Reagan: A Life in Letters
Eds. Kiron K. Skinner, Annelise Anderson, and Martin Anderson
Free Press
RONALD Reagan, the Hollywood actor-turned politician who became one of the powerful presidents of the United States, was an extraordinary correspondent. With over 10,000 letters to his credit in his lifetime, Reagan proved himself to be a brave fighter throughout his life until Alzheimer's knocked him down. The letters, written for family members and friends, politicians and citizens reveal that he had an outstanding skills of communication which earned him the title of Great Communicator. Many historical and political events have been thrown up through some valuable insights from his letters. In fact, the book gives a true account of Ronald Reagan the man in all the years he lived till his death some years ago.
The letters demonstrate many facets of his life --- his core beliefs, love for books, sports and drama, early struggling days working as dishwasher man in a girls' dormitory, his life in Eureka College, experience as sports commentator on the radio, love for acting and consequent acting career in Hollywood, penfriendship and finally his life as a politician.
Some letters are very insightful for students of American political history. Reagan kept up communication with Richard Nixon, his political co-traveller and a predecessor in the White House, and other Republicans and political heavyweights of America. These letters provide a picture of the political firmament of America as it was during his times --- his switching of allegiance to the Republicans from the Democrats, his governorship, his political campaigns, reverence for military institutions, the Cold War, interest in missile defense and last but not the least his role as leader of one of the two superpowers of the times.
These easy-to-read letters of Ronald Reagan place him on the pedestal of some of the most influential and charismatic presidents the United States has ever produced, those who have served full terms with honour and dignity rarely found in American political history. In short, this work is a must read for book lovers in general and for those who take deep interest in American history and politics in particular.
Waliul Arefin has interests in history and literature.
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