McPherson, James M., ed. "To the Best of My Ability": The American Presidents.

McPHERSON, James M., ed. "To the best of my ability"; the American presidents. DK. 486p. illus. index. c2004. 0-7566-0777-9. $20.00. JSA*

The combination is irresistible: a book with a chapter on each American president, each chapter written by a scholar from the Society of Eminent Historians (e.g., Ellis on Jefferson, Trefousse on Andrew Johnson, Dallek on Lyndon Johnson), designed and lavishly illustrated by DK Publishing--and it is not even too heavy to carry! The chapters average eight pages and include full-page portraits as well as many smaller images of families, symbols of the presidency (Wilson's portable typewriter and Truman's "The buck stops here" sign) and inset blocks with important dates and major events of each term. The last 150 pages of the book contain an article on the campaign(s) of each president and include his inaugural address. A valuable resource for all levels. Patricia Moore, Chestnut Hill MA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advance students and adults. This code will help librarians and teacher working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.