September Classic of the Month: Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States

President Donald Trump's inaugural address at 1,433 words and 15 minutes was the shortest since President Carter in 1977 and second-shortest since President Kennedy in 1961. Still, it was far longer than the shortest-ever address by the first president of the United States, George Washington, in his second inaugural address on March 4, 1793, with just 135 words. On the other hand, will we remember President Trump's address or any of his quotes as we do with President Franklin Roosevelt's quote in 1933: "Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance," or President John Kennedy's quote in 1961: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country?" Time will tell.

This volume, Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States, with inaugural addresses from each of the nation's new leaders, and the subsequent inaugural words of re-elected Presidents, collects the thoughts of the first leader, President George Washington, entering office on April 30, 1789, through the forty-fifth leader, President Donald Trump on January 20, 2017. Their words set the tenor for their administrations, and this firsthand document of American history is vital for understanding their work in the White House and the legacy they left for the future.

About JCCICThe Joint Congressional Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) coordinates the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony of the President and Vice President of the United States, the traditional Inaugural luncheon that follows, and all other Inaugural activities at the U.S. Capitol. It is comprised of the Senate Majority Leader, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives.

This collection of historical documents is a must-read for any historian, an excellent reference tool for librarians and students, and an educational informant for all. Cosimo is proud to offer this title in both paperback and hardcover at leading online bookstores including Barnes & Noble (hardcover, paperback) and Amazon (hardcover, paperback).

"The Roosevelts: An Intimate History" comes to PBS

The fourteen hour documentary film, "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History," began on PBS on September 14th and will continue for seven episodes. Each episode gives viewers an intense overview of the lives of  Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt from unknown stories and facts, to deeply researched fresh takes on famous happenings and events, this film is sure to delight any history buff.

Beginning with Theodore Roosevelt’s birth in 1858, the episodes (from documentary filmmaker Ken Burns) cover both the political and private lives of the three relatives, covering elections, economic struggles, wars, family births and deaths, as well as their bravery, vision, and courage in both personal and public spheres, ending with Eleanor’s death in 1962. This documentary is the first of its kind to combine all three individual stories and histories of the three most predominant Roosevelts into one single narrative and to do so in such great detail, thoroughness, and depth.

If viewers wish to supplement the documentary watching or to learn more about the Roosevelts, Cosimo offers a robust collection of titles by Theodore Roosevelt, including: The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses, Theodore Roosevelt's Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail, Theodore Roosevelt's Letters to His Children, America and the World War, and A Book-Lovers Holidays in the Open.

Please visit our website to view all of our books written by Theodore Roosevelt, or visit our reports and history sections to learn more about the politics and the past events of that time. To watch full episodes of "The Roosevelts: an Intimate History," please visit the film's section on PBS.