America 250 · #39 President · 1977–1981

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life cover

Jimmy Carter

A one-term presidency followed by the most consequential ex-presidency in history.

Era · Vietnam & the Seventies

The biography

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life

Jonathan Alter · 2020

The modern definitive — extensive interviews; takes the post-presidency seriously.

Worth considering

The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter

The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter

Kai Bird · 2021

Focused on the presidency itself; pairs well with Alter.

In his own words

Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President

Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President

Jimmy Carter · 1982

Carter on Camp David, the hostages, and the loss — written soon after.

Common questions

What is the best biography of Jimmy Carter?

The definitive biography is His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life by Jonathan Alter. It provides a comprehensive look at his one-term presidency and his subsequent decades of humanitarian work, which established him as the most consequential former president in American history.

Should I start with a biography or Jimmy Carter's own writing?

If you want to read about Jimmy Carter in his own words, start with his memoir, Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President. For a thorough, objective account of his full life and political career, start with the biography His Very Best by Jonathan Alter.

How long is the definitive biography of Jimmy Carter by Jonathan Alter?

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life by Jonathan Alter is a substantial volume that covers the entirety of his life, from his Georgia roots to his presidency and his long tenure as an ex-president. It is widely considered the most complete and authoritative account available.

Are there alternative biographies of Jimmy Carter worth reading?

Yes, while Jonathan Alter's His Very Best is the definitive choice, there are alternative biographies available for readers seeking different perspectives on his life. You can compare these options to decide which narrative approach best suits your interest in his presidency and post-presidency career.

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