Dirty tricks, lies, abuse of the truth, and voter fraud in presidential elections are nothing new to the United States! Cummings gives copious examples of the mean-spirited, often ridiculous, and sometimes even funny attacks of one opponent against another, going back to America's earliest elections.

Although dry in places (because of the subject matter, not the author), this book is well worth reading for the historical perspective on nasty political behavior. The shenanigans have been going on since the beginning of our nation! It is great that it tells what happens to the loser, too. As a teacher, I like that this book has a different take on political history.