The Last Republicans

“In his lively and engaging portrait of the two presidents Bush, Mark Updegrove has painted a compelling picture of political leadership in America. This isn’t just a work of history. It invites us to think about the leadership this country needs and deserves today.” — William Kristol, former editor, The Weekly Standard “This is more than just a fascinating inside story of the relationship of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, and Mark Updegrove gives us plenty of insight on that. But at a time when American politics is in turmoil, Updegrove traces the great changes that the Republican Party has undergone from the kinder, gentler Bush days and raises a question pertinent to Americans across the political spectrum: Is the party they presided over gone forever, replaced by something not yet defined.” — Bob Schieffer “Mark Updegrove untangles one of the most fascinating and consequential relationships in the history of the American presidency. From the end of the Cold War through 9/11, the Bush father and son shaped the world we live in, and with this dual biography we can better understand how and why.” — Lawrence Wright “With unique access to the only father and son to serve as presidents in almost two hundred years, Mark Updegrove weaves a captivating, intimate portrait of one of the country’s most important political dynasties. The Bushes’ sense of public service as a high calling becomes all the more striking against the backdrop of today’s polarized party politics. This beautifully rendered story could not be more timely.” — Doris Kearns Goodwin "The first book ever written with [the Bushes'] cooperation about their relationship....The Last Republicans chronicles an era almost dated in today's reality show politics, when the Republican establishment controlled the party and Washington, and when a single family could occupy the presidency and vice presidency for a combined twenty years." — New York Times "This is a very good book, an honest and clear-eyed look at a controversial and conflicted family. Mr. Updegrove is a first-rate historian and The Last Republicans is a worthy, straightforward, and honest addition to the Bush legacy and Bush family history." — Washington Times