The Remarkable Literary Journey of Jimmy Carter
As Jimmy Carter turns 100 on October 1, he reaches an impressive milestone, not only as the oldest living former president but also as the most successful author among his predecessors. An analysis released by The New York Times confirms that Carter has penned more bestselling books than any former U.S. president, solidifying his title as a prolific literary figure.
Prolific Writing After Presidency
Following his term in office, which concluded at the age of 56 in 1981, Carter dedicated himself to writing. Over his life, he has authored 20 New York Times bestselling titles and co-written an additional 32 works, covering a variety of subjects. Some notable books include Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation, a tribute to his late mother in A Remarkable Mother, and his latest work titled Faith: A Journey for All (2018).
A Contradictory Legacy
Despite Carter’s unparalleled writing success, the number of bestsellers written about him is surprisingly minimal. Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Bird points out that this discrepancy emphasizes how overlooked Carter has been as a president. The contrast in recognition between his literary achievements and his presidency is noteworthy; for example, his wife Rosylnn Carter’s biography, First Lady from Plains, is among the few major works examining his life in office. While criticized for certain titles, such as Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Carter remains committed to documenting his insights and experiences, reflecting a dedication to service that extends beyond the presidency.
