Reagan, in His Own Hand by {author}: summary and why it matters
The radio commentaries Reagan wrote himself in 1975 to 1979, which show his thinking before the presidency.
Also known as The Writings of Ronald Reagan That Reveal His Revolutionary Vision for America
The book
| Author | Ronald Reagan |
|---|---|
| First published | 2001 |
| First publisher | The Free Press |
| Kind of book | Speeches and essays |
What it argues
After leaving the governorship of California, Reagan delivered brief radio commentaries, and the editors found the handwritten drafts in his papers. They show that he wrote the talks himself, and that the views for which he was known were his own and not those of speechwriters.
The commentaries cover taxes, inflation, the Soviet Union, welfare, energy, the Panama Canal, the role of government and the nature of freedom. He argues that the Soviet system is a failure that should not be accepted as permanent, that lower taxes would increase growth, and that government should be smaller. Some entries are anecdotal and some are policy briefs with statistics.
The volume also includes longer essays and letters, with editors' notes.
Why it matters
The book corrected the picture of Reagan as a mere actor reading lines and showed a serious, well-informed communicator. It is a primary source for the intellectual preparation of the 1980s, and for students of political writing.
About the author
Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) was a radio announcer, film actor and television host before he became governor of California in 1967 and president in 1981. He gave the radio commentaries between 1975 and 1979, after leaving the governorship and before his successful run for president. The editors Kiron Skinner, Annelise Anderson and Martin Anderson found the drafts in his papers.
Who should read it
Readers of Reagan biography and political thought.
Sources
Profile last reviewed November 8, 2026