They Also Ran

They Also Ran is a non-fiction analysis of unsuccessful United States presidential candidates from 1824 to 1940. Irving Stone examines these historical figures and their campaigns, comparing them to the opponents who defeated them. The book organizes candidates by their professional backgrounds rather than chronologically, creating distinct sections for groups like newspapermen, military leaders, and career politicians. Stone evaluates each candidate's qualifications, character, and potential impact on American history had they won their respective elections. The 1966 updated edition extends the analysis through the 1964 election, providing additional perspective on modern campaigns and outcomes. Stone's work raises fundamental questions about electoral choices and their long-term consequences for the nation. This unique historical study explores the relationship between leadership potential and electoral success, challenging readers to consider whether Americans consistently choose the most qualified candidates for the presidency.

Many readers found value in Stone's analysis of failed presidential candidates, though reviews note the book shows bias toward some historical figures. The unique premise - examining presidential losers rather than winners - drew readers' interest. Readers appreciated: - Deep biographical details of lesser-known historical figures - Connections drawn between different eras of American politics - The human stories behind electoral defeats Common criticisms: - Stone's personal opinions overshadow historical facts - Outdated social views (book published in 1943) - Too much focus on certain candidates while others get brief coverage Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (63 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 reviews) "Fascinating concept but the author's biases show through too strongly," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another wrote, "This book fills a gap in presidential history by examining those who almost made it." Several readers mentioned that while thorough, the writing style can be dense and academic.

Presidential Losers by Thomas A. Bailey A chronicle of failed presidential candidates throughout American history examines their campaigns, platforms, and ultimate impact on U.S. politics.

Almost President by :Scott Farris: The stories of presidential runner-ups from Henry Clay to John McCain reveal the lasting influence of defeated candidates on American policy and culture.

The Making of the President by Theodore H. White A behind-the-scenes examination of presidential campaigns from 1960-1972 documents both winners and losers in the race for the White House.

The Also-Rans by :James Chace: Profiles of major political figures who sought but never achieved the presidency illuminate the evolution of American democracy and campaign politics.

Close But No Cigar by :Roy Morris Jr: The narratives of nine presidential candidates who came within reaching distance of the White House demonstrate how near-victories shaped American political history.

🗳️ Stone spent seven years researching the book, personally interviewing families of the defeated candidates and accessing previously unpublished letters and documents. 📚 The book's original 1943 publication sparked controversy by suggesting that several losing candidates might have made better presidents than those who won. 🏛️ Among the 19 unsuccessful candidates profiled, Henry Clay appears three times, having lost presidential bids in 1824, 1832, and 1844. ✍️ Irving Stone, primarily known for biographical novels like "Lust for Life" about Vincent van Gogh, considered "They Also Ran" his most challenging work due to its complex historical research. 🔄 The book's title was inspired by a regular feature in the Literary Digest magazine called "They Also Ran," which chronicled the lives of defeated presidential candidates after their losses.