A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Volume 9, part 1: Benjamin Harrison

"A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, Volume 9" by James D. Richardson is a collection that gives readers a peek into the presidencies of Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland through their speeches and important papers. The book begins with the story of how the collection was put together, noting the hard work it took to gather all the information. It then moves on to the life of Benjamin Harrison, from his younger years through his time as a soldier in the Civil War, to his rise as a politician. This part of the book sets the scene for understanding the challenges he would face as president. The author shares their commitment to creating a detailed record, providing a solid base for the documents that follow in the book.