The Reagan diaries

Historic and deeply revealing, these are the personal diaries kept by Ronald Reagan during his time in the White House (1981-89). During his eight years as the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary, in which he recorded his innermost thoughts and observations.

The handwritten diaries have been seen by only a few people to date, and they share Reagan's personal insights into the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day events of his Presidency. 'When we left Sacramento, we felt the time passed so quickly, we could hardly remember the eight years,' said Nancy Reagan. 'When Ronnie became president, he wanted to write it all down so we could remember these special times.' From his first inauguration to weekends at Camp David to the end of the Cold War, these Presidential diaries are the most detailed in American history, filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humour.

They offer the deep warmth of his voice, while shedding new light on the character of a true American leader.

To read these diaries is to gain a unique understanding of the Oval Office and one of the greatest presidents in American history. Reagan describes meetings with heads of state and international statesmen (including the Queen, Pope John Paul II, Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher and Fidel Castro).

His geniality shines through, while his marriage to Nancy and his strong relationship with God emerge clearly as the cornerstones of his life.