Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

How a nondescript and reticent personality came to recognition as vice president and then president of these United States upon the death of Warren Harding remains a mystery to many of us. "Silent Cal" somehow managed to enroll and graduate from Amherst College at the beginning of the 20th century while retaining an aura of anonymity.
Through perseverance and being at the right place at the right time, Coolidge took advantage of the word "no" while his predecessor found it too easy to say "yes." Coolidge, in particular, said no to farmers and veterans when it would have been viewed as noble to have supported these groups. The economy came first, and government spending needed to be curbed. Coolidge wisely benefited by leaving prohibition work its magic during the "roaring twenties", thus enabling shady folks and a robust economy.
It is little wonder, then, that Ronald Reagan considered Coolidge his favorite president. Reagan made valiant efforts to balance the budget but, unlike Coolidge, succumbed to the errant wiles of others and their love of spending money. Tip O'Neill comes to mind.
Everything there is to know about this miniature of a man and his lovely wife Grace is included here, plus additional stuff that may not interest the reader. Truly well written and truly intended for history buffs.