Presidential Politics
George W. Bush's new secret book project is a very personal affair: And you thought he was just a painter?
While his paintings made international headlines earlier this year, former president George W. Bush has been secretly working on another project: A highly personal biography of his father George H.W. Bush.
Only Bush's close friends and family — including his 90-year-old father, of course — knew about the hush-hush book project, says Politico.
Crown Publishing — which published Bush's best-selling memoir, Decision Points, in 2010— has revealed that the currently untitled new book will be released Nov. 11.
"I loved writing the story of his life, and I hope others enjoy reading it."
According to Crown's, "the book covers the entire scope of the elder President Bush's life and career, including his service in the Pacific during World War II, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business, and his political rise as a Congressman, U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA Director, Vice President, and President."
Although countless biographies have been written about the men who served as the President of the United States, this is the first time a president has told the story of his father — another president — in his own words.
"In this heartfelt, intimate, and illuminating portrait of his father, George W. Bush brings to vivid life his unique perspective of the personal qualities and principles that have animated George H. W. Bush's extraordinary life of service to country and family," Maya Mavjee, president of The Crown Publishing Group, said in a statement.
The book marks an important step for the younger Bush. After returning to Texas in 2009, the 43rd President of the United States has kept a relatively low profile (when he's not surprising Derek Jeter at a Rangers game), choosing to focus on his presidential library and paintings instead.
Insiders say one of the primary motivations for writing the book is to illustrate that the 68-year-old former president deeply loves and admires his father in spite of prior reports of a contentious relationship, says Politico.
"George H.W. Bush is a great servant, statesman, and father," George W. Bush said in a statement.
"I loved writing the story of his life, and I hope others enjoy reading it."
