Best-Selling Historian H.W. Brands Returns to the Ford
Will Speak on the Ford Presidency and America’s World Leadership
Two days after the 2024 presidential election, renowned historian and bestselling author H.W. Brands will return to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to discuss the significance of the Ford administration and America’s role in a complex world.
The evening’s theme resonates with Brands’ latest work, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War, a gripping historical account of the debate over America’s place on the global stage during the lead-up to World War II.
At a time when Americans were grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War, President Gerald Ford’s leadership provided a unique perspective on diplomacy and national morale. Brands, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, will explore this pivotal era, drawing parallels to the subject of his new book, which examines the clash between two powerful figures—President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who pushed for intervention, and Charles Lindbergh, the famed aviator who staunchly supported isolationism. Through vivid storytelling, Brands highlights this defining chapter in American history and offers insight into the making of an iconic American president.
H.W. Brands, who is a professor of history at the University of Texas, has authored more than 30 books. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Smithsonian, and more. Following his talk, attendees are invited to a book signing, with copies of America First available for purchase in the Museum store.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of America’s foremost historians on topics that continue to shape our understanding of the nation’s role on the global stage.