This reference for general readers and students delivers information about the lives, backgrounds, and terms of office of every American president, plus facts about the Executive Office itself. Part I features a chapter for each President, in chronological order. Part II presents about 160 pages of statistics, allowing readers to compare presidents on the basis of such matters as previous political career, religious affiliation, and unusual or little known aspects such as favorite foods and musical accomplishments. Part II also includes facts about the office of the presidency, including salaries, vetoes, and electoral and popular votes in every election since 1789. This edition is updated through February 2009, with new information on both terms of George W. Bush, a look at the inauguration and early days of the Obama administration, and election statistics on the complete field of presidential candidates in the 2008 race. For the first time in the history of the series, this edition features hundreds of b&w photos and illustrations of presidents, vice presidents, first ladies, and people, places, and events associated with each administration. Kane (1899-2002) was a researcher in American history. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)