Picture an American storyteller who turned the dusty pages of presidential history into a riveting saga—meet Craig Fehrman! A journalist and historian, Fehrman has carved a unique niche in historical non-fiction, diving deep into the literary lives of U.S. presidents. His debut book, Author in Chief, didn’t just tell stories—it reshaped how we view the intersection of power and publishing.
With a knack for unearthing forgotten letters and hidden anecdotes, Fehrman’s work blends meticulous research with a narrative spark that makes history feel alive. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual reader, his books offer a fresh lens on America’s past, proving that presidents are more than politicians—they’re authors too.
The Making of Craig Fehrman
Born and raised near Dillsboro, Indiana, Craig Fehrman’s roots are firmly planted in the Midwest. A 2007 graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, he pursued a PhD at Yale University, diving into academia before returning to Indiana. His time at Yale, though unfinished, honed his research skills, setting the stage for his career as a historian. Married to a publishing professional, Fehrman settled in Bloomington with his family, where his passion for books and history flourished.
Fehrman’s early writing for outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal showcased his ability to weave compelling stories from complex subjects. Interviews on NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered further amplified his voice, but it was his curiosity about presidential writings that defined his path.
Craig Fehrman’s Unforgettable Stories
Fehrman’s breakout work, Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote (2020), is a decade-long labor of love. This book explores how presidents like Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Barack Obama used writing to shape their campaigns and legacies. From Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia to Trump’s The Art of the Deal, Fehrman reveals the vulnerabilities and ambitions behind their words, earning praise as “one of the best books on the American presidency” from The Wall Street Journal.
Later in 2020, Fehrman released The Best Presidential Writing: From 1789 to the Present, a curated collection of speeches, diaries, and autobiographies. This anthology brings to life moments like George Washington’s Farewell Address and Theodore Roosevelt’s bullet-pierced speech, showing how words shaped a nation. Fehrman’s style—rigorous yet accessible—makes dense history feel like a page-turner, blending journalistic flair with scholarly depth.
His earlier work, Home Grown: Cage the Elephant and the Making of a Modern Music Scene (2013), dives into the rock band’s rise, proving Fehrman’s versatility. Whether writing about music or presidents, his storytelling captures the human side of his subjects, making readers feel like they’re peeking behind the curtain.
Why Craig Fehrman Matters
Craig Fehrman’s work has redefined presidential history by spotlighting the literary side of America’s leaders. His books don’t just chronicle events—they explore how writing shaped elections, policies, and public perception. By unearthing new letters from figures like Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy, Fehrman offers fresh insights into their private struggles, making history relatable and relevant.
His impact extends beyond academia, inspiring readers to see books as vital to democracy. As Fehrman notes, “A good reader is a good citizen,” a belief that resonates in his engaging narratives. His work bridges past and present, reminding us that the pen can be as mighty as the presidency.
- Born: Dillsboro, Indiana
- Key Works: Author in Chief, The Best Presidential Writing, Home Grown
- Notable Praise: Author in Chief hailed by The Wall Street Journal
- Fun Fact: Fehrman spent a decade researching his debut book!
Snag Author in Chief and dive into Craig Fehrman’s captivating world of presidential storytelling!