The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker—how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.

When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: “Mother, get a life!” And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history—not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in our nation, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.

Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehavior. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives—and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.

The woman who has been lauded by her opposition as “the most powerful Speaker” ever shows us why she is not afraid of a good fight. The Art of Power is about the fighting spirit that has always animated her, and the historic legacy that spirit has produced.

About The Author

Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007—and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. She came to Congress in 1987 for the children and to fight HIV/AIDS. Under Pelosi’s leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed House efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in the House, a privilege she has treasured for thirty-seven years. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, have five children and ten grandchildren. They live in San Francisco, which they consider heaven on earth.

Product Details

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (August 6, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
ISBN13: 9781668048047

Raves and Reviews

"In The Art of Power, Pelosi offers a juicy behind-the-scenes look at some seminal events in her speakership. . . . For lovers of politics, the book will be catnip; for those of us awed by her political prowess, it is confirmation that no modern figure has practiced the art of power so effectively."

– Jennifer Rubin, The Washington Post

"The words Pelosi and power have been inextricably linked in Washington for more than 20 years, and her book sets out to document how she did it."

– Carl Hulse, The New York Times

"Aptly titled The Art of Power, [Pelosi] tells of how she deftly and relentlessly wielded influence to rise through the Democratic Party ranks and become the first female speaker of the House of Representatives. . . . Anyone looking for insight into how to play the long game of power will find plenty to mine from Pelosi’s story."

– Karen Breslau, Bloomberg News

"Pelosi’s words are a demonstration of how power is wielded — and shrewdly maintained — how a more perfect union is shaped, how the victories are especially sweet and how falling short of the ideal is part of the process. Or in Pelosi’s case, just another day at the office."

– Denise Sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle

"A behind-the-scenes look at instrumental moments in [Pelosi's] nearly four decades in Congress, with a focus on the legislative accomplishments she achieved as Speaker of The House."

– Jonathan Zavaleta, Rolling Stone

"If her book is candid, it may well become the rare political memoir worth reading years from now. If it’s a guide to wielding power–and few have done that more skillfully than Pelosi . . . then The Art Of Power may be essential."

– Michael Giltz, Parade

"Judging from its title, I’d say it’s more Sun Tzu than Sheryl Sandberg."

– Jessica Bennett, The New York Times

"One could argue that Pelosi has been the most important American political figure of this century, undoubtedly so if you exclude presidents. Given how her influence has transcended presidencies, she might have been more consequential than one or two of them. . . . A treat for political aficionados."

– The Captial Times