Second Message to Lou Cannon

Lou,

Thank you for your comments. I agree entirely about the index: its usefulness and the impression it makes. Leaving that out was a matter of time, energy, expense -- all the usual reasons (or excuses). Your advice makes me think that it's worth developing an index for the next edition of the book. The anti-academic bent influenced the writing style, the organization of the book, and the spare notes. The index is just an omission, and I don't think that adding one would put off the non-scholarly reader interested in Reagan.

I've heard that Richard Reeves is writing a book on Reagan. Do you know anything about that? Is he writing a biographical work?

I had some serious back trouble several years ago. I hope yours isn't too painful. It's hard to sit in one place for very long when back pain is the problem.

Thanks again,

Steve