Franklin Pierce: America's 14th President

by John DiConsiglio

A biography of the fourteenth president of the United States, with information on his childhood, family, political career, presidency, and legacy.

Genres: History, Presidents

112 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Shelly♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really starting to enjoy this series. It gives a very good run down of events during the presidency of the various presidents. There are additional boxed out material on other presidents, and significant figures. The writers seem to be more objective-not condemning for their stands either pro slavery or anti-slavery. Just telling the facts. Which I think is good. My children know that slavery was wrong. But it is tougher to understand why there was so much grey area during those times proceeding the Civil War.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

FRANKLIN PIERCE, America’s 14th President by John DiConsiglio
Franklin Pierce was not a well-known president or one that was very well liked. He tried to strike a compromise to keep the Southern states from seceding and ended up making both sides furious.
He also lost a beloved son two months before his inauguration. His wife was devastated and refused to attend, believing it was a sign from God that he didn’t want Pierce running for office.
Pierce spent most of his time in office without a VP and appointed his friend Jefferson Davis Secretary of War.
It’s not a known fact but there is speculation he was an alcoholic. And given his life it would hardly be surprising. I found this book to be informative, but sad.

[libreroaming · Rating 3 out of 5]

A competently written biography of one of the lesser known and unpopular presidents. Focuses primarily on the circumstances of his presidency and well known figures surrounding it (Stephen Douglas, Harriet Beecher Stowe, etc.). No primary sources except for one sentence quotes

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I tired of getting the American’s Presidents series to read books on obscure Presidents so decided to try this for my biography of Franklin Pierce. My guess is this is for middle school or high school students. A short book detailing the life and poor Presidency of President Pierce.