Introduction

Abstract This Introduction to the second volume in a dual biography of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter briefly summarizes the first volume and introduces the second volume. The first volume covers their lives from birth through the end of his governorship in 1975, with emphasis upon their personal lives, their philosophy of governing, and their rise through the declining Jim Crow Era into state and national prominence. Picking up the narrative with Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, this book discusses his presidency, failed 1980 campaign for reelection, and long post-presidency as co-founder with Rosalynn of the Carter Center. Driven by the example of his father Earl Carter and Admiral Hyman Rickover, Jimmy Carter, with his wife Rosalynn’s help, won the White House and became a leading international champion of peace.