This little book primarily covers an important period in the life of one of the Presidents of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan, while he served the state of California as its Governor, January 1967 to January 1975. During that period, editor, Helene Von Damm, served Reagan as his personal secretary, got to know Reagan very well, and subsequently learned to respect and admire him for his views and character.

Von Damm was given permission to pull letters from his personal files and wrap around verbiage to produce this little book. A blurb on the book's back states, “Taken from his personal correspondence and woven into a fascinating, unguarded portrait of his deepest beliefs. . .here are Ronald Reagan's views on taxes, religion, welfare, the family, Hollywood, the draft, morals, minorities, energy, abortion, education and what it means to be an American today.”

Although Von Damm writes from the perspective of a strong admirer, the book should be looked upon as being of value to anyone interested in the life and views of Ronald Reagan, as most of the writing in the book is his. Hence, I am comfortable to give the book a high rating and recommend it to others. I am glad to have it in my library.

The 1980 edition of the book (mine) also includes coverage of the years between 1975 and 1979, during which time Reagan made his first run to be nominated as the Republican candidate for President of the United States.

There is no index nor illustrations in the book.

[Note that I have a special interest in Reagan, as he is one of three Presidents of the United States of America to have a Stone-Campbell religious heritage.] ( )