I am looking for an older (pre-1920s??) book - probably a childrens'
book and likely a religious or specifically Christian theme -
mentioned anecdotally by an old friend of President Ronald Reagan
during one of the many TV interviews occurring last week amidst the
nation's memorial observances.  From what I could gather, Reagan read
the book as a child and later credited it for helping to instill the
seeds of his strong personal religious faith.  Phonetically, the
title of the book seemed to be "Printers of Yoodles" (I re-wound &
re-played the TiVo several times in an effort to decypher the
speaker's pronunciation).  However, I have no idea of the correct
spelling.  I have tried Googling multiple permutations of the title
with no luck (e.g., Yudles, Eudles, etc.).  I am trying to (1) find
out the correct title spelling as well as (2) identify an online
vendor (perhaps a used book dealer, should the text be out of print)
listing a copy for sale so that I can pursue acquisition of a copy for
my children.

Hi msl_1971!

It is the 1903 book titled That Printer of Udell's, by a
minister-novelist named Harold Bell Wright.

?It is interesting that for a man not considered an intellectual, two
authors were fundamental to influencing Reagan's most intimate
thoughts. Ronald Reagan's two favorite books--not coincidentally--both
happened to have a profound effect on him spiritually. One was a 1903
book titled That Printer of Udell's, by a minister-novelist named
Harold Bell Wright. The other was by Whittaker Chambers, who, in 1952,
penned his book, Witness. (Actually, Reagan also cited the Bible as
one of his favorite books. He called it "the greatest message ever
written." This was because--at least in part--he believed its words
were of "Divine inspiration." Of this, he "never had any doubt."

Heritage.com
http://www.heritage.org/Research/PoliticalPhilosophy/hl832.cfm


You may purchase this book at Amazon.

That Printer of Udell's
By Harold Bell Wright 
List Price:   $5.95  

"Any political junkie or political scientist who wants to understand
Ronald Reagan the man and the politician must start with this book.
Young Reagan read it when he was 11 years old and promptly decided
that he wanted to become an evangelical Christian, informing his
Mother that he wanted to be baptized. Reagan obviously identified with
the protagonist of this story who like Reagan was the son of an
alcoholic father who through the power of faith became a better man
and works to change his community through his church. The book
concludes with his marching off to Washington to assume a political
career.?
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1565541219/qid=1087173788/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-8828267-4371969?v=glance&s=books


Search criteria:
Ronald Reagan book religion OR religious +boy OR young
Book young Reagan ?triumph of good over evil"


I hope you find this helpful! 

Best regards,
Bobbie7

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Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 13 Jun 2004 17:55 PDT

Read this book online here:
http://www.gutenberg.net/etext04/prtll10.txt

---

Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 13 Jun 2004 17:56 PDT

Download here:
http://www.gutenberg.net/etext04/prtll10.zip

---

Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 13 Jun 2004 17:58 PDT

"As an adult, Ronald Reagan was asked his favorite book as a child
growing up in Dixon, Illinois, in the 1920s. He said the book that
"made a lasting impression on me at about the age of 11 or 12, mainly
because of the goodness of the principal character," was one "I'm sure
you never heard of." The book was That Printer of Udell's: A Story of
the Middle West, written by Harold Bell Wright in 1903."
http://www.brothersjudd.com/blog/archives/012645.html

Bobbie7,
Thanks for the quick yet thorough response.  I particularly
appreciated the researcher's subsequent, unsolicited clarifications,
each providing more information and access to the topic of my query. 
The researcher should consider a career in law-- a paralegal or, dare
I say, another lawyer!  My firm (and doubtless many others) could
always use more quick-thinking, motivated minds who don't shy away
from peeling back an extra layer on the proverbial onion without
waiting to be asked to do so.

Dear Msl_1971,

Thank you very much for your kind words, fivve star rating and tip!

Sincerely,
Bobbie7