Review Detail

Throughout history, the American people have known what their presidents looked like. How? This has changed over time. Technology has altered the ways in which we view and get to know our leaders. From paintings to cartoons to motion pictures and beyond, What Does the President Look Like? by Jane Hampton Cook demonstrates how the President of the United States has been revealed to his constituents.

This book is filled with facts and truly interesting content about major presidents and their time periods. Presidential interactions with the media of their day and the role that technology played in history (especially the Nixon/Kennedy debate) are particularly relevant. Cook also addresses unusual media like silent films, stereographs and the Internet, going beyond the expected paintings and photographs.

Illustrated in muted neutral tones, the book reflects a historical dignity, if not child-friendly appeal. Sadly, the illustrators renditions of the presidents bear little to no resemblance to the actual men who served in office.

Includes a visual chart of all the presidents, a list of resources and a list of presidential libraries and museums.

A unique treatment of presidential and art history.