Number One Observatory Circle: The Home of the Vice President of the United States Hardcover – July 17, 2017

Well, I have to admit I don't know much about the government and what they get when elected. I was actually shocked to read that it took so long for the VP to even have a set residence when in office. We all know about the white house, but I am sure most never give a thought to where the VP actually lives. I was surprised to hear that before they established a main residence, they lived in their own homes or other such places. Seems odd someone in such a high position was never given a secure residence. There was a lot of info that was very interesting to hear about the history of the home and the changes that each VP made through the years. Or to even hear about the 2nd ladies and crafts made by them that went into the home. I also enjoyed all the pictures of the house which I think is really beautiful with lovely grounds. It's an interesting read, not only about changes to the residence but also the responsibilities of being VP as well through the years. Even if you are not big into government and politics, it's a good read.

As a history major, I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels. The author gives a fascinating overview of how the vice presidency has transformed over time, going from a position that once seemed unnecessary to being a critical role in our nation’s government. And while the White House is usually the one to receive all the admiration, far less attention has been paid to the living quarters of the Vice President. And that’s a shame, because as the author explains, there is a wealth of history and insight to be gained from examining this extraordinary building. Chapters include color photos of historic buildings in Washington D.C. that once housed past vice presidents, and there are interesting anecdotes about the many historical debates over just where exactly the Vice President should live. Those who love architecture will appreciate the many photographs and detailed descriptions of the grounds. Interviews with former vice presidents provide deeper insights into how the property touched their lives, and there are amusing stories about how each new occupant and their families changed things to better suit their unique tastes. Whether you’re a political science or history buff, Number One Observatory Circle will make you see our nation’s government with fresh eyes and appreciate the role our Vice President plays in protecting democracy.

“Number One Observatory Circle: The Home of the Vice President of the United States” by author Charles Denyer is a simply fascinating book about a relatively unknown national treasure.As the online description begins: “A Home Like No Other and a Book that Delivers with a Stunning Collection of Photos (many never seen before) and Fascinating Stories”I, for one, and probably among many, had no idea what the Vice President’s home was all about. I had heard of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. and had even heard that a stately mansion there was the building used as home to our nation’s vice presidents, but the pictures in the book, the descriptions of the place, and the interviews with past vice presidents were just total eye-openers. Many stories are told between these covers; many “secrets” are revealed here.I highly recommend this great, informative book to any U.S. government or history buff. We know much about the President’s home, but I think comparatively little about that of the V.P.I am incredibly happy with my purchase and would gladly buy this book again.

The author reflectively weaves a thread between vivid descriptions of the house and improvements over time, insights into the political careers and the stature of each vice president. Insight is given into each US second ladies’ design preferences, their contributions during the VP term and their role in the lives of some of the nation’s political giants. There are pleasant surprises in the home's history, its roots in the navy and ultimately being designated the temporary home for the VP. One story is quite amusing... so I won’t give it away.Enjoy!

Personally i would admit i didn't know there was a controversial,detailed and intriguing history behind the home of the Vice President and for that I was totally impressed that the book covered the story in full detail.The story about the VP not having a state home was really embarrasing, The second in Command not having a security detail was also ashaming.VP Truman doing his own dishes was outragious. I applaud all the people who pushed for a state home for the Vice President.The Section of the book that talks about the facilities located on the new grounds of the Residence e.g Library, landing Areas, Unique Telescopes was well detailed.It felt like i was actually talking a physical tour of the Premise.The other part of the book that stood out for me eventhough it was abit short was the part that talked about Second Ladies taking Charge.This shifted the story from just the Vice president and the Residence to something new and fun to discover.Through out the book we get to learn about the unique taste of some of our Vice Presidents when it comes to Decorating their homes.The book brings out inside stories that i never thought i would come across. Stories such as hot water conking out in the middle of Vice President Mondale's shower, Her daughter Eleanor saying to have seen a man in the house prompting 2 secret agent to burst in with guns and later on she claims it was a ghost,LOL. The Author also went all out to write about the history behind some of our Vice Presidents in the Same book,something i was really impressed with.To sum it all up,the journey from not having a state home,no security detail to having a beautiful home that is heavily protected is trully educational,intriguing and something we should be proud of. Number One Observatory Circle:The Home of the Vice President Of The United States was totally worth my time.