"Theresa Marchant-Shapiro provides an exceptional analysis of a previously underexamined matter: how previous professional experience relates to presidential greatness. A must read for all scholars of the American presidency." - Mark D. Brewer, Professor of Political Science, University of Maine, USA "In a unique blending of political history and relevant statistics, Theresa Marchant-Shapiro has provided a valuable ... Read moreportrait of the how pre-presidential political career patterns impact retrospective performance assessments. This book helps to explain how two centuries of varying routes to the White House may account for why some presidents succeed in office while others do not." - Garrison Nelson, Professor of Political Science, University of Vermont, USA "Which life experiences prepare people to become skillful presidents? That should be a topic that interests every voter. But too often we rely on anecdotes cherry-picked from presidential biographies to form our opinions. This book brings a historically knowledgeable, balanced, and thoughtful approach to the topic instead. It is an important step forward in the study of the presidency." - Christopher H. Achen, Professor of Politics, Princeton University, USA Show Less