Books by Michael P. Riccards

Riccards and Flagg examine in detail the development of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a young politician in Albany to assistant secretary of the Navy to governor of the state of New York. The volume shows how Roosevelt developed his rhetorical skills, his art of manipulation and coalition building, and his incredible bond to the American people through the Depression and World War II. As commander in chief, he mastered the leadership skills that made him a great military leader and a political leader who established himself as a paramount figure using control of the Democratic party. In the process, he solidified the party as a long-lasting coalition that set the United States as a world empire.

The first study on Woodrow Wilson as commander in chief during the Great War, this volume analyses Wilson's management style before the war, his diplomacy and his final demise in his battle with the Senate. It considers the war as representing the collapse of Western traditional virtues and examines Wilson's attempt to restore them.

Riccards focuses on how the abilities, goals, and personalities of presidents have shaped the the United States in the past 100 years. This edition is updated to include chapters on Clinton and George W. Bush.

Opinions will vary widely on all the presidents, but this work will make those opinions more penetrating and judicious.- James MacGregor Burns

In Destiny's Consul: America's Greatest Presidents, presidential scholar Michael P. Riccards provides a concise introduction to the lives, presidencies, and personal qualities of ten great individuals whom Riccards argues are our greatest presidents. It will be of interest to anyone interested in the presidency of American history.