Based on his experiences as a Washington Post reporter, Fortune writer and editor, and as editor-in-chief of Time, Donovan offers revealing pictures of Presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan. He shows the Presidents in action, examines their character and their conduct in office, and guesses at the verdicts of history. He sees FDR as a great if flawed President, a superb leader in war, an unsuccessful battler against the Depression of the 1930s,and a successful social reformer. Drawing on personal exchanges and observations, he recalls his estimates of Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Reagan during their Presidency, and gives his appraisal today. Donovan speaks most intimately of Carter whom he served as senior advisor. He also offers fresh insights into the White House and the press, the impact of Time editorial policies regarding these Presidents, and thoughts on how to find the ideal President. ISBN 0-06-039042-5 : $19.95.