When President James Garfield was shot in 1881, nobody expected Vice President Chester A. Arthur to become a strong and effective president, a courageous anti-corruption reformer, and an early civil rights advocate. Despite his promising start as a young man, by his early fifties Chester A. Arthur was known as the crooked crony of New York machine boss Roscoe Conkling. For years Arthur had been perceived as unfit to govern, not only by critics and the vast majority of his fellow citizens but by his own conscience. As President James A. Garfield struggled for his life, Arthur knew better than his detractors that he failed to meet the high standard a president must uphold. And yet, from the moment President Arthur took office, he proved to be not just honest but brave, going up against the very forces that had controlled him for decades. He surprised everyone -- and gained many enemies -- when he swept house and took on corruption, civil rights for blacks, and issues of land for Native Americans. A mysterious young woman deserves much of the credit for Arthur's remarkable transformation. Julia Sand, a bedridden New Yorker, wrote Arthur nearly two dozen letters urging him to put country over party, to find "the spark of true nobility" that lay within him. At a time when women were barred from political life, Sand's letters inspired Arthur to transcend his checkered past--and changed the course of American history. This beautifully written biography tells the dramatic, untold story of a virtually forgotten American president. It is the tale of a machine politician and man-about-town in Gilded Age New York who stumbled into the highest office in the land, only to rediscover his better self when his nation needed him.

In this book, Roxanne Robinson offered a careful and engaging narrative of how Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States of America during one of the most turbulent times in the American history. Through the pages of this book, you will uncover how Watergate Scandal forced Richard Nixon out of office and how Gerald Ford's decision and eventual pardon to Nixon affected public perception of government even unto this present day. By reading this book, you will discover: How a man devoid of presidential aspirations turned into the leader of a country facing crisis. From his Michigan roots to his years in Congress to his surprising appointment as vice president following Spiro Agnew's resignation. The Impact of Watergate: The book offers a thorough examination of the Watergate scandal and its terrible consequences for the Nixon government. It shows how Ford's relationship with Nixon changed as the scandal deepens and how he finally brought stability to the turbulent state of the nation. Controversy Regarding the Pardon: Great detqail is examined on one of Ford's most divisive choices: Richard Nixon's pardon. You will certainly judge for yourself; Ford’s reasoning that led to the pardon and it's aftermath effect on his presidency. The book uncovers the long-term impact of the pardon on his presidency and American politics. Rebuilding Trust in Government: the author also highlights Ford’s efforts to restore faith in the executive arm of government after the corruption and scandals of the Nixon years. Through his transparency and commitment to democratic principles, Ford sought to heal a divided nation, but not without challenges. Ford’s Leadership Style: The book paints a vivid picture of Ford’s calm, pragmatic leadership during a time of immense uncertainty. Unlike Nixon’s secretive and paranoid approach, Ford’s presidency was defined by openness, honesty, and a strong belief in the rule of law. The 1976 Election and Ford’s Legacy: The final chapters examine Ford’s fight for election in 1976, his narrow loss to Jimmy Carter, and how history has judged his presidency. Despite his short time in office, this book makes a compelling case for Ford as a figure of integrity whose steady hand helped guide the country through one of its darkest moments. Through these key points, the Unexpected Leader offers readers a deep understanding of Gerald Ford’s role in shaping modern American history. It sheds light on the personal and political complexities of Ford’s presidency, showing how an unexpected leader can rise to meet the demands of a crisis with quiet determination and moral clarity. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics, presidential history, or the legacy of leadership in times of crisis.

If you’re going through any traumatic, life-changing experience (mental or physical illness, joblessness, homelessness, incarceration, stress from a family member incarcerated, loss of a loved one, depression caused by anything from systemic racism, sexism, ageism to uncertainty about tomorrow), believe you can overcome it, and know you’re not alone. Trust, you have what it takes to press forward. Remember, the hard times you overcame before, and yet “somehow” you’re still here. Believe if you did it before, you can do it again. Take a journey with me as I discover strategies, including changing past behaviors, developing faith, and self care tips, to get through even in the most challenging times with a peace that transcends understanding.

Bastien Bonlivre is in trouble again. His sworn enemy, Olivier Odieux, has escaped jail and is after Bastien once more. Meanwhile, trouble is also brewing in Paris. Fires are burning, and danger lurks at every corner. Who could be behind this? As clues start piling up, Bastien and his friends Theo, Alice and Mathilde must set off on a risky treasure hunt to track down the answers they so desperately need. Because if they don't find them, it won't just be Bastien who is in danger... Praise for the Bastien Bonlivre Adventures: "A charming and bookish tale of friendship, villainy and the power of stories." Thomas Taylor, author of Malmander "A delightful literary mystery with a dastardly villain to boot! Perfect for fans of Peter Bunzl and Katherine Rundell." Christopher Edge, author of The Many Worlds of Albie Brigh "An absolutely delightful French mystery with plenty of tension and suspense alongside wonderful friendships." L.D.Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency trilogy

Advance Praise for The Unexpected George Washington "This is a biography that unquestionably lives up to its title. Readers will discover numerous, often touching traits that they never knew about the Father of the Country. Harlow Unger has written a one-of-a-kind book that will please and fascinate everyone." —Thomas Fleming, author Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge "It's hard to imagine George Washington as playful, tender, or funny. But Harlow Unger searches to find these seldom-seen aspects of the private man, and the result is a far more complete and believable founding father." — James C. Rees, Executive Director, Historic Mount Vernon Acclaim for Lafayette "Harlow Unger has cornered the market on muses to emerge as America's most readable historian. His new biography of the Marquis de Lafayette combines a thoroughgoing account of the age of revolution, a probing psychological study of a complex man, and a literary style that goes down like cream." —Florence King, contributing editor, National Review "To American readers Unger's biography will provide a stark reminder of just how near run a thing was our War of Independence and the degree to which our forefathers' victory hinged on the help of our French allies, marshalled for George Washington by his 'adopted' son, Lafayette." —Larry Collins, coauthor, Is Paris Burning? and O Jerusalem! "An admirable account of his [Lafayette's] life and extraordinary career on both sides of the Atlantic." — The Sunday Telegraph (London)

Seven classic excursions into the fantastic imagination of one of post-war America's greatest science fiction writers. This collection showcases the humanity, imagination and variety of Budrys' writing and plotting.

Justice Scalia was an important and divisive force in the United States, and his recent death has prompted widespread interest in his legal opinions. The unique point of view presented in this book, written by a personal friend, will attract considerable attention, from both scholars of politics and the general public.

What if everything we've been told about aliens is wrong? What if we discovered the truth and it's nothing like what we've been told? Only one knows the truth, an alien that's not supposed to be here. And he'll do anything to keep it from us. Desperate to escape, he's called for help. Will he make it or be forced to divulge the secrets of The Plan.

The Unexpected Story of Nathaniel Rothschild is the only full length biography of Nathaniel, the first Lord Rothschild (1840-1915). The Rothschild family in all its branches is of compelling and continuing interest and fascination. A family that could make or break dynasties, that could bankrupt industrial magnates but who also were outstanding philanthropists and collectors of some of the world`s greatest art treasures. Ardently supportive of the founding of the State of Israel, Nathaniel was also adept at playing the political game within and without Jewry. He went to extremes to ensure that Jewish refugees from Russian pogroms went to Palestine and did not come to the UK. The first Jew in the House of Lords, he had previously stood as a Liberal MP and fought for social justice. He knew every leading British politician from Disraeli to Lloyd George. Indeed as a leading figure in the City, he helped Lloyd George to surmount this country's worst ever financial crisis. He died a man mourned by the political elite and the masses. It is only now that his story has been fully told.