The book is based on more than fifteen thousand pages of Ronald Reagan’s speeches, addresses, press conferences, memoranda, proclamations, and letters, as well as his autobiography. The first part is dedicated to detailed interpretations of the use, function, and meaning of many proverbs, proverbial expressions, sententious remarks, and other formulaic language. It deals with Reagan’s optimistic oratorical prowess, his two inaugural addresses and farewell address, his employment of Biblical proverbs as voices of moral authority, and his delight at telling stories to add a colloquial and folkloric element to his rhetoric. The second part of the book provides a comprehensive index of the many passages that include proverbial and sententious references.
Overall, this study shows that Ronald Reagan was indeed a great communicator, persuader, and crusader who was very much aware of the importance of language as he dealt with the American people, Congress, and world leaders.
"World renowned, and deservedly so, for his masterful work on proverbs, folklore, and political rhetoric, Wolfgang Mieder applies his vast knowledge and deep insights to former US President Ronald Reagan. While the popular actor, broadcaster, and politician has long been recognized in political history as the 'Great Communicator,' Mieder's book unpacks the sources and meaning of Reagan's communicative content and style, together with their reception by the American people and other world leaders. Assessing Reagan's successes and failures, Mieder finds him distinctive in presidential history, and brilliantly and significantly leads readers to contemplate important lessons for the present day." - Simon J. Bronner, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences at Penn State University, author of Americanness: Inquiries into the Thought and Culture of the United States