The Age of Reagan

The Age of Reagan chronicles the political and cultural transformation of America from 1964 to 1980, with Ronald Reagan as its central figure. This first volume traces Reagan's rise from Hollywood actor to California governor to presidential candidate. The book examines key events and shifts during this period, including the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, economic challenges, and changing social dynamics. Through extensive research and primary sources, Hayward reconstructs the political climate that ultimately led to Reagan's election as president. The narrative follows both Reagan's personal trajectory and the broader conservative movement that reshaped American politics. Historical figures like Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter feature prominently in the events that defined this era. This work stands as an examination of how political movements gain momentum and reshape nations, using Reagan's ascendance as a lens to understand modern American conservatism. The book reveals the deep connections between cultural change, economic conditions, and political realignment in late twentieth-century America.

Readers describe the book as a detailed chronological account of Reagan's presidency with thorough research and extensive footnotes. Many note it provides context about the political environment of the 1980s. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex economic and foreign policy decisions - Coverage of both successes and failures of the administration - Balance between personal anecdotes and policy analysis - Documentation of primary sources Common criticisms: - Length and dense policy details can be overwhelming - Some readers felt the author was too favorable toward Reagan - Limited coverage of social issues and domestic programs - Focus on high-level politics rather than cultural impact Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) Review quotes: "Exhaustively researched but remains readable" - Amazon reviewer "Too much minutiae about legislative debates" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong on foreign policy, weak on social history" - LibraryThing reviewer

Ronald Reagan: The American Presidents Series by H.W. Brands Reagan's presidency and its lasting impact on American conservatism unfolds through key policy decisions and political battles.

The Reagan Revolution by Gil Troy The transformation of American politics and society during Reagan's era emerges through examination of economic policies, cultural shifts, and Cold War dynamics.

Right Turn: American Life in the Reagan-Bush Era by Michael Schaller A political and social history traces the conservative movement's rise from Reagan through Bush Sr. and its effects on American institutions.

The Age of American Unreason by Susan Jacoby The intellectual and cultural changes in American society from the 1980s onward reveal the intersection of politics, media, and public discourse.

Morning in America: How Ronald Reagan Invented the 1980s by Gil Troy Reagan's presidency reshaped American identity through economic policies, Cold War strategies, and cultural transformations that defined the decade.

📚 Although covering Reagan's presidency, the book spans two volumes totaling nearly 1,500 pages, with Volume 1 focused on Reagan's rise to power (1964-1980) and Volume 2 on his presidency (1980-1989). 🏆 Author Steven F. Hayward holds a Ph.D. in American Studies and has written extensively for publications like National Review, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal. 🗣️ The book draws from over 300 oral histories from the Reagan Library archives, many of which had never been used in previous Reagan biographies. 🌐 The title "The Age of Reagan" reflects Hayward's argument that Reagan's influence extended far beyond his presidency, fundamentally reshaping American politics and culture from 1964 to 2008. 📈 Hayward demonstrates how Reagan's economic policies, dubbed "Reaganomics," led to the longest peacetime economic expansion in U.S. history up to that point, with 92 straight months of growth.