The Lincoln book I mentioned above seems to have spurred an interest in me to read more about American presidents. I just completed John Adams, by David McCullough and was once more blown away by an exceptionally well-written book.
I have come to the conclusion that most Americans are taught the important facts about various personalities of American history in school and they then close the door on the subject assuming they know what is important to know, the details remain buried are most often never exhumed. This book, as well as the Lincoln book -Team Of Rivals by Goodwin- puts you right in the middle of the day-to-day events that these people experienced, and suddenly stories which previously were understood in a sort of mythic texture become real and palpable.
This book was an enormously satisfying read. I am ashamed to admit that it took the painstakingly well researched effort of a master historian to awaken in me a voracious appetite to learn more about the men who created and have maintained my government through its history.
I feel can highly recommend this book with confidence that people of all walks of life, regardless of their country of origin, will be both entertained as well as enlightened with regard to a pivotal period in human history.