Book · 2024 · Biography & Autobiography
Making the Presidency
John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic
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Second, I would recommend Lindseay Travinsk's book Making the Presidency, which is a work of history. Travinsky is a historian. It's a book about John Adams and the way in which he thought about the institution of the presidency in the wake of Washington. Really fascinating and also has a lot to offer us in understanding the contemporary moment.
Why people recommend it
Making the Presidency by Lindsay M. Chervinsky is a historical non-fiction book that examines the establishment of executive power and the role of John Adams in shaping the office following George Washington's administration. Yuval Levin appeared on The Ezra Klein Show in an episode titled Has Trump Achieved a Lot Less Than It Seems?, which aired on January 16, 2026. Levin recommended the historical study as a valuable work that illuminates the foundational era of American governance. He explained that the author, a trained historian, detailed how John Adams conceptualized the presidency during a vulnerable and formative period for the United States. Levin noted that the book provides fascinating insights into the structural development of executive authority and carries significant relevance for understanding contemporary political dynamics. By looking back at the earliest transitions of power, the recommendation offered listeners a historical framework for evaluating current institutional norms and presidential behavior within the American political system.
Every mention
Yuval Levin Second, I would recommend Lindseay Travinsk's book Making the Presidency, which is a work of history. Travi… 1
“Second, I would recommend Lindseay Travinsk's book Making the Presidency, which is a work of history. Travinsky is a historian. It's a book about John Adams and the way in which he thought about the institution of the presidency in the wake of Washington. Really fascinating and also has a lot to offer us in understanding the contemporary moment.”
