Die besten 60 Bücher zu US Presidents

The Audacity of Hope is based on a keynote speech Barack Obama delivered at the 2004 Democratic Convention, which launched him into the spotlight of the nation. It contains many of the subjects of Obama’s 2008 campaign for the presidency.

• Anyone interested in American politics and international affairs
• Anyone who wants to find out about Obama’s core values

In Failed States, author Noam Chomsky details the ways in which the United States has used its power to relentlessly pursue its own geopolitical and economic interests. The book cites examples from throughout history to demonstrate why the United States’ stated goal of promoting democracy is inconsistent with its own actions, at home and abroad.

• Anyone critical of US foreign policy
• Anyone interested in international politics
• Anyone interested in history

Killing Lincoln (2011) tells the story behind the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln, which took place in 1865, shortly after the Confederate army had surrendered, effectively putting an end to the US Civil War. Learn all about the conspirators who plotted the killing, what their motives were and the details surrounding the fateful night at Ford’s Theater.

• History buffs
• Readers curious about Lincoln’s assassination
• Civil War fanatics

A Higher Loyalty (2018) is the revealing account of James Comey’s history as a respected public servant across multiple presidential administrations. Comey guides readers through many years of experience, including his fight against unlawful torture and surveillance policies during the second Bush administration, and his experience with the Trump presidency.

• News and political junkies
• Students of law and ethics
• Readers eager for a peek at Washington’s inner workings

Presidents of War (2018) is a panoramic study of eight US presidents and the conflicts into which they led their country. Detailing each POTUS’ motivations for war, their decisions once hostilities began, and the mood of the press and public at home, these absorbing portraits of wartime leaders look at American history on the grandest of scales – from the War of 1812 to Vietnam. 

• Americans wanting to understand their past leaders
• Foreigners whose knowledge of American history is limited to the twentieth century 
• Future presidents trying to avoid the mistakes of their predecessors

The Threat (2019) offers an inside look at America’s famous nation-wide law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI. Written with the lucid precision you’d expect from a high-ranking former FBI official, this book depicts the organization’s inner workings, details the methods it uses to protect the public, and explains why terrorism and President Donald Trump are currently the nation’s biggest threats.

• Law-enforcement buffs wondering how the FBI operates
• Concerned Americans curious about how the organization protects them
• Law-abiding citizens seeking to understand the FBI’s biggest challenges today

American Carnage (2019) details the ideological battle at the heart of the Republican Party over the last decade. From George Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” to the Tea Party’s right-wing fervor, Tim Alberta covers the ideological metamorphosis that led to Donald Trump’s presidency.

• Anyone with an interest in American politics 
• Budding Washington hacks
• Those anxious about the rise of the far right

Impeachment (2018) details how the Framers of the US Constitution envisioned the process of removing a president, and how the three impeachment proceedings prior to Trump’s have played out. Spanning the years right after the American Revolution to the late twentieth century, Impeachment looks at how the Framers imagined impeachment as a safety valve for democracy, as well as how Congress used impeachment to sanction Presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. 

• News junkies who’ve read every think piece about the Trump impeachment
• History hounds obsessed with the American experiment 
• Anyone looking for a better grasp on current US affairs

Crime in Progress (2019) is the thrilling inside story of the intelligence agency that first started investigating the links between Donald Trump and Russia. Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch of Fusion GPS relate how they commissioned the infamous Steele Dossier, which alleged that the Russians had leverage over Trump, and the astonishing series of events to which this led.

• Fans of American politics
• Readers who enjoy a political thriller
• Anyone who’s been glued to the news for the past several years

The Conscience of a Conservative (1960) is a classic statement of the conservative mindset. Penned in an age of bipartisan support for big government, Barry Goldwater’s manifesto rekindled a conservative movement committed to shrinking the state. Over the next 20 years, Goldwater’s positions on topics such as taxation, education, and welfare became commonsensical on the American right, laying the foundations for the 1980s Reagan revolution. 

• History buffs and politicos 
• Advocates of limited government 
• Liberals interested in the other side of the argument

A Very Stable Genius (2020) is the definitive account of Donald Trump’s time in the White House. After three years of silence, dozens of public officials and other first-hand witnesses familiar with the workings of the Trump administration went on record with reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. Their testimony forms the backbone of these blinks, which reveal the forty-fifth president of the United States up close. 

• Politics buffs 
• News junkies looking for the bigger picture 
• Journalists and reporters

A Warning (2019) presents a harrowing view of the inner workings of the Donald Trump presidency. Penned by an anonymous White House insider, it details the tensions and turmoil behind the scenes of the most chaotic administration in modern American history.

• Concerned citizens seeking to understand the current political zeitgeist
• Political junkies eager for the latest White House gossip
• Activists hoping to hamper the current administration

Profiles in Corruption (2020) challenges us to question and confront the moral integrity of the politicians at the forefront of the modern progressive movement in America. Derived from a range of sources, from financial reports to corporate documentation, eight profiles of the biggest names in left-wing politics tell us a harrowing story of illicit exchanges, cover-ups, and double-crosses.

• Americans concerned about the integrity of Democratic politicians
• Truth-seekers who want to know what goes on behind Washington’s closed doors
• Fans of political intrigue

The Lincoln Conspiracy (2020) tells the story of the first assassination attempt on America’s 16th president – before he was even president. Organized by a secret cabal of pro-slavery Southern secessionists, the plot was foiled by famous private detective Allan Pinkerton, as well as Kate Warne, one of his agents, and the first female detective in America.

• Civil War fanatics
• Lincoln geeks
• Anyone interested in the story of abolitionism

It Was All A Lie (2020) is former Republican political consultant Stuart Stevens’ take on how Republican leaders, desperate for power, have mortgaged their purported values to support Donald Trump.

• Americans disappointed by the Trump presidency
• Lovers of well-crafted snark
• Political junkies

Donald Trump v. The United States (2020) tells the story of the 2016 presidential campaign and the subsequent Special Counsel investigation into the Trump administration. It details the ways in which the investigation was assisted by the White House counsel – and how it was curtailed by Trump and the Justice Department.

• News junkies
• Citizens concerned about US democracy
• People curious about the Mueller investigation

In Promises to Keep (2007), Joe Biden recounts personal anecdotes from his childhood and long career in politics. He reveals how he was taught by his parents to always follow his convictions, and how he entered politics as an underdog, but quickly built a career in the Senate that spanned four decades. Lastly, he recounts how personal and professional adversity have made him a more resilient and insightful father, husband, and political leader.

• Voters wanting to know more about one of the US presidential candidates
• Memoir-lovers who want to learn about the personal life of a remarkable politician
• Historians interested in how Senate politics has changed over the last four decades

Compromised (2020) is an inside account of the FBI’s handling of the now-famous Midyear Exam and Crossfire Hurricane investigations concerning Hillary Clinton and the Trump campaign, respectively. It tackles partisan media and White House accusations head-on, from the point of view of a person at the center of it all.

• Politically engaged Americans on both sides of the aisle
• Those who have been exposed to conflicting narratives about the FBI
• Curious followers of current events and politics

Speaking for Myself (2020) is an insider’s account of Donald Trump’s first two years in office by the woman whose job it was to present the president’s thinking to the world – press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Alongside fascinating snapshots of Trump’s decision-making process, values, and sense of humor, Sanders offers readers a glimpse of the inner workings of the White House and the role of the press in American political life.

• Trump haters interested in the other side of the story
• Journalists, reporters, and broadcasters
• History and politics buffs

The Economists’ Hour (2019) is a compact history of how economists came to dominate our political discourse. This work traces the rise of neoliberal ideology from the 1960s to today.

• Political wonks wanting to parse the current climate
• Citizens concerned about America’s rightward shift
• Anyone asking, “how did things get so bad?”

Where Law Ends (2020) offers a behind-the-scenes look at the special counsel investigation that resulted in the controversial Mueller Report. It takes you step-by-step through the 22-month process of interviews and evidence gathering that resulted in unprecedented findings that raise serious questions about America’s democratic institutions.

• American voters worried about election interference
• People curious about the limits of executive power
• Fans of gripping legal investigations

Over the years, much has been made of the influence of Enlightenment ideas –⁠ particularly those of English philosopher John Locke –⁠ on America’s founding fathers. First Principles (2020) takes a different approach. It focuses instead on the ways in which Greek and Roman history and philosophy profoundly shaped the values and goals of America’s first four presidents, and how classical ideas are embedded in the nation to this day.

• Anyone interested in American history, or political philosophy
• Students of Greek and Roman classics

The Man I Knew (2021) is the simultaneously heartwarming, tear-jerking, and surprising story of George H. W. Bush’s life after the White House. Many people are aware of President Bush’s accomplishments as a politician – shepherding the US through the end of the Cold War, successfully navigating the Gulf War, and signing the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, to name but a few. But this isn’t the story of George Bush the politician –⁠ it’s the story of George Bush the husband, friend, and father.

• Fans of the Bush family and other prominent Republicans
• Democrats who want to get to know someone on the other side of the aisle
• Memoir-lovers

American Kompromat (2021) tells the dark and unsettling tale of how the Russian KGB began cultivating Donald Trump as an asset –⁠ and then hit the jackpot when he became the president of the United States. Drawing connections between Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and a mysterious Catholic sect called Opus Dei, it explores the reasons why Trump repeatedly did Putin’s bidding –⁠ and who enabled him to do so.

• Americans trying to make sense of Trump’s connection to Russia
• Fans of political gossip and conspiracies
• Citizens concerned about how politicians and businessmen weaponize their power

Zero Fail (2021) is a no-nonsense account of the ineptitude and recklessness that have plagued the US Secret Service in recent decades. From Kennedy to Trump, the Service has continually covered up for, and even promoted, agents who made impulsive, ill-considered and simply bad decisions. 

• Popcorn-munching gossip-lovers
• American history buffs
• News junkies

Richard Nixon: The Life (2017) is a thorough biography of one of the most controversial American presidents. Tracing Nixon’s life from his humble upbringing through his meteoric political ascent to his crashing downfall in the Watergate scandal, it reveals a complex, troubled, and sentimental man.

• US-politics aficionados
• Biography enthusiasts who love a scandal
• People looking to deepen their knowledge of American history

The Reckoning (2021) is an unflinching look at contemporary American society. This sharp treatise draws informative connections between the nation’s traumas and its current issues.

• Voters struggling to understand the contemporary political landscape
• Citizens concerned about the future of their country
• Anyone interested in a critical analysis of American society

Renegades (2021) documents eight intimate and enlightening conversations between two living legends: the musician Bruce Springsteen and the former US president Barack Obama. These two friends delve into some of the issues that have defined both of their careers, including American identity, fatherhood, class and racial divides, wrestling with the past, and maintaining hope for the future.

• American citizens concerned about the country’s future
• Fans of “the Boss” and the forty-fourth president
• Music buffs

I Alone Can Fix It (2021) is the definitive behind-the-scenes account of Donald Trump’s final 12 months in the White House. Drawing on in-depth interviews with participants in the drama, it charts how a president who was on course for reelection ended up presiding over a doomed and bloody attempt to cling on to power. Along the way, it reveals the thinking behind Trump’s dysfunctional responses to the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. 

• Politics buffs
• Current affairs junkies
• Americanophiles

Reagan (2015) is the definitive account of the life of a towering figure in American history. Starting with his childhood in Illinois, the narrative follows the course of Ronald Reagan’s life, from his charmed days in Hollywood to his time as governor of California and, finally, from the White House to the world stage of the Cold War.

• All those who think they know what Reagan was all about
• History buffs
• People looking to understand modern American conservatism

Founding Brothers (2002) complicates and enriches our understanding of the American revolution. The men who founded America lived and worked in uncertain times. The future was far from certain, and even the truths they held to be self-evident often led to strikingly different conclusions. But they clung to one another – as friends, as rivals, and even as enemies. Together, they formed a fraternity of remarkable minds that could collectively solve the problems each of them on their own could not.

• History buffs
• Americanophiles 
• Anyone who loves stories

The January 6th Report (2022) is the official Congressional report into the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The report confirms that Donald Trump, the outgoing president, was the root cause of the attack on the Capitol, and the committee recommended that he broke numerous laws in the process and should be brought to justice.

• News addicts who were gripped by the events of January 6
• Politics enthusiasts
• Anyone with an interest in democracy – and its limits

And There Was Light (2022) is a biography of Abraham Lincoln that takes a nuanced look at a complex leader. Focusing especially on Lincoln’s evolving views on and actions around slavery, it’s a picture of a man who wrestled with his moral convictions while attempting to hold together a divided nation. Echoes of that struggle still ring out today, making it essential to keep Lincoln’s story at the forefront of American consciousness.

• American history enthusiasts
• People interested in controversial historical figures
• Budding political pundits looking to add to their historical knowledge

Confidence Man (2022) is a full account of Trump’s life in the spotlight. It tracks his career from early New York real estate deals to his tumultuous tenure in the White House. It shows how his aggressive personality was molded early on and only intensified as the stage grew bigger.

• Politics junkies
• People interested in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol
• Anyone interested in the unique life of Donald J. Trump

Never Give an Inch (2022) gives insight into US foreign policy during the Trump administration. Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, outlines his personal beliefs, candidly discusses his views on international politics, and reflects on challenges and successes from his time in the State Department.

• Republicans
• People who want to know more about the Trump administration
• Anyone who’s interested in US and international politics

The Courage to Be Free (2023) is an account of Ron DeSantis’s career so far, focusing on his work as governor of Florida. He reflects on his approach to leadership and outlines his vision for America.

• Republicans and anyone who has right-wing political views
• People interested in US politics
• Anyone who wants to know more about a potential future president

The River of Doubt (2005) is about former US President Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1913–1914 expedition into the Amazon rainforest alongside Brazilian explorer Cândido Rondon. It chronicles the challenges they faced, from disease and dangerous wildlife to potential mutiny, as they navigated an uncharted river. The journey pushed every member to their limits and nearly cost Roosevelt his life.

• History buffs interested in Roosevelt's post-presidential adventures
• Explorers fascinated by the Amazon
• Anyone looking for tales of human endurance

Becoming FDR (2022) tells the remarkable story of the personal health crisis and recovery that transformed Franklin D. Roosevelt from a self-centered, pampered golden boy to the mature, empathetic President who would go on to lead a nation through the darkest days of The Great Depression and the second World War. 

• History buffs looking for the inside story on one of America’s defining presidents
• Political minds curious about the personalities that shaped the twentieth century
• Anyone curious about how crisis and adversity can shape character

An Ordinary Man (2023) is the complete biography of Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the United States. Under his leadership, America navigated its gravest constitutional crisis since the Civil War and confronted its most profound economic slump since the Great Depression. While Ford can be seen as an “accidental president,” historian Richard Norton Smith argues that his accomplishments were numerous and significant.

• History buffs 
• Politicos interested post-Watergate America
• Fans of in-depth biographical works 

Citizen (2024) is a reflective memoir that explores former US president Bill Clinton’s life after leaving the White House. It covers pivotal moments in recent history, alongside personal insights about public service and the importance of building a better future. Through these reflections, Clinton emphasizes the power of community and individual action in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

• Civic-minded professionals seeking inspiration for community engagement
• Socially conscious leaders aiming to drive meaningful change
• History enthusiasts interested in post-presidential perspectives

Dreams from My Father (1995) is a deeply personal memoir about life growing up in the 1960s and 70s as the mixed-race child of a very blended family, and what it meant for the journey to adulthood. At the same time, it is a carefully considered and richly-detailed meditation on the nature of international race relations, family bonds, and community across generations and continents, offering a unique perspective on the background of a future President of the United States.  

• History buffs interested in the early life of influential public figures
• Biography lovers craving an inside look at lives that make an impact 
• Anyone curious about the man behind the political career, and his reflections on life in the country he has served for decades

Tired of Winning (2023) invites you into a gripping narrative of political intrigue and legal drama, centering on Donald Trump's unprecedented challenges and actions that reshaped American politics. Experience a compelling journey through political chess games, legal battles, and the ongoing saga of a figure who continues to dominate the American political landscape.

• Political history enthusiasts
• Followers of US presidency studies
• Anyone interested in contemporary American politics

Renegade (2023) offers an insider’s perspective on the turbulent political landscape in the United States. Focusing on the challenges and divisions within the Republican Party, it delves into the personal and political consequences of standing against party norms during a time of heightened partisanship, showcasing the complexities of democracy and liberty in a divided country.

• Political science students and researchers
• Members of the Republican Party seeking introspection
• American history and contemporary politics enthusiasts

Teddy and Booker T. (2023) tells the story of how President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, two wildly different Americans, faced the challenge of advancing racial equality in the early 1900s. When Roosevelt welcomed Washington into his circle of advisors in 1901, they confronted violent racist backlash, having risen to prominence in an era of increasing Jim Crow laws and lynching. Though coming from vastly different backgrounds, both men embodied the pioneering American spirit and believed progress was possible through collaboration. 

• History buffs
• Leadership readers
• People looking to be inspired

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1793) provides an intimate look at Franklin's successes and failures, revealing his views on practical wisdom and self-improvement. It showcases his journey from a young apprentice to a renowned figure in history, offering valuable life lessons along the way.

• History enthusiasts
• Self-improvement seekers
• Fans of personal narratives

The Situation Room (2024) provides a detailed look at the high-stakes decision-making processes within the White House Situation Room. It chronicles the dramatic events and critical moments faced by twelve U.S. presidents, offering an insider perspective on how pivotal decisions have shaped American history and global affairs.

• Political science students studying crisis management
• History enthusiasts interested in U.S. presidential decisions
• Anyone interested in behind-the-scenes political stories

At War with Ourselves (2024) takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Trump White House. You’ll discover how chaos and power struggles shaped H. R. McMaster’s one-year tenure as national security advisor, and how he tried to advance the nation’s long-term strategic interests.

• Americans interested in what happened during the Trump administration 
• Politics junkies interested in U.S. governance
• Students of public policy, history, or international relations

Confronting the Presidents (2024) holds a mirror to America’s 45 presidents and confronts them with their records in office. Some come away with a flattering portrait; others are unmasked as the terrible leaders they were. Every president is held to the same standard. The guiding question here is simple: did these men live up to America’s foundational ideals? 

• History and politics buffs 
• Readers of biographies 
• Fans of O’Reilly and Dugard’s previous books

Trump: The Art of the Deal (1987) looks at Donald Trump’s business strategies and personal experiences in real estate. It outlines his principles of negotiation, risk-taking, and public image-building, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability. Through real-life examples, Trump provides a step-by-step guide to closing deals and achieving success.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking business negotiation strategies
• Business professionals aiming to enhance their public image
• Anyone interested in Donald Trump’s career and philosophy

Lucky Loser (2024) delves into the wild financial rollercoaster of Donald Trump, exploring how he kept his empire afloat with risky deals and family wealth. The book looks at the man behind the myth, uncovering the fascinating contradictions between Trump’s public image of success and the staggering losses he accounted for behind the scenes. 

• Political junkies
• Fans of investigative journalism
• History buffs

Lincoln vs. Davis (2024) offers a gripping, in-depth look at the personal and political struggles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War. Nigel Hamilton explores how these two men – one seeking to preserve the Union, the other fighting for Southern independence – shaped the fate of the nation through their contrasting leadership. With rich historical detail and fresh insights, this book reveals the high-stakes decisions, personal flaws, and moral dilemmas that defined America's most turbulent era.

• History enthusiasts ready for their next chapter
• Civil War buffs looking for a fresh perspective on the war
• Biography fans

Melania (2024) provides an intimate glimpse into the fascinating life of Melania Trump, tracing her journey from modest beginnings in Slovenia to her role as First Lady of the United States. Through heartfelt reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it highlights her experiences with motherhood, the challenges of public life, and the unwavering resilience and grace that have defined one of America’s most captivating figures.

• Fans of engaging personal narratives and political memoirs
• Those curious about Melania Trump’s life and experiences
• Individuals intrigued by life inside the White House

Here, Right Matters (2021) is an inspirational memoir from the man who served as the key witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings. It tells the story of an immigrant family who believed deeply in America’s democratic values and the price the author had to pay in staying true to those ideals. 

• Fans of memoirs and personal stories of resilience
• Civically engaged people
• Students and scholars of political science or public policy

Original Sin (2025) is a damning, in-depth exposé of President Biden’s physical and mental deterioration, his inner circle’s attempts to cover it up, and the resulting catastrophe of Biden’s 2024 presidential run. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, it’s packed with shocking, candid commentary from behind the closed doors of politics’ upper echelons. Ultimately, it tells a disturbing tale of hubris, delusion, and deception –⁠ by Biden, the Democratic Party, and a coalition of his closest family and advisors.

• Politics buffs
• Students of political science or communications
• Fans of political and historical thrillers

To Rescue the American Spirit (2025) traces the rise of a political giant who dragged the United States kicking and screaming into the American Century. You’ll discover how Roosevelt’s uncompromising beliefs guided a nation out of its isolation and onto the world stage. By the end, you’ll have seen how character and courage can single-handedly shift the trajectory of a whole nation.

• History junkies fascinated by the Gilded Age
• Anyone interested in political strategy and foreign policy
• Americans hoping to learn of how their nation once overcame adversity and division

So You Want to Own Greenland? (2025) explores how one vast, icy island keeps drawing the attention of explorers, empires, and superpowers. From vanished Viking settlements to underground Cold War military bases, Greenland’s story is full of twists and turns. It unpacks how history, geopolitics, and climate are colliding to make Greenland an unexpected headline grabber while the nation continues to try and shape its own future.

• People interested in global politics
• History lovers who like stories that connect ancient and modern events
• Anyone curious about Greenland

Being Thomas Jefferson (2026) digs into the life and times of a Founding Father who is both celebrated and lamented. It holds a light to the man whose eloquence helped establish American independence and orchestrate a new democratic government, but it also exposes his shortcomings and contradictions to try to paint a fuller picture of this iconic man.

• History buffs curious about early America
• Fans of narrative biographies
• People interested in the psychology of a Founding Father

My Life is a memoir by Bill Clinton that offers a detailed account of his life, from his childhood in Arkansas to his time as the 42nd President of the United States. Clinton reflects on his personal and political experiences, providing insights into key events and decisions that shaped his presidency and legacy.

• Readers who are interested in the personal and political life of Bill Clinton
• Individuals who want to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of a former US president
• People who enjoy memoirs and firsthand accounts of historical events

American Sphinx by Joseph J. Ellis delves into the complex and enigmatic personality of Thomas Jefferson. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book uncovers the contradictions and complexities of the third President of the United States, painting a multidimensional portrait of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping American history.

• History enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of Thomas Jefferson
• Readers interested in the complexities of American politics and leadership
• Those who enjoy biographies that offer a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of historical figures

Five Presidents by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin provides an insider's account of the lives and legacies of five American presidents: Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Through firsthand anecdotes and historical insights, the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by these leaders during their time in office.

• History enthusiasts who want an insider's look at the lives of US presidents
• Readers interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the Secret Service
• Individuals curious about the personal interactions and relationships between presidents and their security detail