Robert Strauss is perhaps The Funniest. Presidential. Biographer. Ever. But it is no joke that he has turned the story of James Buchanan—indisputably the Worst. President. Ever—into a fascinating tale on the triumph of mediocrity.
Kai Bird, author of The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames Strauss makes his case in a manner to be appreciated by both serious historians and modern day politicos. This treatment of a critical piece of Pre-Civil War history will leave readers engaged, entertained, and better equipped to justify their next ranking of Buchanan’s true place in American history.
Michael Smerconish, television and radio host, and New York Times bestselling author Entertaining study of ‘the first plodding-to-the-top president,’ a man mercifully forgotten by history. . . . Strauss makes a firm argument for the essential doofusness of the 15th president.
Kirkus
Strauss maintains a light tone, but doesn’t sacrifice substance in offering solid historical detail and insights into American politics as the country careened toward Civil War.
Publishers Weekly
A revealing look at President Buchanan and our fascination with ranking those who have been our Commander in Chief.
Julian Zelizer, author of The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress and the Battle for the Great Society