By Jerry Wallace
M. C. Murphy, Calvin Coolidge: The Presidency and Philosophy of a Progressive Conservative
A new biography of Calvin Coolidge is certainly worth your attention. Mark C. Murphy, an experienced political analyst, became intrigued by Calvin Coolidge several years ago, seeing in him someone out of the ordinary: a thoughtful and accomplished politician. He decided to write Coolidge’s story, focusing on Coolidge’s political skills in handling the issues of his day and the philosophy of governance that guided him. Murphy titled this fresh account of Coolidge’s political career Calvin Coolidge: The Presidency and Philosophy of a Progressive Conservative.
There are three areas where Murphy’s biography excels. First, it is not a rehash of what you have read before about Mr. Coolidge. Rather, it is a thoroughly researched, well-thought-out, and finely written history, offering a new look at the Coolidge presidency.
Second, the author does not merely mention in a general way what President Coolidge did. Instead, he dives deep into Coolidge’s key policy decisions. You come away with a better understanding not only of what Coolidge achieved but also of the challenges the president faced in returning the country to the “normalcy” President Harding had promised.
And third, each reader will probably learn something new about Mr. Coolidge. For me, this biography brought home the “appalling burden” of the presidency, as the former president himself put it. The presidency weighed on Mr. Coolidge night and day for five years and seven months. Its stress and strain undoubtedly took a heavy toll on his health and his personal relationships.
Finally, I should note that Mr. Murphy provides brief biographies of the key players that make the story more meaningful for the reader.
This book is available from McFarland & Company.
J. R. Greene, Calvin Coolidge in 100 Objects
J. R. Greene, a longtime Coolidge enthusiast who has done much for the Coolidge cause, has added to his list of Coolidge publications with his recent book, Calvin Coolidge in 100 Objects. This volume draws on letters, documents, campaign buttons, and literature from Greene’s extensive collection of Coolidge memorabilia.
The book will appeal to both historians and collectors. Each item is selected to “provide background to some of the major events in Coolidge’s career.”
The book makes a fascinating read, providing varied information, some little known, on our thirtieth president.
Order your copy directly from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation here.