 "Brings presidential history alive" | 2006-11-20 |
| - Reviewed By kevpgh |
| Although this book is about the deaths & funerals of this nations chief executives, it brings history alive for folks like myself who enjoy all things presidential. Focusing on the events that led to the end for each of our late presidents, this book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I have visited many of the gravesites mentioned here & intend to endeavor to visit the the ones I haven't yet. This book is an indespensible guidebook for my future travels. Lots of great photos, too. |
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| "When it's over and done with...." | 2006-08-25 |
| - Reviewed By jerryguild2 |
This book does not immediately give one the impression that it would be as good as it is. My first impression from the cover was that it would be just a compilation of unknown facts and surprises about famous people ,things and places.Then, after noting the sub-title "A Tour of Presidential Gravesites";I thumbed through it and immediately saw it was a very good summary of all the Presidents,their time in office,their wives,what they did after leaving office,the cause of their death,funeral arrangements,interm and final resting places and detailed information for anyone who would like to visit any or all of them. From this book you will learn what to expect at the sites as well as what else exists as 'museums'
there,hours open and any admission costs.It also details other final resting places of other known personalities nearby.
Lamb does an excellent job of showing that in the American system of Government, the President is one of the people and remains so; even after his term of serving in the world's greatest office; he returns to being just another American Citizen;a point often made by President Harry S Truman.
One of the things I liked about this book was that the author didn't just put together a bunch of readily information to fill a few pages on each President.He provided all the same information for each President, and in doing that;he makes it very evident that these were highly different people and comparisons are clearly brought out.A guide of this type where things are given about one President ,but not another, would be a lazy approach and frustrating to the reader.
In a very thumbnail manner the author shows that all these Presidents put the privilige of holding the office above all the politics involved in their lives.
I have to admit,that the answer to the title,s question,left me wondering until I saw the answer in another Cusromer,s Review.
If I may,here is something to entice you;
What President was the sole mourner at the committal of a politician,who had gone to jail for tax evasion; and when asked by the pastor; "Mr. President,why are you here?, he asked. "It's cold and bitter. Did you know this gentleman?" The President replied; "Pastor,I never forget a friend."
Anyone interested in American History or Politics will find this a great source of information and a readily available reference source. While a super guide to the Presidents' graves ;it is also a good reference. |
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| "MORE LESSON THAN ONE" | 2006-08-05 |
| - Reviewed By ericrachut |
Aside from the excellent synopses of each man's life and term in office, this book provides insight into how this nation regards its Chief Executive. Contrast the modest burial sites of James Monroe and the two Adams with the imperial settings of
the modern age! Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis - one of the largest in the world - has a fascinating spot - it is possible to stand between the graves of President Benjamin Harrison and author Booth Tarkington, and look up the hill to the grave of James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier poet. Incidentally, President Harrison's epitaph has an unintentionally amusing line - something like "Statesman, Yet Friend of Truth." Obtain a map from the cemetery office to find this site. (John Dillinger is in the same cemetery, as is Thomas Marshall, Wilson's Vice-President and the man who uttered the comment, during an overblown Senate debate, that what this country really needs is a good 5 cent cigar).
PS The title of this book comes from the line, "Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb?" Obvious answer: General Grant. Correct Answer: General and Mrs. Grant. |
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| "This Is A Fun Read, & Much More Reasonable than Sarah Vowell" | 2005-07-07 |
| - Reviewed By rockwall |
Brian Lamb and his C-SPAN team have written a number of wonderful and extremely-informative essay-filled booknotes on American History and Characters. "Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb" is no exception.
With contributions from Douglas Brinkley, Richard Norton Smith, and other noted Historians, this compact, easy-to-read volume is filled with vignettes and facts about all of the deceased Presidents, their last days, presumably their last words, and where they are buried. Admission prices to their libraries and museums (and this includes living Presidents and Jefferson Davis too) is also included.
Brinkley's insightful essay at the end of the book, in which he writes with great eloquence of the attachment of Springfield Illinois to Abraham Lincoln, and of his visits to other Presidential gravesites and museums is almost worth half of the price of this bargain edition.
Note: This book was published prior to the passing of President Reagan, yet it does note where he wished to be buried, and has information about the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
The book shows the human and humorous side of the Presidents, including Calvin Coolidge's funny comment to a woman who said she'd bet him if he would say two words ("You Lose", was Silent Cal's response), or how William Howard Taft, a Unitarian, deftly fought back against religious prejudice.
A solid and fun read, especially around the July 4th holiday, and at 4.99 is a much better buy, and totally devoid of political commentary ala Sarah Vowell's weak-at-the-knees "Assassination Vacation". |
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| "Surprisingly Fun and Informative" | 2005-03-12 |
| - Reviewed By josephreeves |
| Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb is an unusual combination of travel guide and presidential biography. The authors discuss the American Presidents by describing how they are memorialized. By exploring each Presidential gravesite, the Authors also describe the lives of the Presidents. The book is far from morbid and quite enlightening and entertaining. |
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| "A Different Perspective" | 2004-09-01 |
| - Reviewed By bgwilson53 |
This unique book is full of surprises, plenty of clear pictures, and short evaluations of each president. From Washington to the present George Bush, the reader visits the final resting places of our American presidents and learns how and when they died and their final words, in many cases.
Altho this book was published before the death of Ronald Reagan, pictures of his library and of the other living presidents are discussed.
In back of the book are names and places of the presidential libraries, the presidential and vice presidential gravesites listed by state, the burial places of president's wives and a host of other relevant material. Websites are even included.
Reading this book is an armchair traveller's delight. The traveller will appreciate the excellent directions. The research is phenomenal. Students of American history may want to add this to their book list.
If you are a fan of the American presidency and appreciate the valuable information that Brian Lamb and C-Span staff give us every day on the cable channels, you will absolutely enjoy this lively and well written book. Chapters are short, to the point, and contribute a wealth of information . |
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| "All about the dead presidents!" | 2004-07-04 |
| - Reviewed By Anonymous |
| Count me in among those who collect presidential gravesites. Though I've only been to eight so far (plus two, Nixon's and Reagan's, before they were, um, occupied), I'm looking forward to visiting others when I get the chance. When I do, this will be the ideal, even essential, guidebook. I thoroughly agree with Douglas Brinkley's argument, in the Afterword to this book, that there's nothing morbid about hunting down presidential resting places. Rather, it's a way to connect with American history as well as contemplate the ends to which we all must come. I'm sure that for some, given our troubling tendency toward sanctifying the office and the men in it, it can mean more than that. But the estimable Brian Lamb doesn't fall into that trap. And for that, he should be commended. Each president listed here receives a brief mention of his term in office, with more focus on the circumstances of his death and burial. Comprehensive directions to the site and several photographs round out each listing. It's an excellent presentation, entertaining and informative all at once. I highly recommend it even to those who haven't (yet) become an official "collector." It's an interesting and fun way to learn more about our country and the men who have led our government. |
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| "Best Guide to Presidential Gravesites" | 2004-01-05 |
| - Reviewed By Anonymous |
| After watching the American Presidents' series on C-Span, I bought this book, and now I am visiting the gravesites of the presidents on my vacations. I find the directions and descriptions amazingly accurate. I never go on vacation without this book. |
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| "Too Late --Already Been Done !!" | 2003-09-09 |
| - Reviewed By 1076601765 |
| This is a great book but my wife and I have already done the impossible. From 1980 to 1986 we visited all the graves of the presidents -- it was one of the most rewarding experiences as we were able to see American history up close and personal. However, this book did help us in locating another grave that we didn't originally visit -- that of Dean Rice Acheson -- President of the United States for a Day !!! Who ?? Read the Book !!! |
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| "A thorough tour guide to these historical sites." | 2000-07-30 |
| - Reviewed By Anonymous |
| Who's buried in Grant's tomb is an interesting guide filled with small histories on each American president. The book contains accurate directions to help you find presidential gravesites, museums and libraries. Furthermore, the book contains addresses where you can write for additional information on each site and even includes website addresses when applicable. I have toured a few of these historical locations myself and have found the information in this book to be especially helpful in providing hours of operation as well as admission prices to some of these places. The book might appear a little morbid when you consider that it focuses on presidential burial sites but once you read it, you quickly find out that it provides a doorway for you to study the human side of these men. By visiting their homes graves and museums, you realize that they are not merely cold icons that you read about in history. They were very real with interesting lives and this book invites you to study their legacies. |
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