Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, US President, 1993-2001


Clinton has written two books: his 2004 autobiography, My Life, and the charity manual Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, in 2007. Last August, he made a surprise trip to North Korea to negotiate the release of two US journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling; they were released the next day and flew back with him. In the 2008 Democratic primary campaign, he advocated vigorously on behalf of his wife, Hillary.


George H W Bush, 1989-1993


In 2005 appeared with Clinton in a series of TV ads encouraging aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Otherwise limits public appearances to occasions such as the state funeral of Ronald Reagan in June 2004.


Ronald Reagan, 1981-1989


Publicly campaigned for issues including the repeal of the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits a president from serving more than two terms. Established the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation in California, which contains a library with information on his presidency.


Jimmy Carter, 1977-1981


Of the recent former presidents, arguably Carter has enjoyed the most prolific post-office career. Has conducted peace missions in North Korea and Gaza, winning him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, and has been a prominent critic of the death penalty in certain parts of the US. Has also authored 27 books including a children's book, The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer, illustrated by his daughter, Amy.


Gerald Ford, 1974-1977


In 1977, Ford founded the Gerald R Ford Institute of Public Policy in Albion, Michigan, to give undergraduates training in public policy. Was an outspoken critic of George W Bush's decision to use Saddam Hussein's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction as a pretext for invading Iraq.


Richard Nixon, 1969-1974


Spent much of his time trying to rebuild his reputation post-Watergate, most famously through his 1977 television interviews with David Frost. Wrote 10 books, and offered his opinions on diplomacy to subsequent Oval Office residents.