Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-410) and index.

Based on a decade of research and reporting, Author in Chief tells the story of America's presidents as authors--and offers a delightful new window into the public and private lives of our highest leaders.

Presidential books have made an enormous impact on American history, catapulting their authors to the national stage and even turning key elections. Beginning with Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, the first presidential book to influence a campaign, these books have cast fresh light on the private drives and self-doubts that fueled our nation's leaders. Fehrman shows that the story of America's presidents and their books opens a rich new window into presidential biography. From volumes lost to history to ones we know and love, Fehrman unearths countless insights about the presidents through their literary works, delivering a feast for history lovers, book lovers, and everybody curious about our presidents. -- adapted from jacket