The president of the United States is a highly visible public figure, a bearer of tremendous responsibility & the subject of intense scrutiny. He is accountable for war, economic problems, domestic strife, national security, & partisan politics. Presidents closely examines the hopes & disappointments, the victories & defeats, & the integrity & perfidy of the previous leaders of this country, including an up-to-the minute profile of the president newly elected in fall 2000. Each biographical sketch evokes the human dimension of that president, bypassing political theory in favor of a narrative combined with analysis of his career & legacy. Readers will find the essential facts about each man's life, as well as a portrait of the president as a person. Organized chronologically by administration, each essay covers: * Accomplishments, failures, & dramatic moments in his political history * A quote from that president's inaugural address * The most important developments in his presidency, both domestic & foreign * A summation that evaluates his administration & the lasting legacy * Date & place of birth, as well as a chronology of his life * A further reading list on that president.