An interesting, witty, and lighter-hearted collection of presidential portraits. For anyone looking for an entertaining refresher on the presidents, or someone who wants to learn a little more about those with whom they aren't familiar, then this is a handy guide to the 44 (soon to be 45) occupants of the Executive Office.

Having previously taken on British Kings, Queens and Prime Ministers, Andrew Gibson has now taken on US Presidents from Washington to Trump. HIs lightness of touch remains and he is excellent at conveying the historical and socio-economic challenges and contexts which each president faced. He ends the final chapter on Trump by stating that the often-heard charge that he is the most embarrassing president ever "has been levelled at many of his predecessors too, and one cannot yet be confident Donald Trump is any worse than they were." The achievement of the book is that in its scope it enables the reader to decide for themselves how far that is true and that is not to be underestimated. Definitely worth your time.