America's most credible history magazine, American Heritage(r), joins forces with one of America's most esteemed and preeminent presidential historians, Michael Beschloss, to present a unique and extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the forty-four Presidents and presidencies that have shaped this country. The Presidents: Every Leader from Washington to Bush offers a biographical profile of each man and a full account of the issues that shaped their presidency. This book will serve as an indispensable reference guide for many years to come, for seasoned observers, students just learning about the presidency, and readers interested in the men and issues that shaped America.

This discussion of the Presidency as an institution is an examination of the office itself, offered on a chronological framework.

Here, from American Heritage, is the story of our presidents. From George Washington’s reluctant oath-taking through George W. Bush’s leadership challenges after September 11, 2001, we view ambitious and fallible men through the new lens of the twenty-first century. Where did they succeed? Where did they fail? And what do we know now that we could not have known at the time?

The best way to examine the presidency now, writes the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Bruce Catton, "is to examine the lives and personalities of the men who have held it, because the presidency today is in many ways the sum of large and small contributions made by the different presidents." Here, in the first volume of American Heritage's history of presidents are the dramatic stories of the first eight men to hold the office: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and Martin Van Buren.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Because of the political slander and bile that marred Washington’s two administrations, the first president soon came to be regarded as a demigod. #2 George Washington was born in 1732, the first President of the United States. He was taught by his family and friends, and he was a man of hands rather than brains. He was, however, extremely practical. #3 George Washington was a very careful person, and he always followed the copybook ethic. He was very tall and lanky, with gray-blue eyes and brown hair. He was a magnificent horseman, and he knew every foot of land he owned. #4 Washington’s trip to the Ohio Valley in 1754 was to secure the site of the Ohio Company’s fort, which was being built at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. He learned that the site had fallen to the French, and that enemy troops were advancing toward him in strength. He surrendered, and signed a written admission that he had assassinated Jumonville.