With 30 historiographical essays by established and rising scholars, this *Companion* is a comprehensive picture of the presidencies and legacies of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. * Examines important national and international events during the 1970s, as well as presidential initiatives, crises, and legislation * Discusses the biography of each man before entering the White House, his legacy and work after leaving office, and the lives of Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, and their families * Covers key themes and issues, including Watergate and the pardon of Richard Nixon, the Vietnam War, neoconservatism and the rise of the New Right, and the Iran hostage crisis * Incorporates presidential, diplomatic, military, economic, social, and cultural history * Uses the most recent research and newly released documents from the two Presidential Libraries and the State Department