Skip to content

With Reverence and Contempt: How Americans Think about Their Presidents
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

With Reverence and Contempt: How Americans Think about Their Presidents Paperback - 1997

by Thomas S. Langston


From the publisher

What's wrong with the American presidency? Why is the world's oldest surviving democracy headed by a leader who lives and acts like a king? And why is that same leader so often held in low esteem by those who elected him? In this spirited survey of presidential history, Thomas Langston examines two centuries of unrealistic expectations, false hopes, and willful misunderstandings that lie at the heart of America's "dysfunctional relationship" with its president. Langston argues that each president becomes an icon, a stylized image of Americans' faith in themselves and in their country. Taking us on an investigation of how the game of presidential symbol-making is played, Langston reveals how Americans' wishful thinking is encouraged and how even the best presidents are invited to deceive the public.

With Reverence and Contempt concludes with a series of recommendations, including legislative changes aimed at improving the relationship between the president and the public by cutting the president's symbolic value down to size.

First line

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY IS THE CREATION OF TWO centuries of reflection.

Details

  • Title With Reverence and Contempt: How Americans Think about Their Presidents
  • Author Thomas S. Langston
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 328
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
  • Date January 2, 1997
  • ISBN 9780801855108 / 0801855101
  • Weight 0.67 lbs (0.30 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.96 x 5.99 x 0.57 in (22.76 x 15.21 x 1.45 cm)
  • Dewey Decimal Code 353.031
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

WITH REVERENCE AND CONTEMPT How Americans Think about Their Presidents
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

WITH REVERENCE AND CONTEMPT How Americans Think about Their Presidents

by Langston, Professor Thomas S.

  • Used
  • Fine
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Fine
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780801855108 / 0801855101
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$25.53
NZ$7.66 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
The Johns Hopkins University Press. Fine. 1997. Paperback. 0801855101 . Clean and pristine, with no signs of prior use or wear. Fast shipping, with tracking number provided. ; Interpreting American Politics; 6.25 X 0.5 X 9.25 inches; 328 pages .
Item Price
NZ$25.53
NZ$7.66 shipping to USA
With Reverence and Contempt: How Americans Think about Their Presidents (Interpreting American...
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

With Reverence and Contempt: How Americans Think about Their Presidents (Interpreting American Politics)

by Professor Thomas S. Langston

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780801855108 / 0801855101
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$26.40
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997-01-02. Paperback. Good.
Item Price
NZ$26.40
FREE shipping to USA