The Handy Presidents Answer Book Second Edition

By David L. Hudson, Jr., J.D.

“Informative resource” —American Reference Books

“Single volume standout … excels at presenting a great deal of information in a succinct, manageable question and answer format.” —Asheville Citzen-Times

“In question-and-answer format, Hudson (first amendment scholar, Vanderbilt U.) concisely explains key facts about US presidential campaigns, cabinets, and policies as well as trivia about the First Family.” —Book News

“… chapters feature not only historical data but a personal look at the man who was president in a manner that will keep the interest of young readers. Students will be particularly interested in the personal aspects of the men who seem so removed from our lives in most history books. Many first ladies are mentioned, which is refreshing. Placing the president within the happenings of the period supports understanding, as well. A comprehensive index is included.” —Children’s Literature

“A beefy contribution to presidential studies, the kind of resource from which one could easily build an interesting term report for school. A serious piece of presidential scrutiny.” —Kirkus Reviews

“… a storehouse of information about all aspects of the presidents’ lives.” —Oklahoma City Oklahoman

“If there’s something you need to know, if you’re selected for a presidential trivia game show, if you want to impress people with White House facts, you want to own this book.” —The Children’s Book Review

“Hudson has done an excellent job.” —VOYA

A complete look at every President’s who, what, when, where, why, and, how.

From George Washington to Barrack Obama and John Adams to Woodrow Wilson, The Handy Presidents Answer Book offers a fascinating look at the lives of each U.S. president, along with a large array of factual, anecdotal, and historic perspectives on the American presidency. Early life and career are covered, along with important highlights from each presidency.

The Handy Presidents Answer Book addresses more than 1,600 broad, fundamental questions on the presidents, vice presidents, first ladies, administration staff, families, campaigns and elections, major issues, wars, scandals, tragedies, and entertaining White House trivia such as . . .

  • What three presidents died on the Fourth of July?
  • Which president regularly swam naked in the Potomac River?
  • Which president executed criminals?
  • What president was called “His Fraudulency” because of the controversial way he was elected?
  • Which president later became chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?
  • Which president was the first to appoint a woman to his cabinet?
  • Whose campaign pledge was to bring about a “kinder, gentler nation?”

The Handy Presidents Answer Book is a must-have reference in the truest sense of the word. Covering not just the individuals, but also the origins of the presidency, political parties, elections, and trivia, the book gives depth and context to the office as well as to those who have become president. With many photos, illustrations, and other graphics, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.

About the Author:

David L. Hudson Jr., J.D., is an attorney and law professor at Belmont University’s College of Law, a U.S. Constitution scholar, and a fellow for the First Amendment of the Freedom Forum. Hudson earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He speaks widely on Constitutional Law and school law issues. He previously taught classes at Vanderbilt Law School and the Nashville School of Law, where he was awarded its Distinguished Faculty Award. He also served as a senior law clerk for the Tennessee Supreme Court. He is an author, co-author, or co-editor of more than 40 books, including Visible Ink Press’s The Handy Civics Answer Book, The Handy Law Answer Book, The Constitution Explained: A Guide for Every American and The Handy Supreme Court Answer Book: The History and Issues Explained. He writes regularly for the American Bar Association’s Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases and ABA Journal. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee.