In "State of the Union Addresses," William H. Taft provides a meticulously crafted collection of his annual messages delivered to Congress between 1909 and 1913. The addresses not only encapsulate the political climate of the early 20th century but also reflect Taft'Äôs nuanced understanding of governmental challenges. His prose is characterized by a clear and formal style, thoughtfully engaging the reader with an intricate balance of personal conviction and public duty. The work serves as...

In "Ethics in Service," William H. Taft delves into the intricate relationship between ethical principles and public service. This work, suffused with a clear and engaging prose style, navigates the complex moral quandaries faced by public servants and offers a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making. Positioned within the broader context of early 20th-century American moral philosophy, Taft draws on an array of historical examples, legal precedents, and philosophical arguments...

The speech of the President-Elect at the recent annual banquet of the North Carolina Society, New York, found a warm response in the hearts of the Northern people, who have not failed to sympathize deeply with their Southern fellow citizens during their long years of affliction. The orator expresses our feelings with rare felicity, and so keenly did his sentiments touch our hearts, it was resolved to publish his address and send it to our fellow citizens of the South as the messenger of pe...

The legal profession discharges a most important function in a civilized community, and it seems to me that a discussion of the ethics and ideals of that profession would come within the purpose of the Page foundation, which is described by the donor as intended to promote "the ethical side of business life, including the morals and ethics of public service." I shall first ask your attention to the history of the profession, which shows that a paid advocacy is the only practical system, an...

In England, for two hundred years after the Conquest, the priests were the only learned men, and they, too, like the Scribes, acted as judges and advisers of litigants. Even as late as the time of Henry VIII, as we know, the Keeper of the King's Conscience and the head of the Court of Equity, was an Ecclesiastic in the formidable person of Cardinal Woolsey. About the reign of King John, laymen became lawyers, and in Henry III's time the Pope forbade priests to fit themselves in civil law o...

Originally published in 1986. This book is a unique compilation of biographical sketches which covers editors, publishers, photographers, bureau chiefs, columnists, commentators, cartoonists, and artists. Alphabetical entries provide overviews of the lives and personalities of a good cross-section of important people. There is also a short essay on awards and prize winners. Everything is efficiently indexed. This is a supremely useful reference tool for those in mass media and popular cult...

Hear live recordings of 11 US Presidents, including Benjamin Harrison (23rd), William McKinley (25th), Theodore Roosevelt (26th), William H. Taft (27th), Woodrow Wilson (28th), Warren G. Harding (29th), Calvin Coolidge (30th), Herbert Hoover (31st), Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd), Harry S. Truman (34th), Dwight D. Eisenhower (34th). Benjamin Harrison (August 20, 1833 - March 13, 1901) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 23rd president of the United States from 1889 to 189...

In "Ethics in Service," William H. Taft articulates a profound exploration of ethical standards within the confines of public service. Taft deftly employs a clear, accessible prose style that guides the reader through complex moral dilemmas faced by public officials, drawing from historical examples and contemporary issues. The book situates itself in the broader context of early 20th-century American political discourse, addressing the growing concerns around accountability, integrity, an...

A collection of 67 original recordings of speeches significant in United States and world history. Hear presidents, politicians, activists, sports figures and more in their own words as they talk about some of the most important events in the 20th century.

In "America Can't Quit," William Howard Taft presents a compelling exploration of American resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting on the nation's trials and triumphs. Written in a clear, accessible style, Taft uses anecdotes and historical references to illustrate the enduring spirit of the American people, particularly during times of social and economic challenge. The book fits into a rich literary context of American political and social discourse, echoing the themes found in t...

An examination of the only man to serve as president and chief justice, who approached every decision in constitutional terms, defending the Founders’ vision against new populist threats to American democracy.William Howard Taft never wanted to be president and yearned instead to serve as chief justice of the United States. But despite his ambivalence about politics, the former federal judge found success in the executive branch as governor of the Philippines and s...

William Howard Taft was perhaps not a great president, although his limited view of the president’s role looks better today than it did at the time. But Taft’s true claim to greatness lies in his work before and after the White House: five decades of selfless public service culminating as one of the most transformational chief justices in American history.Taft was the only president to have spent much of his career as a judge, first in the state court system in Ohi...