Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter is best known as the thirty-ninth president of the United States, but he continued a life of public service for four decades after he was denied a second term in 1980.

The US Naval Academy graduate, peanut farmer, businessman, and former Georgia governor was elected president in 1976. His administration had numerous accomplishments, including the Panama Canal Treaties, the Camp David Accords, and a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Domestic issues such as inflation and an energy crisis marred his time in office. But the most serious problem was the Iran Hostage Crisis in November 1979, when a mob occupied the US embassy in Iran and took the diplomatic staff hostage. Despite the efforts of the Carter administration, the hostages were not released until January 21, 1981—the day Ronald Reagan became president after defeating Carter in the 1980 election.

After leaving office, Carter founded the Carter Center, an organization devoted to advancing human rights. Through the center he engaged in conflict mediation in countries around the world. He became University Distinguished Professor at Emory University, wrote books, taught Sunday School, and with his wife, Rosalynn, built homes for low-income people as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “for undertaking peace negotiations, campaigning for human rights, and working for social welfare.”

In February 2023, at age 98, Carter announced that he had entered hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

This minibibliography lists books by and about Jimmy Carter. All titles in this minibibliography can be requested from your local cooperating library. The digital talking-book titles can be downloaded through BARD (the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website). Contact your local cooperating library to register for BARD. Registered users can also download titles on iOS and Android devices using the BARD Mobile app. To find your local cooperating library, go to www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/find-a-local-library or call toll-free 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).

By Jimmy Carter

Autobiography and memoir

Christmas in Plains: Memories
Carter reminisces about family Christmases over the years, beginning with his childhood on a Georgia farm, through his years in the US Navy, the Georgia governor's mansion, the White House, and then back to Plains. Bestseller. 2001.
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A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety
Carter reflects on his life, both private and public. He discusses his youth in rural Georgia, his family, his military service, his decision to enter politics, and more. Carter reveals what he is proud of as well as his regrets. 2015.
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An Hour before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood
Carter reminisces about growing up in rural Georgia during the Depression. He traces his family genealogy, examines social mores of the segregated South, and describes his experience of daily life in a small, close-knit farming community until his appointment to the US Naval Academy. Bestseller. 2001.
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A Remarkable Mother
Carter pays homage to his mother, Bessie Lillian Gordy Carter (1898–1983). Describes "Miss Lilly's" childhood in rural Georgia, training as a nurse during World War I, marriage, and 1968-–1969 trip to India as a Peace Corps volunteer. Highlights her humanitarian ethic at home and abroad. 2008.
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Sharing Good Times
The former president writes about his "more challenging, relaxing, and enjoyable experiences." He discusses personal hobbies, excursions to exotic places, volunteer work, fishing, family vacations, and ordinary moments. Along the way he relates his struggle to learn "the true sharing of equals" with his wife and children. Bestseller. 2004
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White House Diary
Annotated diary of the thirty-ninth American president offers insight into current events from 1977–1981. Carter shares his personal opinions of each day's activities and assesses senators and representatives, cabinet members, and foreign leaders. Includes information about the Camp David peace accords and the Iran hostage crisis. 2010.
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Why Not the Best?
Autobiography written for his 1976 presidential campaign describes Carter’s rural Southern boyhood of hard work on the family farm through his naval career and rapid rise in Georgia politics. 1975.
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The Virtues of Aging
Carter provides suggestions on how to live a happy and productive life after retirement. Discusses the challenges that confront people as they age, including finances, health, and leisure time. Describes how he and his wife, like millions of others, encountered unpleasant circumstances and remedied the situations. Bestseller. 1998.
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Political writing

The Blood of Abraham
Carter's experiences negotiating the Camp David Accords, his visits to the Middle East, and portraits of Arab and Israeli leaders. He maintains that peace in the Middle East must be based on Israeli recognition of the Palestinians' right to self-determination and Arab recognition of Israel's right to exist. Bestseller 1985.
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A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power
The former president synthesizes reports of violence and discrimination against women across the world, with particular attention to restrictions and abuses based on religious principles. Concludes with twenty-three proposed actions to improve the situation for women. Bestseller. 2014.
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Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid
Carter provides an overview of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with his own assessment of the reasons for the lack of a lasting peace. Advocates a comprehensive two-state agreement that supports both entities' right to share the Holy Land and protects civilians from acts of violence. Bestseller. 2006.
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Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation
Upon leaving the White House in 1981, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as a vehicle through which they could continue their activities for world peace. Carter discusses his work and his belief that free and fair elections and the art of negotiation can help eliminate civil and international war. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993.
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Spiritual writing

Faith: A Journey for All
The thirty-ninth president reflects on the way his Christian faith has shaped his life and sustained him through both happy and disappointing times. Discusses the meanings of faith, acquiring it, marrying it to religious expression, demonstrating it, and facing challenges to it. Commercial audiobook. 2018.
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Living Faith
Carter testifies on the influence of religious faith in his life. He recounts formative events of his past, including achievements and setbacks, and discusses how his Christian belief sustained and inspired him. 1996.
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Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis
Carter shares his views on terrorism, religious and political fundamentalism, the death penalty, abortion, women, and the environment. Criticizes the partisan divisions within the country and calls for a return to traditional American values. Bestseller. 2005.
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Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for Daily Living
A collection of Bible lessons used by the former president for teaching adult classes in Baptist churches he attended. The meditations emphasize the key themes of the importance of Christian love and God's redemptive grace. Includes anecdotes from his life. Bestseller. 1997.
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Literary works

The Hornet's Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War
The former president's first novel. Philadelphia Quakers Ethan and Epsey Pratt move to North Carolina, where they homestead until political troubles brew between the Regulators and the British. Relocating to Georgia in 1771 they develop local friendships with both Indians and settlers. Ethan joins the militia despite his religious beliefs. Bestseller. 2003.
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Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems
Poems about people, places, politics, and private lives. In "Rachel," Carter reflects on his tender feelings toward a neighbor when he was a child. In "My First Try for Votes," a constituent humbles and amuses the candidate in one bold stroke. And in the title poem, an autobiographical narrative, he speaks of learning the need in "all things ... to balance out." 1995.
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Collections

Conversations with Carter
Interviews with Carter from 1976 through 1997. Initially the questions were designed to learn more about the relatively unknown presidential candidate. The discussions held during his term in office are more focused and formal. Later conversations describe his work on behalf of charitable organizations and international peace. 1998.
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A Government as Good as Its People
Collection of Carter's campaign speeches, interviews, and informal remarks. His views on equal justice, women's rights, education, foreign policy, and consumerism are included, together with excerpts from news conferences and a Playboy interview. 1977.
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With Rosalynn Carter

Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life
by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
Account of how the former president and first lady made the transition from the White House to Plains, Georgia. In this joint narrative with individual interjections when recollections or interpretations differ, the Carters tell of their involvement in a host of projects and volunteerism. Bestseller. 1987.
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By Rosalynn Carter

First Lady from Plains
Rosalynn Carter recalls her early years in Plains, Georgia, and describes her deep involvement in her husband's career. She assisted the former president first in his business, then in the Georgia governor's mansion, and finally at the White House. Offers her views on many events, from the Camp David talks between Begin and Sadat to the Iran hostage crisis. Bestseller. 1984.
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Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book For Caregivers
The former first lady, a director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development, presents a handbook for those who care for chronically ill or disabled relatives or friends. Based on a study by Caregivers Network in west central Georgia and illustrated with Carter's own experiences, the book identifies issues and offers advice and a list of resources. 1994.
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By Ruth Carter Stapleton

Brother Billy
Nostalgic account of the Carter family of Plains, Georgia written by Jimmy Carter’s sister Ruth. Focuses on the her younger brother, Billy. Recollections of the four Carter children growing up, and their relationships with each other, provide insight into the mercurial personality of Billy. 1978.
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Biographies

His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life
by Jonathan Alter
The author of Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies (DB77347) traces Carter’s evolution throughout his life, from his childhood through his various careers and causes. Draws on archival materials and five years of extensive access to Carter and his family. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
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Biographies for children

Hard Work, but It's Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter
by Bethany Hegedus
Covers the inspiring life of the thirty-ninth president and Nobel Prize winner. Includes an author's note, timeline, and additional resources. For grades K-3. 2020.
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Jimmy Carter
by Charles E. Mercer
A biography of the peanut farmer and former governor of Georgia who surprised the country and became the thirty-ninth president. For grades 3-6. 1977.
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James E. Carter, 39th President of the United States
by Daniel A. Richman
Biography recounts Carter’s childhood on a 350-acre farm, his dream of attending the US Naval Academy, naval service, return to Georgia after the death of his father, and rise to the presidency. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1989.
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The Carter administration

The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter
by Kai Bird
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of American Prometheus (DB61087) examines what distinguishes Carter's presidency from those of his predecessors and traces the arc of his administration to discuss the long-term impact of his time in office. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.
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The Unfinished Presidency: Jimmy Carter’s Journey Beyond the White House
by Douglas Brinkley
Explores Carter's continuing work with programs and policies he espoused while in the White House and after. Explains his efforts in human rights, peace, democracy, and health as themes in his post-presidential work. Depicts his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the Atlanta Project. 1998.
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Blue Smoke and Mirrors: How Reagan Won and Carter Lost the Election of 1980
by Jack Germond and Jules Witcover
Two veteran political columnists provide intriguing information on the strategists and politicians who masterminded the 1980 election campaigns. The authors argue that uncontrollable and unforeseeable events rather than issues determined the victor. Bestseller. 1981.
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Crisis: The Last Year of the Carter Presidency
by Hamilton Jordan
Carter's chief of staff chronicles the last year of his boss's administration. Drawing on his own records, official documents, his secretary's diary, and interviews, Jordan focuses on the two main issues that occupied the White House during this period—the Iran hostage crisis and the reelection campaign. Bestseller 1982.
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The Presidency of James Earl Carter, Jr
by Burton Ira Kaufman
Kaufman asserts the Carter presidency was mediocre rather than a failure. He believes Carter was naive and interested in what he saw as right for the American people rather than what political action groups wanted. Kaufman discusses problems with Carter's cabinet as well as some of his achievements—especially the Camp David Accords of 1978. 1993.
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The Other Side of the Story
by Jody Powell
The press secretary during the Carter administration analyzes the good and bad points of the nation's press as he witnessed it. He claims that the media often mishandled, misinterpreted, and misrepresented events to the detriment of Carter’s presidency. Some strong language. 1984.
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Dasher: The Roots and the Rising of Jimmy Carter
by James T. Wooten
Based on extensive interviews with Carter's family and friends, this account explains how his varied experiences contributed to his election to the presidency. According to the author, Rosalyn Carter's rejection of his marriage proposal taught him patience; he learned discretion from Admiral Hyman Rickover, under whom Carter served in the navy; and the peanut business taught him to use his energy and intellect wisely. 1978.
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Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David
by Lawrence Wright
Author of Going Clear (DB76200) examines the religious, political, and cultural determinants of the negotiations that led to 1978's Camp David Accords. Profiles Carter, Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, and Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin. Details the events of each day of the conference. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2014.
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The Iran Hostage Crisis

Guests of the Ayatollah
by Mark Bowden
Chronicles the November 1979–January 1981 takeover of the American embassy in Tehran, Iran, by student militants, who held sixty-six people hostage. Highlights Carter's struggle to negotiate a release and discusses the failed rescue attempt. Describes Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini, the captives, and their captors. Violence and strong language. 2006.
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The Ayatollah in the Cathedral
by Moorhead Kennedy
The author, one of the Americans held by Iran, offers a thoughtful, highly personal view of East-West relations based on his experiences in captivity and his twenty-year diplomatic career. Kennedy blasts Americans for failing to grasp the Iranian viewpoint, for encouraging anti-Arab slurs, and for refusing to negotiate with terrorists. 1986.
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No Hiding Place
by Robert D. McFadden
Three-part report on the 444-day-long Iran hostage crisis. Part I recounts the 1979 ordeal as told by the hostages themselves. Part II details the background of the crisis, the political events ensuing from the crisis, and the negotiations. Part III provides short profiles of each hostage and a chronology of events. 1981.
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America Held Hostage
by Pierre Salinger
Journalist recounts the events leading up to the takeover of the American embassy in Iran and reconstructs the 444-day effort to obtain the release of the American hostages. 1981.
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All Fall Down: America's Tragic Encounter with Iran
by Gary Sick
A former naval intelligence officer who served on the National Security Council staff as an Iran expert offers a detailed account of the period in American history that culminated in the takeover of the American embassy in Iran. Sick provides an inside view of American attempts to free the prisoners and to play a role in restoring a semblance of normality to Iranian life in the midst of fanatical religious pressures. 1985.
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October Surprise: America's Hostages in Iran and the Election of Ronald Reagan
by Gary Sick
Sick was the principal White House aide for Iran during the Carter administration and served on the National Security Council staff under Presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan. Here he recounts the lengthy investigation that led him to believe that Reagan's team negotiated a deal with Iran to delay the release of the American hostages until Reagan's inauguration. 1991.
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