The Reagan Years

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Johnson opens his examination of Reagan's presidency and legacy by tracing the evolution of the man's conservative philosophy and political career. The balance of the book discusses his administration, with chapters on Reaganomics, foreign-policy successes and failures, and the Iran-Contra Affair. The author also examines how Reagan's hands-off leadership style and relaxed work habits influenced his presidency. He concludes with an objective analysis of the contradictions of his subject's legacy, explaining how Reagan's faith in America and ability to communicate with its people made him popular even as many critics continue to question the long-term effects of his domestic policies and debate his role in the collapse of the Soviet empire. Sidebars with lengthy quotes from primary sources appear throughout the book. Black-and-white photos are average in quality and relevant to the text. This book is most similar in scope to Jeffrey Morris's The Reagan Way (Lerner, 1995). Therefore, libraries holding that title may not need this one. Those without it will find Johnson's book to be a good addition about the still-controversial Reagan years.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|