New
Want To Spend Time With A Different American President?
Culture | The Economist Reads
These are five of the best presidential biographies, which will distract you from today’s news cycle
Illustration: Ben Hickey
Jan 16th 2025
Whatever you think of Donald Trump, his inauguration on January 20th is the capstone of the greatest ever comeback in American politics. Whether you seek succour in history or are ready to escape the news cycle, books can help. All 45 presidents have been the subject of at least two biographies, but these are five of the best.
Explore more
CultureThis article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Presidential biographies”
Culture January 18th 2025
- Greg Gutfeld, America’s most popular late-night host, rules the airwaves
- Want to spend time with a different American president?
- Los Angeles has lost some of its trailblazing architecture
- What firms are for
- Astrology is booming, thanks to technology and younger enthusiasts
- Why matcha, made from green tea, is the drink of the moment
From the January 18th 2025 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Culture
Los Angeles has lost some of its trailblazing architecture
How will it rebuild?
What firms are for
The framework for thinking about business and capitalism is hopelessly outdated, argues a new book
Greg Gutfeld, America’s most popular late-night host, rules the airwaves
The left gave him his perch
Astrology is booming, thanks to technology and younger enthusiasts
Gen Z is full of stargazing users
Why matcha, made from green tea, is the drink of the moment
Is it really a healthy alternative to coffee? Not the way Gen Z orders it
Design an Economist cover
Test your design skills
