Landmark political confrontations between sitting presidents and powerful senators have occurred throughout American history-some have shaped the nation. This book takes an in-depth look at seven of those major "Washington wars," including the personal rivalries that spawned each one, the strategies and events that transpired as a result, and the aftermaths and impacts on the country. Neither compromise nor surrender were considered in these intense debates, which left scars on the national psyche. Each episode could be worthy of a historical narrative all its own but considered together they illustrate the long and bitter history of democratic warfare between the leaders and branches of government at either end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Few families have influenced America like the Roosevelts-two presidents from different parties, including our longest-serving chief executive, and the ""First Lady of the World."" Born into aristocratic society, Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor (nee) Roosevelt shared a commitment to progress and the common good over class. Their lives have been the focus of numerous books but their legacy and the extended family they left behind warrant a closer look. This book tells the story of ""the Roosevelts"" and ""those other Roosevelts""-a family of individuals always striving to measure up but united by an illustrious past.

Throughout the history of the United States, only nine men have become president without having first been elected. These men were elevated to the White House by the death or failure of a sitting president, and their legacies are as mixed as their circumstances. This book evaluates the similarities and distinct differences of these men, their varying degrees of ambition and readiness, and how they each handled their suddenly enormous responsibility. Some became presidential legends, while others are counted among the worst presidents of all time. Their shared stories can shed light on America's political development during the last two centuries, and on what the next might hold.