Before the Fall

This insightful memoir explores Richard Nixon's presidency, revealing the complexities of his character and the events leading up to Watergate in Before the Fall.

In Before the Fall, William Safire offers a unique perspective on Richard Nixon's presidency, drawing from his experiences as a speechwriter from 1968 to 1973. This memoir is not just a recounting of events but an intimate exploration of Nixon's character, revealing the complexities of a man who embodied both nobility and mean-spiritedness. Safire presents a nuanced view of the thirty-seventh president, capturing the essence of his ambitions and the dualities that defined his leadership during a tumultuous era.

The book is structured into ten sections, each weaving together three central themes: the President, the Partisan, and the Person. Safire delves into Nixon's policies on the Vietnam War, foreign relations, and domestic issues, shedding light on his efforts to bridge party divides. However, he also candidly addresses the moral compromises that ultimately led to the administration's downfall. Through anecdotes and direct quotations, readers gain insight into the dynamics of the White House and the individuals who surrounded Nixon, including prominent figures like Henry Kissinger and H. R. Haldeman.

Before the Fall stands as a critical primary source for understanding the Nixon years, offering a balanced portrayal of a president whose legacy is marked by both significant achievements and profound failures. With a new introduction by Safire, this edition invites readers to consider the complexities of political power and human nature in one of America's most controversial presidencies.