Ronald Reagan: An American Hero

A photo essay on the life and times of America's 40th President. "He did not adjust his beliefs to conform to prevailing political winds.... Instead he spoke directly from his heart to the hearts and minds of the American people. And, in doing so, he initiated the greatest love affair between an American President and his constituents in recent history." -- Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Even before he made the White House his home, Ronald Reagan spoke for the American people, capturing the hearts of small-town citizens and world leaders alike. His remarkable career in public life, spanning over fifty years, began in the Midwest, as a student leader and sports broadcaster, then in Hollywood as an actor and long-time director of the Screen Actors Guild, later as governor of California, and finally, as president of the United States. His legacy, too, is extraordinary: In the eight short years as president, Ronald Reagan presided over epochal international changes and ushered in unparalleled peace and prosperity--not only to his country but the world. Ronald Reagan: An American Hero is the story of Ronald Reagan's trials and triumphs, the story of his character and vision and values. It's the love story of a man for his wife, his country, and the world--the story of his unquenchable passion for liberty and life itself. Over 500 archival and full-color images, including many never-before-published photographs from Nancy Reagan's private collection and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, chronicle the milestones of America's fortieth president. Punctuating this visual history are close to 200 quotes from world leaders, actors, journalists, family, and friends who bear testimony to the greatness of the man who, for millions, has become an enduring American hero.

This loving, even worshipful, tribute to America's 40th president is a visually stunning work of art. Packed with over 500 photographs, many previously unreleased from Nancy Reagan's private collection, memorabilia, magazine covers on which he appeared, and even his belt buckle collection, this is a fitting celebration of a man who touched people around the world. There are brief remarks written by Mrs. Reagan and William F. Buckley Jr., as well as short essays on key points in Reagan's life, but the focus is on the images. And what images they are! Whether wading into a crowd wearing his trademark grin or giving a speech at the Berlin Wall, the man's charm and grace are clearly evident in these photographs. In looking them over, it appears that no one can stand near him without smiling.

"Not since Lincoln, or Winston Churchill in Britain, has there been a president who has so understood the power of words to uplift and inspire," Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Great Britain at the time, said of Reagan. Appropriately, this book highlights dozens of quotes for which Reagan is fondly remembered, including the humorous and self-deprecating quips such as "I consider all proposals for government action with an open mind before voting 'no'" and "It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure why take the chance." In addition, over 200 quotes from a range of world leaders, cabinet members, journalists, family, and friends speak to the man's character and vision and bear testimony to why he was one of the most beloved American presidents of the 20th century. --Shawn Carkonen