The Making of the President 1960 Book Summary

In 'The Making of the President 1960', Theodore H. White provides a riveting behind-the-scenes account of one of the most pivotal presidential campaigns in American history. Through an intimate lens, he captures the fierce rivalry between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, exploring their strategies, debates, and the media's influential role. White's unique access to the candidates offers readers an unparalleled glimpse into their personal lives and political machinations. As the nation stands on the brink of change, this narrative reveals how charisma, youthful energy, and media savvy shaped the future of America. Delve into the intricacies of politics and the dynamics of power with this compelling chronicling of a transformative election.

By Theodore H. White

Published: 2009

""In the crucible of the election, character is tested and revealed. It is not just the candidate's vision that wins, but also the spirit of the people who rally behind them, lifting democratic ideals into a moment of passion and purpose.""

Book Review of The Making of the President 1960

The greatest political story ever told—the epic clash between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, as captured in Theodore White's dramatic and groundbreaking chronicle The Making of the President 1960 is the book that revolutionized—even created—modern political journalism. Granted intimate access to all parties involved, Theodore White crafted an almost mythic story of the battle that pitted Senator John F. Kennedy against Vice-President Richard M. Nixon—from the decisive primary battles to the history-making televised debates, the first of their kind. Magnificently detailed and exquisitely paced, The Making of the President 1960 imbues the nation's presidential election process with both grittiness and grandeur, and established a benchmark against which all new campaign reporters would measure their work. The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction—and the first entry in White's influential four-volume "narrative history of American politics in action"—this classic account remains the keystone of American political journalism.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 24 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

PoliticsMemoirs and BiographiesSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations

Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsActivist

Michael Wong's Book Recommendations

Michael Wong is a celebrated author known for his profound impact on contemporary literature. His debut novel, "Echoes of Tomorrow," garnered critical acclaim for its innovative narrative structure and deep exploration of human connections in a dystopian future. Wong has also been recognized for his poignant short stories, which have been featured in several prestigious literary journals. His contributions to literature were honored with the Pen/Faulkner Award in 2021. Beyond his writing, Wong is an advocate for literary education, frequently conducting workshops and mentoring aspiring writers.

Inspiring ReadsMemoirs and BiographiesCreativity and Innovation

Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.

Inspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life LessonsSportsActivist

"In the crucible of the election, character is tested and revealed. It is not just the candidate's vision that wins, but also the spirit of the people who rally behind them, lifting democratic ideals into a moment of passion and purpose."

The Making of the President 1960

By Theodore H. White