Presidential Inaugurations

Boller, Paul R., Jr.

ISBN 10: 015100546X / ISBN 13: 9780151005468

Published by Harcourt, Inc, New York, 2001

About this Item

Paul F. Boller Jr. was the first Lyndon B. Johnson Chair in American History at Texas Christian University. His first academic position was at Southern Methodist University, where he taught from 1948 to 1966. In 1966, he accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He accepted the Lyndon B. Johnson Chair at Texas Christian University in 1976. It was at TCU that he came up with a new idea for a book about American presidents. Presidential Anecdotes was unique, presenting short biographical sketches of the presidents followed by stories that illustrated their lives, careers, and personalities. It became a best seller and was followed by other presidentially themed works: Presidential Campaigns, Presidential Wives, Presidential Inaugurations, and Presidential Diversions. Derived from a Kirkus review: Boller provides an entertaining catalogue of material about a president's happiest day. Telling the story of inaugurations from Washington's first to Clinton's second, the author spins a lively narrative full of intriguing tidbits on the evolution of the inaugural ceremony, which was born amid controversy. Wary revolutionaries contested any hint of regal pomp at Washington's swearing-in, and the new president defied his deist comrades by adding the extra-constitutional words "So help me God" to the prescribed oath of office. The thematically organized narrative has chapters on everything from Inauguration Day weather to how the presidents-elect traveled to Washington. Boller gives learned commentary on now-forgotten political, religious, and social movements that found expression at the inaugural, particularly Sabbatarianism. He also shows that the fantastically expensive balls of recent years have long precedent. Readers with an interest in presidential history will find it worthwhile. First Edition [Stated], First Printing [Stated].

Seller Inventory # 78330

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Presidential Inaugurations
• Publisher: Harcourt, Inc, New York
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 015100546X
• ISBN 13: 9780151005468
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

From Washington's election in 1789 to the 2001 gala, this entertaining anecdotal history looks at the celebrations, fashions, ceremonies, and events that marked each presidential inauguration, including Jacqueline Bouvier's 1953 report on Eisenhower's inaugural, Tallulah Bankhead's surprise appearance at Truman's inauguration, and more. 35,000 first printing.

About the Authors

Paul F. Boller, Jr., is Professor Emeritus at Texas Christian University. Among his fifteen published books are the bestselling Presidential Anecdotes, Presidential Campaigns, and Presidential Wives. All three books were selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Paul F. Boller, Jr. is Professor Emeritus at Texas Christian University.