"Here, in his own words, is the record of Ronald Reagan's remarkable political career and historic eight-year presidency. Chosen and annotated by the President himself, these speeches reflect his concerns, his political philosophy, the triumphs, the tragedies, and the challenges of his years in office. From one of his earliest speeches in 1951 to the speeches, great and small, that defined the 'Reagan Revolution' ... [his] voice ... comes across in these pages as strong, ... humorous, and deeply human as we will always remember him ... these speeches recall the major decisions, the summit meetings, the high points of diplomacy and politics, as well as Ronald Reagan's deep involvement with the lives and cares of ordinary Americans ... Each speech is preceded by Ronald Reagan's candid ... comments on why it was given and under what circumstances, and a special section is included of 'The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Reagan, ' reminding us that there was a president who had plenty of both! "