While it would probably be inaccurate to say that Gene Healy is a friend of F&S–basically because I highly doubt he reads our site–I can say that many of us greatly admire him. So, it is with great pride that I read this little ditty by George Will singing his new book’s praises:

But then, rhetorical—and related—excesses are inherent in the modern presidency. This is so for reasons brilliantly explored in the year’s most pertinent and sobering public affairs book, “The Cult of the Presidency: America’s Dangerous Devotion to Executive Power,” by Gene Healy of Washington’s libertarian Cato Institute. (emphasis added)

Anyone familiar with George Will knows he isn’t a writer known for overstatement, (save, perhaps, his columns relating to his love of baseball), so such praise is remarkable…and well-deserved.

Radley liked it a lot too.

And if I may throw in my two cents: Gene’s gift for language allows him to go through the history of the presidency without the bloated wonk-speak that often hamper books that come from the think-tanks. It is a very accessible read, well-researched, and has a good amount of the author’s wit and humor to keep it interesting. I highly recommend it.

So, what are you waiting for? BUY IT.

Filed under: Consumerism Rulez, Profiles in Governance