Kings of the Hill: How Nine Powerful Men Changed the Course of American History

From Henry Clay to Newt Gingrich — the men who ruled Congress and changed the course of American history Since the early days of our country, leaders in the House of Representatives have exerted tremendous force and influence on government policy and consequently on both domestic and world affairs. Now, two prominent public figures profile nine of America’s most provocative, colorful, and controversial congressional leaders: Henry Clay, James Polk, Thaddeus Stevens, James Blaine, Thomas Reed, Joe Cannon, Nicholas Longworth, Sam Rayburn, and Newt Gingrich. Capturing the personalities of these men in revealing anecdotes, the Cheneys present a telling chronicle of how power in the House affects not only congressional politics, but the nation as a whole.