“An important and thoroughly engaging read, filled with vivid anecdotes and little-known history.”
―Bob Schieffer, longtime CBS News correspondent

“A well-researched evaluation of great American presidents… Lichtman has done his research―the well-constructed biographies serve as a handy reference to some of the nation’s most effective leaders.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“An absorbing, illuminating study… Lichtman’s clear-eyed appraisals eschew partisanship, hagiography, and knee-jerk outrage… His deftly-argued rankings invite disagreement but always reward readers with insight, knowledge, and a spirit of common purpose. Great for fans of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Leadership: In Turbulent Times, and Ronald Grunner’s We the Presidents.”
―Publishers Weekly / BookLife

“No one knows presidents like Allan Lichtman. He shows who made a difference―and how.”
―Alan Wheat, former U.S. Congressman

“A thoughtful and compelling study of presidents who wielded power decisively and left behind a transformed country.”
―Mark Updegrove, Chairman & CEO, LBJ Foundation

“Rich political insights―essential fodder for American history classrooms and book club debates.”
―Midwest Book Review

“A welcome step in evaluating presidents on a comparative scale and according to defined criteria.”
―Alvin S. Felzenberg, Ph.D.

“A sweeping, eye-opening exploration of how America became what it is today.”
―Carol Roberts, M.A., professional indexer

“A morally urgent portrait of the presidency, written with elegance, clarity, and conviction.”
―Michael Rosario-Muriel, Loyola University Maryland