Few American politicians have enjoyed greater popularity than Ronald Reagan. He seemed to have an intuitive feel for national concerns, and an ability to speak persuasively to millions of people. But his fundamental appeal went deeper: a blend of Catholic and Protestant, small-town boy and famous entertainer, Horatio Alger and P. T. Barnum, traditional moralist and media celebrity, Reagan spoke for old values in contemporary accents. Robert Dallek presents a portrait of the man and his politics - from his childhood years through the California governorship to the first years of the presidency.