America 250 · #37 President · 1969–1974
Richard Nixon
Brilliant, paranoid, self-destructing — the most psychologically gripping president.
The biography
Richard Nixon: The Life
John A. Farrell · 2017
The best modern one-volume; uses the tapes without becoming a Watergate book.
Worth considering
Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America
Rick Perlstein · 2008
Period history rather than biography, but indispensable for the era.
On screen
Frost/Nixon
Ron Howard · Film · 2008
The 1977 interviews — Frank Langella as Nixon, five Oscar nominations.
More like this →In his own words
RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon · 1978
Four years after he resigned — defiant, self-justifying, often revealing despite itself.
Common questions
What is the best biography of Richard Nixon?
The definitive biography is Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell. It provides a comprehensive account of his career and personality, making it the primary recommendation for those seeking to understand the complexities of the 37th president.
Should I start with Richard Nixon's own memoirs?
RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon is a valuable resource if you want to read his perspective in his own words. While it offers his personal account of his presidency, many readers prefer starting with a comprehensive biography like the one by John A. Farrell for historical context.
Is there a good film about Richard Nixon?
The 2008 film Frost/Nixon is an excellent screen treatment to watch. It dramatizes the famous series of television interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon, capturing the intense psychological dynamic between the two men following his resignation from the presidency.
Are there other biographies of Richard Nixon to consider?
While John A. Farrell's book is the definitive choice, you may consider alternative biographies if you are looking for different perspectives or specific tradeoffs in coverage. These alternatives provide additional historical analysis of Richard Nixon's life and his time in office.
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