The distinguishing features of Vinyard's textbookish overview of modern (from FDR to Nixon) presidential process and authority are (1) the book is factually reliable, leaning mightily on such wellknown sources as Neustadt, Koenig, Corwin, Rossiter; (2) it is written in the dullest, pastiest prose this side of Encyclopaedia Britannica whose intent Vinyard mimics; and (3) it contributes absolutely no new thoughts on the nature of the presidency, theoretical or otherwise -- indeed Vinyard seems most at home belaboring the obvious, e.g., the quadrennial campaign ""imposes tremendous demands on the candidates"" or ""Television has played an increasingly large role in recent presidential elections."" Likewise he excessively and unimaginatively repeats himself throughout, for instance more than once quoting TR's ""bully pulpit"" metaphor or stating that a president's bellyache commands front page attention.