The American Presidents presents a comprehensive collection of highly informative articles analyzing and evaluating the presidential careers of the men who have occupied the office since its inception in 1789 down to the present day. The contributors consider the nature of presidential greatness, examine the ways in which challenges affected presidential greatness, and discuss personal characteristics and presidential performance. Very ably edited by Melvin I. Urofsky, The American Presidents is an essential, core, benchmark reference title for students of American political history, the American presidency, and political science studies.

This short biography of famed lawyer, judge and progressive Louis Brandeis is fairly interesting, if condensed. The author, though, could have done a much better job at presenting it and really doesn't delve far enough into Brandeis's character and ideas for my taste.