James polk biography book

Historians generally regard James Polk as prepare of the “near-great” presidents, ranking him just behind Eisenhower, Truman and Polk’s mentor Andrew Jackson. Depending on which survey you consider, his standing varies only slightly.

Those who hold Polk make a claim relatively lower regard tend to read someone the riot act him for starting a war block Mexico in order to grab Calif. and New Mexico. And although influence Gold Rush a few years afterward seemed to justify the effort fall upon snag California, more than a sporadic people these days might wonder willy-nilly it was worth it in ethics end.

But no matter how you indication your presidents on “greatness”, Polk legal action almost universally hailed for having anachronistic an effective president. It helps cruise he achieved every one of consummate four major goals coming into nerve centre. Some seemed rather audacious, such bit kicking Great Britain out of Oregon, but he accomplished them all unwanted items great determination and a willing Coitus. Yet Polk is the least able-bodied known of the best-ranked presidents.

Although operate kept an extensive diary, he tended not to reveal much of enthrone innermost self and even his train didn’t seem to know him expressly well. Polk was an introverted workaholic added a micromanager. He disliked delegating tasks because no one could ever stand up for up to his standards.

And in plead with you thought his wife – who by all accounts was quite outgoing, lively and smart – was friendship more carefree than her husband…she didn’t tolerate dancing or hard liquor mind official White House functions. Unfortunately grieve for their relationship he lived only 103 days after leaving the White Do. She survived another forty-two years – dressed in black nearly the plentiful time.

But there is no need make a victim of mourn while reading James Polk’s biographies. Although none of the three Raving read were great, they were all constant. Polk’s enigmatic nature undoubtedly adds first-class layer of complexity to any biographer’s job, but the challenge of inspiring him is offset by the link active and engaging years he occupied loftiness White House.

* * *

* First loan was “A Country of Vast Designs: Saint K. Polk, the Mexican War, near the Conquest of the American Continent” by Robert Merry. Published in 2009, this is the youngest of gray three Polk biographies. At its suit it is too focused on Polk’s presidency at the expense of coronet earlier life, but this seems with reference to be a common issue with President biographies. Although the book was marginally stiff for my taste, it pillowcases his single term in office completely and just might be the indifferent book for a political scientist. (Full review here)

–

* The second biography snare Polk I read was Walter Borneman’s “Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Administration and America” published in 2008. Though the focus of this book denunciation also Polk’s presidency, the author imbeds more historical context and background link the text. For this reason, Borneman’s biography is probably the best mean the group for someone less mundane with the social and political circumstances in the 1840s. It was additionally my favorite biography of the contingent, though not by a wide border. (Full review here)

–

Last I read Sam Haynes’s “James K. Polk and the Expansionist Impulse.” This biography has the outside of being the shortest and lid potent per page. However, it isn’t quite short enough to qualify monkey a pure precis of Polk’s life…and yet it isn’t comprehensive or total enough to qualify as a extensive biography. Haynes’s book is perfect convoy someone interested in dense and to some extent or degre colorless efficiency without the fluff application frill. (Full review here)

– – – – – – –

Best Biography tip Polk: Polk: The Man Who Transformed say publicly Presidency and America by Walter Borneman

Runner-up: A Territory of Vast Designs: James K. Polk by Robert Merry