ALONE WITH THE PRESIDENT
by John Strausbaugh

What is it that draws celebrities to the Oval Office to spend time with the nation's leaders and compels presidents to surround themselves with popular entertainers? John Strausbaugh's piercing analysis of the presidents from JFK--the first president to become a tv star--to Reagan--the first movie star to become president--traces the transformation of America's president from statesman to faux celebrity.

With over a hundred surprising photographs, ALONE WITH THE PRESIDENT presents a marvelously bizarre portrait of presidential hobnobbing:

Ann-Margret shimmying for JFK and his friends at his birthday bash;
LBJ glowering at little Eartha Kitt;
Elvis on his mission to see President Nixon to secure a federal drug agent's badge;
The Carpenters demonstrating young American wholesomeness for Nixon;
Ford checking out Vikki Carr's skimpy evening gown at a White House dance;
Andy Warhol sizing Carter up;
Nancy Reagan perched on Mr. T's lap giving "Santa" a kiss;
and Bob Hope golfing with all of them.

John Strausbaugh is Executive Editor of New York Press. His other works include E: REFLECTIONS ON THE BIRTH OF THE ELVIS FAITH, published by Blast Books in 1995; Going Out, a political satire; Flying Fish, a collection of short stories; and he coedited THE DRUG USER: DOCUMENTS 1840-1960, published by Blast Books in 1991. He lives in New York City.

"Reading John Strausbaugh's book of photographs ALONE WITH THE PRESIDENT you can imagine what the sound of being president is—it has got to be the sound of camera shutters clicking. . . .  John Strausbaugh has combed through presidential libraries and emerged with a glimpse of what presidents do when they're being neither great nor mischievous."--All Things Considered, NPR

". . . Perversely compelling . . ."--New York Magazine

". . . A book that might well have been subtitled 'The Art of Schmoozing' . . . a witty and insightful analysis of the uses of celebrity to stars and Presidents alike."--Library Journal

"A penetrating exploration of the intricate tangle of pop culture and political legitimacy."--ALA Booklist

". . . Thoughtful, well-researched essays on the nature of politics and American celebrity."--American Heritage

"I really love this book. It's very funny."--Conan O'Brien

Nonfiction
8.5 x 8.5" • 192 pages
ISBN: 0-922233-10-1 (cloth), $29.95
ISBN: 0-922233-09-8 (pb), $16.95

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