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On Display: Presidential Biographies

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by Kimberly Morin
May 17, 2016
whitehouseOn display at the Bentley Library (May 17 - June 27) is a selection of presidential biographies. Before the image of dusty dense tomes is brought to mind, please be aware that we’ve left those titles in the stacks! There are a plethora of presidential biographies published, so choosing a small selection was the challenge. We’ve looked at Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award listings, book review sources, best presidential biography lists, and solicited faculty recommendations to prepare this display. We’ve tried to include at least two titles for each president. When browsing the display shelves, you’ll notice that some of the titles include a “Bentley Pick” bookmark. benteypickThese bookmarks indicate titles recommended by your fellow Bentley readers including Professors Gary Donato, Clifford Putney and Chris Beneke and President Gloria Larson. If you would like to recommend a title from this display, just fill out a bookmark at the Reference Desk or send your suggestion to refdesk@bentley.edu and we’ll include a bookmark in your choice. I’ve heard many interesting comments from patrons and colleagues in preparation for this display. Many roadblocks/perceptions that stop patrons from enjoying these titles include:
  1. They are too weighty/heavy!
Many of these titles are available in a handy paperback format and some are available through OverDrive and can be borrowed through an e-reader. See curated online display
  1. I don’t have the time to slog through the text!
Many of these titles are available as audiobooks on CD format and through OverDrive. Just listen while in the car, walking your 10,000 steps or relaxing on the beach : )
  1. They are too dry and boring!
Many of these titles have won awards, are best sellers, and some, according to the reviews, even read like thrillers. Why not make a goal of reading a biography for every president? This is a challenge that many readers have taken on. For example, My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies is a blog by avid American history fan, Stephen Floyd, about his experience reading through the presidents. Why not read and join in the conversation? If you’d like a complete listing of all the titles recommended to keep after the display comes down, just send an e-mail request to refdesk@bentley.edu and we’ll send you the list for your own records. We hope that you enjoy this selection and maybe check one out for your next “beach read”. Start your journey today! Bibliography