Overview
In January 1973, politics in America changed forever as, in the span of 31 days, the Watergate burglars went on trial, the Nixon administration negotiated an end to the Vietnam War, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Roe v. Wade, Lyndon Johnson died in Texas, and Richard Nixon was sworn in for his second term. The events had unlikely links and each worked along with the others to create a time of immense transformation. Using newly released Nixon tapes, author and historian James Robenalt provides readers an insider’s look at what happened in the White House, events both fascinating and terrifying, during this monumental month. He also delves into the judge’s chambers and courtroom drama during the Watergate break-in trial, and the inner sanctum of the United States Supreme Court as it hashed out its decision in Roe v. Wade. A foreword by John W. Dean sets the stage for this unique history, which details events that, while taking place more than 40 years ago, are key to understanding today’s current political paralysis.
Reviews
“[Nixon] is always fascinating in Robenalt’s unvarnished portrait of a flawed leader grappling with momentous events and heading, ultimately, toward ruin.”—Kirkus Reviews
“As a reader you will quickly realize you are in the hands of not only a good storyteller, but of a very sophisticated explainer, who has a gifted knack for making the complex matters easily understandable, and the inexplicable, comprehensible.”—John W. Dean, from the Foreword
“A truly first-rate book… provides genuine illumination about all of the issues [Robenalt] discusses. There is no reader who can’t benefit from Robenalt’s research, presented in vivid and arresting (and always well-documented) prose." —Sanford Levinson, The History Book Club
"In January 1973, Jim Robenalt takes a snapshot in time of a whirlwind month during the Nixon era – zeroing in on five major stories that converged in January of 1973 to change the arc of American history. It’s classic Jim Robenalt: engaging, interesting while providing fresh insights and new stories from chapters of history you don’t know as well as you think you do." – Jonathan Karl, ABC News’ Chief White House Correspondent
“[The] book offers a keen reminder of the man's near-madness and (be it conceded) political genius.” —Cleveland Plain Dealer
“[A] a revealing and easy-to-read book about a critical time in our nation's history.” —Lincoln Journal Star
“[T]he author is at his best in explicating the court’s decision on privacy rights and abortion.” —Shepherd Express
Author Biography
James Robenalt is a trial lawyer and the author of The Harding Affair and Linking Rings. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
John W. Dean was White House Counsel under Richard Nixon and is a bestselling author, most recently of The Nixon Defense. They are sought-after speakers on the Watergate scandal.
Mother's Day
Father's Day
