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...

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 Written in a clear, accessible style, Taft uses anecdotes and historical references to illustrate the enduring spirit of the American people, particularly during times of social and economic challenge.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...

William Howard Taft's "Fourth State of the Union Address" serves as a pivotal reflection on the social, economic, and political landscapes of early 20th-century America. Delivered in 1912, this address blends oratory prowess with a staunch progressive vision, navigating issues such as labor rights, tariff reform, and anti-trust measures. Taft's literary style is both methodical and persuasive, resonating with the formal rhetoric of his predecessors while also embracing a clarity intended t...

In his First State of the Union Address delivered in 1909, President William Howard Taft presents a comprehensive overview of the nation'Äôs status and policies. Taft's eloquent and pragmatic literary style reflects his legal background and political acumen, employing a formal yet accessible tone aimed at both Congress and the American public. He adeptly navigates pressing domestic issues such as economic reform, tariff policy, and trust regulation, while also laying out his vision for int...

The only president to later serve as chief justice of the United States, William Howard Taft remarked in the 1920s that “I don’t remember that I ever was President.” Historians have agreed, and Taft is usually portrayed, when written about at all, as nothing more than a failed chief executive. In this provocative new study, the first treatment of the Taft presidency in four decades, Lewis L. Gould presents a compelling assessment of Taft’s accomplishments and setbacks in office. Rich in hu...

William Howard Taft's "Third State of the Union Address" presents a poignant reflection on the sociopolitical landscape of early 20th-century America. Delivered in a time marked by progressive reform and burgeoning global influence, this address captures Taft's commitment to addressing pressing national issues with clarity and purpose. The address is characterized by its formal rhetoric, structured argumentation, and a focus on themes such as economic policy, social justice, and internatio...

President's Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to Trump (1789-2017) offers an unparalleled exploration into the political, cultural, and rhetorical evolution of the United States through its leaders' own words. This anthology encompasses the vast chronological range of over two centuries, highlighting changing national priorities, values, and visions for the future. The collection includes standout addresses characterized by visionary rhetoric, bold promises, and calls to national unity, ...

In this biographical study of the only American ever to have been both President and Chief Justice of the United States, Jonathan Lurie reassesses William Howard Taft's multiple careers, which culminated in Taft's election to the presidency in 1908 as the chosen successor to Theodore Roosevelt. By 1912, however, the relationship between Taft and Roosevelt had ruptured. Lurie re-examines the Taft–Roosevelt friendship and concludes that it rested on flimsy ground. He also places Taft in a pr...

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.

Along with historical narrative, hear rare recordings of some of the most people in history, including Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, William Howard Taft, James Whitcomb Riley, O. Henry, Arthur Conan Doyle, William Gillette, Theodore Roosevelt, Ellen Terry, King George V, and Amelia Earhart. Recording obtained and published by Rick Sheridan.

In William Howard Taft’s Constitutional Progressivism Kevin J. Burns makes a compelling case that Taft’s devotion to the Constitution of 1787 contributed to his progressivism. In contrast to the majority of scholarship, which has viewed Taft as a reactionary conservative because of his constitutionalism, Burns explores the ways Taft’s commitment to both the Constitution and progressivism drove his political career and the decisions he made as president and chief justice. Taft saw ...

A study of the Supreme Court tenure of the only US president to serve as chief justice provides a unique perspective on 1920s America.In this book, Jonathan Lurie offers a comprehensive examination of the Supreme Court tenure of the only person to have held the offices of president of the United States and chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. William Howard Taft joined the Court during the Jazz Age and the era of prohibition, a period of disillusion and...