"The Queen and Her Presidents": Susan Page, Star National Political Writer, Speaks about New Elizabeth Bio in S.B. Thursday
In her fourth book about formidable women who prevailed in arenas dominated by men, the author uncovers the hidden story of how the British monarch wielded soft power in U.S. and global affairs.
Happy 100th heavenly anniversary to Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, aka Queen Elizabeth II, born a century ago today.
Widely viewed as a ceremonial, if not trivial, world figure, the queen in fact wielded consequential and historic influence and power throughout her 70-year reign, via political and personal relationships with 13 U.S. presidents - an untold story revealed in a terrific, new book by celebrated national political reporter Susan Page.
On Thursday, Page’s author tour for “Elizabeth and Her Presidents” brings her to Santa Barbara, where she’ll be speaking, answering questions and signing books at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub from 6-8 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the News-Press in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Literary Festival and Voice News, is free but requires an RSVP here.
Susan’s day job is Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today; having followed, admired and respected her coverage of national politics for decades, Newsmakers is delighted to have been invited to lead the Q&A portion of the evening.
Her new book, the fourth she’s written about formidable women who struggled, persevered, and triumphed in arenas dominated by men, is stylishly written and exhaustively reported, packed with disclosures, anecdotes, and extraordinary nuggets of global history - not least behind-the-scenes true tales of the queen’s memorable 1983 visit to Santa Barbara and Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo (where, following a luncheon of tacos, enchiladas and chiles rellenos. she complimented her hosts on the “used beans”).
It also will be a treat to hear Susan’s take on broader political matters: having covered eight White House administrations and 12 presidential campaigns, she brings uncommon experience, insight and judgment to the, um, challenge of understanding the nation and the world in the Trump Era.
See Joy Martin’s News-Press takeout for more about Susan, the book and the event.
Image: Susan Page (Hannah Gaber).