Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power

Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power chronicles Ronald Reagan's transformation from Hollywood actor to California governor. The book covers Reagan's early years through his two terms as governor from 1967-1975. Lou Cannon draws on interviews, documents, and his experience covering Reagan as a journalist to construct this political biography. The narrative tracks Reagan's evolving views and the key relationships that shaped his entry into politics. The book examines Reagan's handling of student protests, welfare reform, and other major issues during his governorship of California. It details the development of his political philosophy and leadership style during these formative years in office. This biography reveals how Reagan's time as governor served as a crucial testing ground for the policies and principles he would later bring to the presidency. The book shows the intersection of personality, ideology, and political reality in the making of a conservative leader.

Readers praise Cannon's balanced portrayal of Reagan during his California governorship, with specific appreciation for the detailed coverage of his transformation from actor to politician. Many note the book serves as a companion piece to Cannon's earlier work "Governor Reagan: President Reagan." Readers highlight Cannon's firsthand reporting experience and access to Reagan during this period. Several reviews mention the thorough research into Reagan's evolving positions on issues like taxes and government spending. Common criticisms include the dense policy details that some found tedious and the lengthy coverage of California state politics that may not interest general readers. A few reviewers wanted more personal insights into Reagan's character. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (28 reviews) Sample review: "Cannon provides unmatched detail about Reagan's governorship, though the minutiae of 1960s California politics can be overwhelming at times." - Amazon reviewer

The Age of Reagan by Sidney Blumenthal This political history chronicles Reagan's transformation of American conservatism from 1976 to 1980 with first-hand accounts from his inner circle.

Reagan's America by Garry Wills The book examines Reagan's rise through Hollywood, General Electric, and California politics to reveal how his personal mythology shaped his political identity.

Nixon by Jonathan Aitken The biography traces Nixon's path from California politics to the presidency, offering parallels to Reagan's journey and their shared political context.

When the World Seemed New: George H. W. Bush and the End of the Cold War by Jeffrey A. Engel This account of Bush's presidency provides context for the political era that followed Reagan's administration and the continuation of his policies.

The Working Class Republican: Ronald Reagan and the Return of Blue-Collar Conservatism by Henry Olsen The book analyzes Reagan's political evolution from New Deal Democrat to Republican leader through his connection to working-class voters.

🏛️ Lou Cannon covered Ronald Reagan for over 35 years, first as a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News and later for The Washington Post, making him one of the most experienced journalists to chronicle Reagan's political career. 🎬 Before entering politics, Reagan was president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for six terms, where he developed many of the negotiation skills and anti-communist stances that would later define his political career. 📚 The book reveals that Reagan's transformation from New Deal Democrat to conservative Republican was gradual rather than sudden, occurring over many years through the 1950s and early 1960s. 🗣️ As California governor, Reagan signed the Therapeutic Abortion Act in 1967, one of the most liberal abortion laws in the country at the time - a decision he later said he deeply regretted. 💼 The book extensively covers Reagan's handling of student protests at UC Berkeley, which became a defining moment of his governorship and helped establish his national reputation as a law-and-order conservative.