In this witty and wise study, Tevi Troy tells how modern presidents have increasingly been surrounded, and at times hounded, by academics, writers, and other intellectuals. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 'brain trust' through John F. Kennedy's 'best and brightest' right down to the present, the White House has become a haven both for political operatives who specialize in winning votes and intellectual personalities who specialize in spinning ideas. Troy superbly profiles how presidents from Roosevelt to George W. Bush and their top political advisers have coped, co-opted, or crossed swords with intellectuals. For anyone with a serious interest in how we got where we are in American politics and the presidency, this book is must-reading.

John J. DiIulio, Jr., former director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Tevi Troy tells the delicious tale of how presidents exploit the ambition and insecurity of intellectuals-or ignore them at their peril. Highly recommended for thinkers who thirst to be on cable t.v.

Stephen Hess, Brookings Institution

Any man or woman who decides to run for President of the United States would be wise to read Intellectuals and the American Presidency. In his seminal work Tevi Troy identifies and explains the key to a successful presidency-and does so clearly and persuasively. As a Republican I hope Democrats do not read it-but if they do it will be good for our country.

Martin Anderson, Hoover Institution

Tevi Troy has given us a fascinating slice of history, in a well-written, balanced, and meticulously researched package. Intellectuals and the American Presidency provides illumination about both the modern presidency and the role of ideas (and idea people) in American politics and policy.

Norm Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute

Love them or hate them, intellectuals are players in American politics. Good politicians realize this, and act accordingly. Tevi Troy smartly chronicles the surprising successes and occasional humorous failures of presidents who courted America's elusive yet vocal intellectual establishment. This lively and readable study is must-reading for lovers of history and politics alike.

Jack Valenti, chairman, Motion Picture Association of America

Tevi Troy has done the impossible! He's written an interesting and engaging analysis of the role of White House eggheads without resorting to excessive nudity or violence.

Jonah Goldberg, syndicated columnist and editor-at-large, National Review Online