Speakers of the House of Representatives, 1789-2009 (repost)
Speakers of the House of Representatives, 1789-2009 by Mark Grossman
English | 2009 | ISBN: 1592374042 | 596 pages | PDF | 7,8 MB
English | 2009 | ISBN: 1592374042 | 596 pages | PDF | 7,8 MB
Preface Speaker Sam Rayburn,who served longer in the speakership than any other holder of that
office, was once asked about his experiences in serving under eight different Presidents. “No,”Rayburn needled the reporter. “I haven’t served under anybody. I have served with
eight Presidents.” It has become almost a given that when the American people are asked who their leaders
are - be they members of the cabinet, or the US Senate, or the US House of Representa-
tives - they draw almost a complete blank. Some famous Americans, from Lincoln to Rea-
gan, are remembered, but they are few and far between. Perhaps one of the most neglected
leaders in this country, both historically and in contemporary studies, are the Speakers of
the US House. It is almost understandable, as many of them served almost in the same ano-
nymity that they are discussed in American history books. However, for the historian, it is
the angst in trying to find sources on the lives and services of this unique club - only 53
people have served as Speaker since the First Congress opened in 1789 - that made this
book a necessity.