James K. Polk: A Political Biography to the Prelude to War 1795-1845

by Eugene Irving McCormac

Polk was the 11th President of the United States. During his campaign against the Whig candidate Henry Clay, Polk took decisive stands, such as demanding the annexation of Texas, and, with regard to the problem of joint occupancy of Oregon with England, he openly staked claim to the whole territory extending as far north as 54º40' with the campaign slogan "Fifty-four Forty or Fight." As President, he acquired present-day Oregon and Washington from the British. He went on to complete the passage of Walker Tariff Act of 1846, lowering import duties, helping trade; and the reenactment of the independent treasury system in 1846. A remarkable, insightful book - in full genuine leather and collectible.

Genres: Biography, History, Presidents

372 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

1872-1943

Reviews

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume—the first of two examining the political life of James K. Polk—was originally published in 1922, and its age is evident in both style and approach. The book is decidedly dry and assumes a fair amount of prior knowledge about the political landscape of the early nineteenth century, an expectation I generally find limiting in biographies, particularly for readers who may not already be steeped in the period.

It is also worth noting that this is not a comprehensive biography of Polk’s entire life. While the author briefly touches on his early background, the book quickly moves past his formative years and focuses almost exclusively on his political ascent. Readers looking for a more personal or narrative-driven portrait of Polk may find this scope somewhat narrow.

That said, the book does have its strengths. I found it most engaging when it explored Polk’s relationship with Andrew Jackson, particularly during Polk’s tenure as Speaker of the House. These sections provide valuable insight into Polk’s political development and illuminate how closely his career was shaped by Jackson’s influence and patronage.

The latter portions of the book are especially solid, offering detailed and well-supported accounts of Polk’s improbable rise to the presidential nomination as the nation’s first “dark horse” candidate. The discussion of his election—and his commitment to serving only a single term—sets the stage effectively for the immense challenges that would soon define his presidency. The volume ends at a pivotal moment, with the looming shadow of the Mexican-American War hanging over the nation.

Overall, I found this book informative and worthwhile from a strictly historical standpoint. However, readers who prefer modern, narrative-driven history or more accessible biographies may find this volume overly dense and academic in tone. It is best suited for those with a strong interest in nineteenth-century American politics or in Polk himself, and a tolerance for a more formal, old-fashioned style of historical writing (and hundreds of footnotes!).

[David Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 1 of a fairly well organized but dry whole-life biography of Polk. The author restricts his study to the public life of Polk; virtually nothing is said of personal life or family. This volume covers his career as a US representative and Speaker of the House, his tenure as governor of Tennessee (and his failed campaigns for governor), his nomination and election as President, and the annexation of Texas.

I have complained that other presidential biographies spend too much time telling me about what the First Lady wore at the balls, I would have liked McCormac to tell us something about the man himself. Is there some insight to be gleaned, did his personal experience inform his policy? No clue here.