A review by gls_merch
Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

4.25

A rare biography of a largely, forgotten president. Traditionally, historians have not rated Coolidge highly because of the scandals surrounding his predecessor, the perception that his policies favored big business and the wealthy, and blame for The Great Depression that soon followed the end of his Administration. I, and the author of this biography, tend to believe those criticisms are quite unfair and inaccurate. Coolidge, if nothing, is clearly a man of integrity and conviction, which is rare in modern day politics. His understanding of economics avoided many of the wrong-headed solutions that you would find proposed by politicians today (e.g. bailouts, handouts). Despite tax cuts, his policies led to budget surpluses and a 33% shrinking of the Federal debt. This book is great way for readers to be re-introduced to someone that has largely been forgotten, and in my book will surely rank higher in impact and legacy than the recent Rouge's Gallery of morons, criminals, and warmongerers (Bush/Clinton/Obama).