The memories described in this book reflect not only how eleven American Presidents remembered what happened to them in their youth, but also a kind of psychological shorthand of their beliefs, attitudes, cognitive biases and foibles. A negative memory may have provided guidance in situations the President viewed as dangerous, whereas a positive memory may have provided guidance in situations viewed as promising. By examining the early memories of the Presidents, it is possible to discover how, for example: Abraham Lincoln's amusing memory of a boyhood caper provided an unusual perspective on his character and his lasting appeal as a great storyteller;Ulysses S. Grant’s memory of a business transaction revealed a hidden vulnerability; Teddy Roosevelt's memory of a fantastic childhood adventure foreshadowed his intellectual curiosity and love of nature; Dwight David Eisenhower's memory of battling with a barnyard goose influenced his negotiating style as a General and President; and Richard Nixon's harrowing memory of a childhood fall taught him to survive in a dangerous and hostile world and presaged the sense of being “kicked around” that would forever define his image. These and other Presidential memories provide both telling and entertaining insights into the minds and actions of our American leaders.