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Table of Contents
About The Book
THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker – how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.
When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: ‘Mother, get a life!’ And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.
In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history – not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in America, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest-working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.
Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehaviour. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives – and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.
The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker – how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.
When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: ‘Mother, get a life!’ And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.
In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history – not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in America, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest-working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.
Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehaviour. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives – and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.
About The Author
Photograph © Jackson Boaz
Nancy Pelosi was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007—and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. She came to Congress in 1987 for the children and to fight HIV/AIDS. Under Pelosi’s leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed House efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in the House, a privilege she has treasured for thirty-seven years. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, have five children and ten grandchildren. They live in San Francisco, which they consider heaven on earth.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (August 6, 2024)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9781398541061
Raves and Reviews
‘The former speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi gives vivid and unsettling accounts of the assault on Washington’s Capitol building in 2021, and on her husband, Paul, in 2022.’
– Guardian, Best Books of 2024
‘The Art of Power leaves readers with a disconcerting question: What will become of the political process in America if people as courageous as Pelosi decide that running for office is simply not worth the risk?’
– Washington Post
‘Pelosi’s words are a demonstration of how power is wielded – and shrewdly maintained – how a more perfect union is shaped, how the victories are especially sweet and how falling short of the ideal is part of the process. Or in Pelosi’s case, just another day at the office’
– San Francisco Chronicle
'The former US House speaker’s memoir includes powerful accounts of the Capitol assault and Trump’s instability, offering insights into the career of a formidable woman who still wields great influence'
– Observer
‘The most powerful woman in American political history, Nancy Pelosi, delves into the highs and lows of her career . . . Timely and powerful, this is a book not to miss'
– Luxury London
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Art of Power Hardcover 9781398541061
- Author Photo (jpg): Nancy Pelosi Photograph © Jackson Boaz(0.1 MB)
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