Stories in His Own Hand

RONALD Reagan’s talents as a storyteller are legendary. He peppered his conversations with stories. Stories lent a certain informality and ease to his speeches. He used stories to increase his rapport with the people in front of him or on the other end of the television camera. We can all remember various State of the Union Addresses where the stories involved someone sitting in the gallery with Nancy. The stories always made a point and gave drama and emphasis to the content of his speeches. He reached for stories that people could com¬ prehend because they could imagine themselves being in the same position. He also loved jokes of all kinds. He loved the belly-laugh joke, but he was also a master of the more subtle joke that sneaks up on your funny bone from behind. Throughout his career, Reagan expressed himself through storytelling. 

Here, drawn from original manuscripts are 34 of his best, most touching and wisest stories. Writing samples, photos and illustrations throughout.