Product Description

The President's Table offers a sweeping visual history of the American Presidency as seen through Presidential entertaining from George Washington to George W. Bush.

In this lavishly illustrated history of Presidential dining, historian Barry Landau brings the backstory of the American Presidency to life. Interweaving stories of dining and diplomacy, he creates a spellbinding narrative from the early days of provincial entertaining in the capital, through the golden era of sumptuous state banquets, to the modern White House dinners of today.

With more than 300 never before seen illustrations, The President's Table provides an insightful and entertaining look at our dining habits as the nation grew through social and economic change. The book reveals the parallel growth of the United States and its Chief Executives, and the diplomatic and political interests served along with Presidential meals. The President's Table will fascinate anyone with an interest in American history and Presidential politics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #96743 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-01
• Released on: 2007-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780060899103
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"[Landau’s] connections bridge the world of politics, entertainment and theatre….and built a network of the powerful and famous, creating a niche as a liaison between the world of politics and entertainment." -- Washington Post

The President's Table brings to life an intriguing backstory of the American Presidency: how our Presidents and First Ladies have traditionally mixed diplomacy with dining. Barry Landau presents a unique perspective on American history and presidential politics. -- Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes

The President's Table offers menus that serve as storytellers of a young nation rife with social and economic change, while reflecting the growth and expansion of a burgeoning American Presidency. Barry Landau weaves these previously missing links of Presidential history into a fascinating tapestry and narrative of Presidential lore. -- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

The President's Table presents the reader with historical Presidential menus, some of which I have prepared during my twenty-two years as executive chef at the White House. Barry Landau's collection reflects the changing entertaining styles of each Presidential administration. It is interesting to see how the menus have changed over the years. -- Henry Haller

Barry Landau weaves these previously missing links of Presidential history into a fascinating tapestry and narrative of Presidential lore. -- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

Brings to life an intriguing backstory of the American Presidency... a unique perspective on American history and presidential politics. -- Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes

Landau escorts the reader to the Head Table at State Dinners, from George Washington to George W. Bush, and provides a social history that is great fun to read. -- Henry A. Kissinger

Landau escorts the reader to the Head Table...and provides a social history that is great fun to read. -- Henry A. Kissinger

Review
"Barry Landau weaves these previously missing links of Presidential history into a fascinating tapestry and narrative of Presidential lore." (Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. )

"Landau escorts the reader to the Head Table...and provides a social history that is great fun to read." (Henry A. Kissinger )

"Brings to life an intriguing backstory of the American Presidency....[A] unique perspective on American history and presidential politics." (Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes )

"[Landau's] connections bridge the world of politics, entertainment and theatre..and built a network of the powerful and famous, creating a niche as a liaison between the world of politics and entertainment." (Washington Post )

About the Author

Barry H. Landau is a presidential historian and one of the foremost collectors of presidential memorabilia and artifacts. He has served eight Presidents and worked with every White House since Lyndon Johnson's planning historic events. The late Arthur Schlesinger, quoted on Landau's recent book, The President's Table, said that “Landau weaves these previously missing links of Presidential history, into a fascinating tapestry and narrative of Presidential lore. The Washington Post wrote, Landau's “connections that bridge the world of politics, entertainment and theatre”….and built a network of the powerful and famous, creating a niche as a liaison between the world of politics and entertainment.”

Customer Reviews

A unique insight into the American Presidency --- long overdue!
Barry Landau's wonderful book deserves special attention as it covers an area, for the most part, largely ignored by historians. In addition to broad general appeal, this book will particularly interest history buffs, gourmands, socialites, collectors, and scholars. History is most truly enjoyed through the tangible items that provide us a connection to our past, as well as, the stories that make those from the past come alive and more human. Landau has masterfully connected the two elements and created a wonderful saga that threads its way through our country's major events, all through a unique lens. A tremendously enjoyable and elaborate presentation of American material culture interspersed with the historic stories of dining, grand celebrations, and the subtle nuances of diplomacy and politics --- often as major events unfolded over food and drink. Not only is it beautifully presented but the material, fondly collected over 40 years, is a resource and collection of the first order. It is lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully organized with succinct yet insightful descriptions of each administration. He knows his subject. Further, the author's credentials could not be more relevant. Barry Landau has had the unique opportunity to participate on the stage of which he writes. His mother, lovingly acknowledged in the book for sparking his lifelong interest and thus this book, would be proud. I am told he is now working on a second volume. Let's hope it is an equally engaging companion to this one, and that he doesn't wait long!

A Presidential "GIFT" for the Nation
The President's Table is a book for the ages. It should be in every library and university for all those with an interest in American history and the Presidency. I've ordered 50 copies for all my friends for Christmas. It is both historical and beautifully illustrated with magnificent color images of all those unbelievably elegant Presidential menus. I never knew the President's menus were so luxuriously presented. I've always loved American history, and particularly the Presidency; this wonderful new book presents both against the intriquing worlds of American politics and international diplomacy. Mr. Landau presents his text from such an entirely new perspective, and makes it great fun to read. He uses the menus to move the story along, and does so deftly as an artist applying his brush to the canvas. BRAVO! It's a cross between The New Republic and National Geographic.

first rate entertainment
I have always enjoyed American presidential history, and this wonderful book gives a rare view of White House events. It's easy to find information about the presidents in the context of politics and history, but "The President's Table" shows the presidents entertaining guests 'at home'; a more intimate aspect of their public lives. The presentation is beautiful. The invitations and menus are great fun to read, and of course, the guest list is mind-boggling. (Oh, to have been there!)
Mr. Landau has done a brilliant job of assembling his material. It is rare to find a 'coffee table' book and a readable book all in one. It also is a perfect gift.