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Certain pundits say former President Bill Clinton is the savviest politician of the 20th century. As historian Michael Takiff's oral history subject, our 42nd president elicited fascinating, sometimes ambivalent -- or worse -- recollections and opinions from 169 people who crossed paths with him. On Jan. 25, Takiff visits Greenwich Library to talk about the interviews that became his book, "A Complicated Man: The Life of Bill Clinton as Told by Those Who Know Him." In it, key figures in Clinton's orbit, from relatives to former classmates to heavy hitters in politics and journalism, including Bob Dole, James Carville, and Tom Brokaw among many others, contribute their stories and perceptions about Clinton. As a result, Takiff's oral history cuts through the former president's public persona, to explore the dimensional, and to some, polarizing, real Bill Clinton. In his Christian Science Monitor review, writer Jordan Michael Smith lauded Takiff's level approach and wide scope. "The presidents best friends and worst (political) enemies are given equal time in the book, resulting in a comprehensive chronicle of the time. 'A Complicated Man' does not exonerate Clinton nor overlook his many foibles. It is fair and balanced, which is more than can be said for some of Clintons critics. When dealing with someone as inspiring and infuriating as the 42nd president, that is no small feat."
Hear author Michael Takiff at Greenwich Library, when he talks about how he met the challenge of creating this large-scale oral history. The event is free and begins at 7 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the Library's website.
What are your feelings about former President Bill Clinton? What do you consider his legacy? Let us know your thoughts by posting below.
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