Destiny and Power

The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 25 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Number One New York Times Best Seller

In this brilliant biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham chronicles the life of George Herbert Walker Bush.

Named One of the 10 Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post and One of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times Book Review • Time • NPR • St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Drawing on President Bush’s personal diaries, on the diaries of his wife, Barbara, and on extraordinary access to the 41st president and his family, Meacham paints an intimate and surprising portrait of an intensely private man who led the nation through tumultuous times.

From the Oval Office to Camp David, from his study in the private quarters of the White House to Air Force One, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the first Gulf War to the end of Communism, Destiny and Power charts the thoughts, decisions, and emotions of a modern president who may have been the last of his kind. This is the human story of a man who was, like the nation he led, at once noble and flawed. His was one of the great American lives.

Born into a loving, privileged, and competitive family, Bush joined the navy on his 18th birthday and at age 20 was shot down on a combat mission over the Pacific. He married young, started a family, and resisted pressure to go to Wall Street, striking out for the adventurous world of Texas oil. Over the course of three decades, Bush would rise from the chairmanship of his county Republican Party to serve as congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, head of the Republican National Committee, envoy to China, director of Central Intelligence, vice president under Ronald Reagan, and, finally, president of the United States. In retirement he became the first president since John Adams to see his son win the ultimate prize in American politics.

With access not only to the Bush diaries but through extensive interviews to the former president himself, Meacham presents Bush’s candid assessments of many of the critical figures of the age, ranging from Richard Nixon to Nancy Reagan; Mao to Mikhail Gorbachev; Dick Cheney to Donald Rumsfeld; Henry Kissinger to Bill Clinton. Here is high politics as it really is but as we rarely see it. From the Pacific to the presidency, Destiny and Power charts the vicissitudes of the life of this quietly compelling American original. Meacham sheds new light on the rise of the right wing in the Republican Party, a shift that signaled the beginning of the end of the center in American politics. Destiny and Power is an affecting portrait of a man who, driven by destiny and by duty, forever sought, ultimately, to put the country first.

©2015 Jon Meacham (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Should be required reading - if not for every presidential candidate, then for every president-elect.” (The Washington Post)

“Reflects the qualities of both subject and biographer: judicious, balanced, deliberative, with a deep appreciation of history and the personalities who shape it.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“A fascinating biography of the 41st president.” (The Dallas Morning News)

Amazing story, great narration

I loved this book and the performance. The one criticism I would level is that the author is a definite Bush apologist. Sometimes that helps you better understand Bush, but sometimes it's a little pandering. Overall it's one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Very engaging. Seems like a hagiography though.

Held my attention the whole way through. Gave me a new appreciation for a president i already respected a lot. Came across like a real hagiography though.

Grace through power

This Biography brilliantly brings to life the 41st President’s life of service and his gracious manner in which he conducted himself. It also provides insight into the lives of the Bush family and many prominent American figures. This book is well worth the time investment so that you can unlock the beauty of the life of George H.W. Bush.

A terrific book

Loved this book. Didn't know much about George HW Bush before reading this, but was grabbed early on by the description of the Bush family and their tradition of public service. I'm not religious, but was struck early in the book by the quote from the Gospel of Luke: "to whom much is given, much is expected." This is an apt summary of HW's personal mantra. Despite his wealthy upbringing, he spurned the comfortable like of banking or other lucrative careers of many schoolmates, and volunteered for combat duty in the air force, seeing significant combat. His life was all about public service. It is notable that he was the only president to both serve as Director of the CIA and Commander in Chief. That the Agency's Langley headquarters bears his name is a testament to his legitimate commitment to public service, whereas many politicians only claim as much for the cameras. Meacham did a great job emphasizing Bush's astonishment losing to Clinton during his reelection bid, not because Bush believed himself entitled to another term - but because he couldn't believe the country could elect a draft dodger. While Clinton is not the only draft dodging politician, I felt the shame communicated that a new generation of Americans was more spellbound by a candidate who was charming and telegenic than one who was committed to serving his country; true servant leadership. This country would do well to take a page from an underrated president such as HW and prioritize characteristics of real public service, rather than the reality TV-esque superficial adoration that rules our current political climate.

Human. Open and Warm.

More than the things you live through, explained by someone who saw it all. Personal thoughts shared in an interesting internal script style. Interconnections between leaders were often clarified. In particular, the book gave me an admiration for Mrs. Barbara Bush and her dedication to her family. I will remember George Herbert Walker Bush as a brave Naval serviceman, effective president, and all-around decent fellow.

One of the best written presidential bios

This perhaps is one of the best presidential biographies I have read, and it may be because of how little I truly knew about Bush 41 and his complexities. Certainly, he was not his caricature. Meacham puts this fascinating man's life in the greater context of his times, ethos, and dynasty. Well done and well worth the many hours/pages.

For those interested in the life and times I f our American presidents

John Meacham at his best! An excellent portrait of #41. The man and his life story, fascinating!

Excellent book

I knew I had a vague liking for George HW Bush. Now I know why. His was an admirable life. A very readable, thorough, fascinating book.

Outstanding Biography

An outstanding biography of a very human president! He contributed greatly to the politics of the last 1/3 of the 20th century! Meacham has had remarkable access to the man and his family through his extensive diary and lengthy discussions with Bush 41! Beautifully written with outstanding documentation and a thoughtful approach! It is tremendously important to read or reread in the wake of President Bush’s recent death!

Try Your Best

Incredible words from Bush 41's mother that resonate throughout the Bush family. What an incredible American and story.