Description: The first full-length examination of presidential travel and its role in transforming the image and identity of the presidency from "first citizen" to political celebrity. Colorful anecdotes and acute analysis combine to provide a fresh look at the importance of travel in shaping the "imperial" presidency.
Review Quotes:
"Ellis has constructed a highly readable work that enlightens as well as entertains."--Choice
"Modern presidential travel presents a paradox: 'The president today is more visible but less accessible, more recognizable but less reachable.' . . . Ellis uses travel as a window through which to consider the development of the presidency itself. . . . A stimulating, extensively documented overview of an under-examined arena of presidential activity."--Political Science Quarterly
"Historically rich with lively anecdotes, Ellis's book is an immensely impressive, informative and important work."--History News Network
"Well-laced with lively anecdotes, this is a highly readable look at how presidents wanted to be seen and how Americans wanted to see them, and how travel defined it."--Chicago Tribune
"Provides an important look into an underexplored area of American political history and is overall a valuable addition to the collections of academic libraries."--Library Journal
"As entertaining as it is informative, Ellis' book is a sprightly account that takes readers along on presidential jaunts through the years as our leaders press flesh and kiss babies, ride carriages and trains, plot strategies on board ships and planes, and try to connect with the citizens they represent."--Salem, (Oregon) Statesman Journal