Includes bibliographical references (p. 387-408) and index.

A speedy death to General Washington! -- Kick this treaty to hell! -- The damnedest liar -- He may retire with undiminish'd glory -- Rivalries irritated to madness -- Oh, that I was a soldier! -- Rocks and quicksands on all sides -- The most splendid diamond in my crown -- I will kill it! -- Not a man to be forced -- I was born for the storm -- Who would have had the courage? -- I am going to be beaten -- Too angelic for this devilish rebellion -- A well-meaning baboon -- The country will be saved -- I see dynamite -- Black storm -- A rough-and-tumble man -- I upset them all -- We must protect the chief! -- Gloom personified -- Salute your Caesar? -- We have avoided a putsch -- No people except the Hebrews -- The right place at the right time -- How could this have happened? -- I am Cyrus! -- They never show their passion -- Go get him, Johnny boy! -- It's going to be a civil war -- A man has to take a stand -- We win and they lose! -- It left me greatly depressed -- Don't worry that I've lost my bearings -- A miracle has taken place.

Presidential historian Beschloss has brought us a saga about crucial times in America's history when a courageous president dramatically changed the future of the United States. Beschloss brings to life these flawed, complex men--and their wives, families, friends and foes, in an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of presidents coping with the supreme dilemmas of their lives. As he shows, none of these presidents was eager to incur ridicule, vilification or threats of political destruction and even assassination. But in the end, bolstered by friends and family, hidden private beliefs and, sometimes, religious faith, each ultimately proved himself to be, in Andrew Jackson's words, "born for the storm."--From publisher description.