A charming collection of excerpts from the former president's speeches and other writings, Heartbeat re veals the basic ideals and beliefs that have served George H. W. Bush throughout his public and private life. He speaks often of what he calls "heartbeat." It is a sim ple word--a code word--referring to personal bedrock values concerning service, duty, honor, friends, faith, and particularly family.

As the Bushes prove themselves to be one of the most important political families in U.S. history, this warm and revealing look into the former president's guiding principles could not come at a more important time. Culled from Mr. Bush's speeches over the course of his presidency and beyond, Heartbeat discloses a surpris ing personal side to the forty-first president--a warm, witty, and expressive man.

HEARTBEAT is a wonderful record of how an American president led his country--and the world--during a very interesting time in our history. Whether it was George speaking about the challenge of Desert Storm or the somewhat sudden peaceful end to the Cold War, Heartbeat provides insight into how a pres ident tries to both reassure and inspire.

"And whether it was George's declaration 'I bate broccoli' to his words explaining away the stomach flu in ]apan, Heartbeat serves as a reminder that our presi dents are, after all, just plain people like the rest of us."

     --from tire Introduction by Barbara Bush

INTRODUCTION BY BARBARA BUSH

PREFACE

1. 1989: A New Breeze

2. 1990: Darkness in the Desert Sky

3.1991 : The Liberation Has Begun

4. 1992: Finish This Job in Style

5. Postpresidency: Did It with Honor

EPILOGUE

INDEX