HISTORY OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTAL ELECTIONS, 1789-2008, Fourth Edition, (3-Volume Set) Edited By Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. & Fred L. Israel

Isaac Asimov wrote a science fiction short story called “Franchise.” (Amazingly, it was published in the August 1955 issue of If: Worlds of Science Fiction). In “Franchise,” Asimov has a computer making Election decisions. It interviewed one representative voter, analyzed all the relevant information, and generated the same results that a real Election would have produced. Until that happens, we have Nate Silver to guide us through the election process. But for political junkies (like me), I highly recommend History of American Presidental Elections, 1789-2008 (I’m sure a new revised edition is being written right now). You don’t have to shell out the $219 to buy this set; your local public library should have it or should be able to acquire it for you through library inter-loan. I know of no other history of elections with this kind of scope and accessibility. In the wake of the 2012 Election, it was fun to go back and get an overview of our country’s entire Presidential Election history. GRADE: A

12 thoughts on “HISTORY OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTAL ELECTIONS, 1789-2008, Fourth Edition, (3-Volume Set) Edited By Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. & Fred L. Israel

  1. Patti Abbott

    I should send you one or two of Phil’s books. BAD PRESIDENTS comes out this spring. But you might enjoy the one on accidental presidents. Or the one on FDR, or the history of the presidency.

    Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    I keep meaning to look for Phil’s books, Patti. BAD PRESIDENTS sounds fascinating. If only they’d make a movie version with Billy Bob Thornton….

    Gail Collins is one who always says if you think elections can’t get nastier or more vicious than they are today, look at the Nineteenth Century. Look at 1800, Adams v. Jefferson.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      You should be able to borrow the volume you want, Rick. Most public libraries have a set (though it might be slightly outdated). But for the years you’re interested in, there shouldn’t be a problem.

      Reply

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