From birth to manhood, presidency and post-presidency, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS brings to life the men who have shaped the highest office in the land and affected the course of the United States from its founding to the present day. Beginning with George Washington, who had already refused to be made king of this country when he reluctantly accepted the office of president, this fascinating book takes the reader all the way through the 2008 election of Barack Obama. Each comprehensive yet concise portrait is written to bring the man behind the office vividly to life, including the influences of childhood, education and previous careers, style, and his successes and failures as president. Revealing anecdotes, famous (and infamous) quotes, and scholarly interpretations by historians capture each man's philosophy of leadership and his vision for America. A special section of tables at the end of the book summarizes important facts about the presidents and their terms of office, including information about first ladies, vice presidents, presidential elections, Cabinets and leading officials, political control of Congress, presidential historical sites, and much more.