Inside Camp David

The Private World of the Presidential Retreat

De: Michael Giorgione

Narrado por: Michael Giorgione

The first-ever insider account of Camp David, the president's private retreat, on the seventy-fifth anniversary of its inception.
Never before have the gates of Camp David been opened to the public. Intensely private and completely secluded, the president's personal campground is situated deep in the woods, up miles of unmarked roads that are practically invisible to the untrained eye. Now, for the first time, we are allowed to travel along the mountain route and directly into the fascinating and intimate complex of rustic residential cabins, wildlife trails, and athletic courses that make up the presidential family room.
For seventy-five years, Camp David has served as the president's private retreat. A home away from the hustle and bustle of Washington, this historic site is the ideal place for the First Family to relax, unwind, and, perhaps most important, escape from the incessant gaze of the media and the public. It has hosted decades of family gatherings for thirteen presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama, including holiday celebrations, reunions, and even a wedding. But more than just a weekend getaway, Camp David has also been the site of private meetings and high-level summits with foreign leaders to foster diplomacy.
Former Camp David commander Rear Admiral Michael Giorgione, CEC, USN (Ret.), takes us deep into this enigmatic and revered sanctuary. Combining fascinating first-person anecdotes of the presidents and their families with storied history and interviews with commanders both past and present, he reveals the intimate connection felt by the First Families with this historic retreat.

Reseñas de la Crítica

Praise for Inside Camp David

"Inside Camp David gives a first-hand account of the president's most private retreat from an author who ran it. Camp David is part sanctuary, part office, and part vacation destination. Giorgione captures life at the exclusive retreat and offers a glimpse into the lives of presidents and their families when they're seeking a respite from the spotlight."—Kate Andersen Brower, New York Times bestselling author of The Residence and First Women

"A captivating stroll through the storied Maryland mountain retreat seen through the eyes of the Sailors, Marines, gardeners, cooks, handymen and their families who catered to the presidents. Rear Admiral Michael Giorgione, a charming raconteur, takes us behind the scenes and shows why, from Kennedy to Obama, presidents found Camp David (aka Naval Support Facility Thurmont) the ideal place for both white-knuckle international diplomacy and desperately-needed decompression: a walk in these woods can restore presidential sanity."—Chris Whipple, New York Times bestselling author of The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency

"No one has a better understanding of this mountain retreat than the Commanding Officer. Inside Camp David provides an insight into life at this secret hideaway used by presidents and their families over the years. It is an accurate portrayal of life as it is lived by the Commander in Chief away from the White House."—Clint Hill, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Presidents

"Toasts a great perk of the presidency, one that almost none of us will ever see... Full of firsthand glimpses into a secret world and fresh insights that may delight even the most politically cynical among us."—Adeel Hassan, New York Times

"Just the presidential memoir America needs right now."—Garrett M. Graff, Wall Street Journal

A "pop history of a vacation spot with a strictly limited clientele.... An easygoing... visit to a place where presidents are 'more reflective, playful, and energized by the hills and forests that surround them.'"—Kirkus

"A complete yet personal history... This intelligent and recommended account is sure to appeal to readers of presidential biographies and American history buffs in general."—Library Journal

"In this intimate and informative book, Giorgione blends the presidential with the personal and casts a loving eye on a seldom seen but consequential place... With grace, candor and humor, he makes what, in academic hands, could have been dry as dust, breathe with life."—Jay Strafford, Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Giorgione weaves palace intrigue, personal reflections from former commanding officers at the camp and histories of the retreat and Thurmont... A glimpse of little-known histories."—Danielle E. Gaines, The Frederick News-Post

Filled w compelling anecdotes and feeling

This insider ( a one time Commander of the Navy team that operates CAmp David) is a warm, compassionate, insightful story teller. Not in the least bit partisan, he provided a truly human and anecdote rich story of the truly unique place. Only downside: in a few places the stories for a bit long winded. But thoroughly enjoyed it.

I’m a Camp David “mom”

My son a Marine served aboard Camp David. I loved learning more about Camp David in this book, my son loved reading about people and places he knew very well. I was fortunate to make one visit to Camp David as a guest of my son. He showed us around and provided historical information about the Camp. Great book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A very pleasant read

I attended college in Emmitsburg, MD, next door to Thurmont, just down the valley from Camp David, during the end of the Eisenhower Administration and beginning of Kennedy's. It was an exciting time and place to be, and Camp David, up on the beautiful mountain always held a mystic for me. With this book I was finally able to get to see this hidden place through the eyes of the author, and all the many Presidents and their families who found respite there from the many burdens of the Presidency. A relaxing and pleasant read.

Excellent portrayal.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mike captured the atmosphere of the camp and the people who serve their perfectly. It brought back great memories of the most challenging and fulfilling job I ever had. A truly inspiring place.

great read, very enjoyable

was great to listen to. always nice to hear a non political view from those that serve.

Intimate Presidential History of Camp David

Wonderfully written and narrated book that provided first hand and meticulously researched history of Camp David. Honestly I was stunned at this masterfully crafted work of literature. The introduction to Camp David in the first few pages was vivid and almost poetic, not something I expected from a military officer. This first hand account of the presidents at their most unguarded moments was intimate and a reminder that the leaders of the free world are human. In just a few pages the author destroyed long standing stereotypes of mine about several presidents. One would have to read ten plus biographies of the presidents since FDR to gain a glimmer of this kind of insight. Almost all of our nation's leaders were fans of Camp David, and I think anyone who reads or listens to this book will be too. This book is a MUST read for history buffs, presidential scholars, and military officers to name just a few. As an avid TV critic and unabashed reality TV junkie, I believe this book could be the basis of a major motion picture, TV mini-series (think History Channel with 1 episode for each president), or prime time TV series loosely based on historical events. Whatever the case, I hope to see more from the author, Michael Giorgione.

Biased review

I was stationed at Camp David and served under then CDR Giorgione. I really enjoyed reliving the experiences through my skippers eyes. When I reported aboard Camp I was 25 years old, worried more about when liberty call was than if the guests at Camp were comfortable. Obviously a narrow minded kids view. Hindsight’s 20/20 as they say. With life experience and maturity gained in the 20 years since I departed camp for the final time, I can say I certainly could have done a better job and cared more about the big picture than I did. I sit in my office at home now. And reflect on the historical significance of Camp David, and the small role I was fortunate enough to play in it. RADM Giorgione, thank you for writing this book and allowing me to take a trip down memory lane, and more importantly thank you for your leadership. I have forgotten the names of a few commanding officers I have served under, but I will never forget my four years at Camp David. I will never forget your visits to the hospital when my appendix ruptured, I will never forget you pinning on my first class crow or presenting me with my PSB. At the time Camp David was a job, today it’s one of my fondest memories.

Daniel Scott
Former EN1(SW) USN
RESD Jan 99 - Dec 2002