American history shows that president’s often grown in importance after they leave office. Ronald Reagan’s legacy went from historic to colossal. He even has a term, “Reaganesque,” in the dictionary. It means loyal to principles and at the same time charming in their presentation.

Beginning with his Midwestern boyhood the rising through a career as radio sports announcer, Ronald Reagan found his own way to the top. His Hollywood career, mushroomed into a time as spokesman for General Electric and then governor of California. His two-term presidency was celebrated for crushing the Soviet Union and achieving economic growth at home.

This biography captures the humor of Reagan’s convictions, his lighthearted approach to the job of being president and astonishing popularity which garnered a landslide second presidential victory. That huge margin launched his legacy, likeable and at the time principled.