In his lifetime, Richard Nixon has written eight books. The first, Six Crises, was a memoir published in 1962, two years after the end of his vice presidency. Since Watergate he has written five books on foreign affairs and, in 1978, a second set of memoirs, RN. His latest endeavor, published in the spring of 1990, is In the Arena: A Memoir of Victory, Defeat, and Renewal. According to some critics, this is by far his most personal and heartfelt book; its pages afford Nixon the opportunity to speak much more frankly than he had been able to in 1978, when the post-Watergate climate was still hostile.
In the Arena is a series of essays (called chapters), each of which brims with anecdotes from Nixon's recollections. Although the essays inform the reader about his life and career, Nixon also gives advice to those who would come after him.
Book World features three chapters in their entirety. "Peaks and Valleys" recounts anecdotes of Nixon's two most dramatic experiences as president: his visit to China and Watergate, two extremes on the spectrum of leadership. "Television" reflects on the unique role of this indispensable medium with respect to politics. Nixon himself was one of the earliest political figures to utilize television exposure. "Media" talks about the awesome role of the communications industry, its strong and week points, its potential and its responsibility.
Our two commentators on the featured book come from different professional spheres, and both are extremely knowledgeable about Nixon's role as political leader. Barbara Kellerman, author of several books on presidential leadership, is visiting professor of political
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