L_Monty,
Dallek is a no-brainer in my estimation. He has never disappointed. I would second the suggestion for his book on Nixon and Kissinger down the line.
Meanwhile, I eagerly await an opening comment/question on the Franklin biography. It's an easy read, but I find it interesting that Isaacson frequently mentions other historians' perspectives with which he disagrees. Hopefully a member can comment on this, as I lack the historical background on Franklin to evaluate the validity of his views.
