White House Diary

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This edited, annotated diary of President Jimmy Carter provides insights into his presidency, relationships, and enduring impact on significant issues. During his term, Carter diligently recorded his thoughts, impressions, and frustrations in a private diary, offering candid assessments of cabinet members, congressmen, and foreign leaders. He detailed the progress of secret negotiations, including those that led to the Camp David Accords. By the end of his presidency in early 1981, the diary had grown to over 5,000 pages, yet it remained unpublished until now. Through a careful selection of illuminating entries, Carter presents an intimate view of his presidency. We witness his strong advocacy for nuclear containment, sustainable energy, human rights, and Middle Eastern peace, as well as his interactions with notable figures like Ted Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Joe Biden, Anwar Sadat, and Menachem Begin. The diary also reveals the inside story of his "malaise speech," his tough battle for the 1980 Democratic nomination, and the Iranian hostage crisis. Remarkably, Carter has annotated the diary with retrospective comments, reflecting on the events and people that shaped his presidency and the lessons learned. This fascinating work offers a unique contribution to the history of the American presidency, showcasing Carter as one of the truly wise figures of our time.