New edition of the history of U.S. presidential inaugurations from leading history expert Jim Bendat
LOS ANGELES, CA — In the newly-updated fourth edition of “Democracy’s Big Day: The Inauguration of Our President 1789-2013” (published by iUniverse), author Jim Bendat sheds light on the little known history of presidential inaugurations in the United States.
“Many people are fascinated by presidential history,” says Bendat. “This book provides readers – whether they are history buffs or not – with stories that will both educate and entertain.”
Rather than organizing the book chronologically, Bendat divides the book into different parts of the inauguration process such as the ceremony, inaugural parade and inaugural ball. Within each chapter are historic, amusing vignettes that reveal how Inauguration Day has evolved since 1789.
“The subject of the presidency is always relevant,” he says. “Many of the book’s stories bring our presidents somewhat to life, focusing on individual experiences our leaders had on the day they took office.”
Packed with interesting tidbits and amusing anecdotes, “Democracy’s Big Day” uncovers secrets of past inaugurations that would otherwise be long forgotten. Every page is filled with fascinating stories, such as how a 13-year old girl was the first person to realize that the chief justice had misstated the inaugural oath to Herbert Hoover, or how Calvin Coolidge was sworn into office by his own father.
The author’s passion for presidential history was sparked at an early age. “My interest in politics began when I was 12 years old,” Bendat says. “The Democratic National Convention was here in Los Angeles. The day before the convention, my grandfather took me to the Biltmore Hotel, the convention’s hotel headquarters. There, I met and shook hands with John F. Kennedy.”
About the Author
Jim Bendat is one of the nation’s leading experts on U.S. presidential inauguration history. His works have appeared in the New Republic, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Baltimore Sun. He has been featured as an inaugural historian by the major networks in the major networks in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Bendat and his wife, Marilyn, have three children. They live in Los Angeles, California.