I found each chapter extremely interesting. It showed how his thinking evolved through time. Also I enjoyed how he relished his role as the GOP president "whisperer", particularly with Reagan.
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Buckley and his presidents
Very much as the title would suggest and not much else. Well researched with a somewhat dry theme, considering the subject (Buckley). Felzenburg never approaches the man, but Buckley's relationships and varying influence imports a general theme that the title suggests. Those intent on finding a biography that inspires will find instead an even handed analysis of Buckley's views and progresses with a special emphasis on his interactions and political influence exertions. There is no feeling that the man seemed to think about anything except politics. Although the book stressed the importance of his family and religion, one gets the impression that he had neither by the scant references to his experiences or reliance on them. He is said to have been extremely well read and studied, however, this possible gold mine of info was barely touched upon at all. The author at the end seems aloof of what Buckley actually believed when you get down to brass tacks (beyond first and second order politics). All this being said, the book is well researched and is an excellent primer for understanding Buckley's political beliefs, evolution and influence on others. It guides the reader through his peaks and valleys. It really does educate the reader on all of the important political interactions of Buckley's life. It is telling that one of the most interesting parts of the book for me was the description of his period of involvement with personnel involved in the Watergate affair. Despite my longing for more of the true man, his family, self education and religion, the important merits I mention above make this a certified and useful book. I bought the audio version read by Meskimen: I only detected three misread words in the 14 cds. The reading and cadence was very understandable and proper, and just a little dull (understandable, given much of the subject matter, but I did expect a little more presentation prowess, but maybe I'm being a little too hard?), however, I am very grateful this book is available on audio, as I was able save time by listening to it in my car. It's also nice to know the someone of Meskimen's caliber was brought on to do the reading.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2017Format: Audio CDVerified Purchase
Very much as the title would suggest and not much else. Well researched with a somewhat dry theme, considering the subject (Buckley). Felzenburg never approaches the man, but Buckley's relationships and varying influence imports a general theme that the title suggests. Those intent on finding a biography that inspires will find instead an even handed analysis of Buckley's views and progresses with a special emphasis on his interactions and political influence exertions. There is no feeling that the man seemed to think about anything except politics. Although the book stressed the importance of his family and religion, one gets the impression that he had neither by the scant references to his experiences or reliance on them. He is said to have been extremely well read and studied, however, this possible gold mine of info was barely touched upon at all. The author at the end seems aloof of what Buckley actually believed when you get down to brass tacks (beyond first and second order politics). All this being said, the book is well researched and is an excellent primer for understanding Buckley's political beliefs, evolution and influence on others. It guides the reader through his peaks and valleys. It really does educate the reader on all of the important political interactions of Buckley's life. It is telling that one of the most interesting parts of the book for me was the description of his period of involvement with personnel involved in the Watergate affair. Despite my longing for more of the true man, his family, self education and religion, the important merits I mention above make this a certified and useful book. I bought the audio version read by Meskimen: I only detected three misread words in the 14 cds. The reading and cadence was very understandable and proper, and just a little dull (understandable, given much of the subject matter, but I did expect a little more presentation prowess, but maybe I'm being a little too hard?), however, I am very grateful this book is available on audio, as I was able save time by listening to it in my car. It's also nice to know the someone of Meskimen's caliber was brought on to do the reading.
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Top reviews from other countries
- W.RobinsonReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2022
Over-inflated
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - PhillipwhReviewed in Australia on June 18, 2017
Conservative,, William Buckley - rather one who wanted action to be within the framework of the constitution
Format: KindleVerified Purchase -
J. RuppReviewed in Germany on September 30, 2018
Buckley und die Politik
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Thomas A. RegelskiReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2018
Four Stars
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
