roosevelt—was he overrated?
- [29:23] Harry Truman and the atomic bomb decision.
- [35:29] The controversial legacy of Woodrow Wilson.
- [42:24] The case for Calvin Coolidge.
- [50:22] James K. Polk and America's expansion.
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The James Altucher Show 
