The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge

In this “forgotten classic of presidential writing,” Coolidge recounts his political rise and historic achievements, all while displaying his legendary wit (Craig Fehrman, author of Author in Chief).

Though immensely popular in his time, Calvin Coolidge remains one of the most unfairly overlooked US presidents in history. Serving in the White House from 1923 to 1929, he combined conservative economic policy with a staunch commitment to civil rights. His legacy is one of great prosperity, advocacy for women’s suffrage, and the signing of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which guaranteed citizenship to all Native Americans.

Coolidge was also well known in his time for having a calm demeanor and dry wit, earning him the nickname “Silent Cal.” In this sparkling autobiography, he is anything but silent. Here, learn of his evolution from boyhood in Vermont and governorship of Massachusetts to his vice presidency under the scandal-prone Warren G. Harding and, later, his own presidential administration.

Famously, Coolidge declined to run for reelection a third time, declaring that “It is a great advantage to a president, and a major source of safety to the country, for him to know that he is not a great man.” His life and career remain a shining example of statesmanship at its finest. In The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge, he presents his story in a way no one else can.