Presidential Biographies in memory of Regina

[Joanne]

Very nice review Rachel, of a President who not many know anything about, myself included.

[Rachel N.]

Almost caught up, hopefully I will get Buchanan also done this month.

Franklin Pierce by Michael F. Holt 3 stars

Franklin Pierce is usually ranked among one of the worst U.S. presidents and his actions with Kansas are credited in helping leading the U.S. to the civil war. The presidents right before Lincoln all seem to be pretty bad. The author depicts Pierce as a nice guy who made a lot of bad chocies as president, specifically in overthrowing the Missouri compromise and allowing Kansas to possibly be admitted as a slave state. The only good accomplishment the author lists is a fishing treaty with England over fishing right off of Nova Scotia, not exactly a major political treaty. The author tries to make the point that Pierce made all his bad decisions in order to hold the Democratic Party together. He was more succesful in using this theory to show why Pierce made some bad political appointees than over his actions in Kansas.

And here is Regina's review:""Historians, indeed, usually rank Pierce among the six or eight worst presidents the country has ever had. Two things primarily account for that negative judgment. A passionately committed Democratic loyalist, Pierce during his presidency managed to divide his party into fiercely warring factional camps. More important, he helped propel the nation down the road to the Civil War." (pg 2)

In only 133 pages, Holt sets about supporting his thesis by laying out the theory that Pierce's achilles heel is his narrowly focused attention on preserving the Democratic Party. While I'm not sure he completely made that case, what Holt does superbly, in short order, is give one of the best unbiases analysis of his administration, portraying Pierce as a genuine, yet incredibly flawed, individual.

On a personal level, even when you completely disagree with his policies, you can't help but like Pierce. According to Holt, Pierce was gracious particularly to his successors, a loyal friend, capable of great empathy towards others, and a caring husband. However, reneging on his promise to uphold the Compromise of 1850, his handling of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and the unrest that ensued, and his attempts to coalesce the Party around these issues overshadows some of the foreign policy accomplishment of his term. Other interesting highlights of the work include the political party's role in the primary process, the emergence of the Republican Party, the role the Know Nothings played on events of this time period, and an introduction of Stephen Douglas.

I have always felt like the Civil War was inevitable since early leaders continued to kick the slavery issue down the road. Maybe it was, but after reading Holt's work you certainly understand how Pierce hastened the march towards it."

[Rachel N.]

So happy to be done with Buchanan. Now i'm back on track with the schedule.

James Buchanan by jean Baker 3 stars

Baker does a good job of conveying her theory that Buchanan's problems in his presidency stem from his pro-southern views. She also explains why he had these views when he is from Pennsylvania. Of all the presidents I've read about so far Buchanan is definitely the worst. His manipulation of the Supreme Court in making the awful Dredd Scott decision is totally outside the bounds of what a president is allowed to do. He also tried to push through an illegally voted on constitution for Kansas and to have the U.S. declare war on Mexico and Cuba, so we could get more slave states. His inaction when South Carolina succeded outright helped cause the Civil War. As time went on in the book Buchanan's decisions kept getting worse and worse. I'm very glad to be done with him and to be moving onto Lincoln.

Here's Regina's review of the same book: "Conventional wisdom portrays Buchanan as a weak and inept president that hastened in the approaching Civil War. Baker, however, portrays him in a different light with sound arguments to support her premise. Making no apologies for his presidency, Baker paints a picture of an uncompromising micro-manager whose ambition through Manifest Desitny not only quickened the bloody conflct but may be the most egregious over reach of power the nation has ever seen. This is most evident in Buchanan's apparent influence, if not outright manipulation, of the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision.

This is a very quick read, only 152 pages, but Baker does a good job of concisely covering the important aspects of Buchanan's life and presidency. My one disappointment was the lack of analysis of the campaign and election ushering Buchanan into the White House. Since there are very few biographies on Buchanan, I'm glad to see one that attempts to fairly portray his time in history."

[Joy D]

Well, I am woefully behind. Thanks for the reviews and Regina's reviews. I haven't been able to find a book about Pierce, so will probably read another one of those middle school summaries and then see if I can find something on Buchanan.

[Joanne]

Joy, We are setting up our book sale at the library tomorrow, We have hundred of bios on Presidents. Not saying for sure, but I might find something. I can mail it you, no problem.

[Joanne]

Nice review Rachel

[Joy D]

Joanne wrote: "Joy, We are setting up our book sale at the library tomorrow, We have hundred of bios on Presidents. Not saying for sure, but I might find something. I can mail it you, no problem."

Wow, how wonderful. Let me know if you find anything. Thanks, JoAnne!

[Joy D]

Finished my Franklin Pierce book. It is another middle grade biography, part of the Presidential series, that focuses on the timeline of life events and major accomplishments:
Franklin Pierce by BreAnn Rumsch.

I learned some tidbits of information:
- Pierce is the only President to give his Inaugural Address from memory.
- His three children, tragically, died young.
- He served in the House and Senate as well as President.
- He fought in the Mexican American War alongside General Winfield Scott (later to be involved in the Civil War).
- His views of slavery were mixed - he opposed it personally but believed it should be up to each State (as was allowed by the Consitution at the time).
- He was instrumental in establishing trade with Japan and in the Gadsden Purchase.

It's not a biography that provides any depth or analysis, but I think it does a good job of covering the basis. 3 stars

[Rachel N.]

Glad you are sticking with this Joy. I finally finished my very long Lincoln book. I'm a bit behind but my Johnson book is here, ready to start.

Lincoln-David Herbert Donald 4 stars

This is a very detailled biography of lincoln's life starting with his grandparents all the way to his assasination. I definitely know more about Lincoln than I did before. With so much detail I occasionally lost track of who the people were, all the cabinet memebrs for example, and had to go look them up. The book is also very dense so it took me a long time to read. The book just ends with Lincoln dying which is a bit unusual for presidential biographies, usually there's some discussion of their funeral or their impact. I found it rather abrupt. Overall I recommend this book if you want to know a lot of details about Lincoln's life.

[Joy D]

I'll be glad to get to Lincoln where there are so many choices. For my Buchanan book, I'm going to use the book I'm reading now. Though it's not a complete biography of Buchanan, it covers a good bit about him and his actions (or inactions) leading up to the Civil War:
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

[Rachel N.]

I definitely understand being happy to get to Lincoln. There's at least several chocies I found for Johnson and Grant and then you get to Hayes who once again doesn't have much.

[Joy D]

Finished this one. For now, I'm counting it for James Buchanan, as it covers a decent amount of information about his inept attempts to deal with the lead-up to the Civil War:

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson - 4* - My Review

On to Lincoln!

[Joy D]

For Lincoln, I'm planning to read:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

[Theresa]

Joy D wrote: "For Lincoln, I'm planning to read:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin"

A book I have had in my TBR forever. Depending on when you get to it, and what is going on in my work life, I will join on that one.

[Jason]

Joy, Team of Rivals is one of my favorite non fiction books. I hope you love it as much as I did

[Joanne]

I am reading that right now Joyce-I know you will enjoy it. I am only reading a few pages a night, so it will take me a while. I know you are going to love it-let me know when you get to it

[Joy D]

Glad to see the interest and admiration for this one! I've also had it on my TBR for a while. I am planning to get to it in August.

[Joanne]

Great. By the time you get to it, I should be about 1/4 of the way through, you are way quicker reader than I. You want to chat about it, just let me know

[Jason]

I am in the middle of my Lincoln biography, and I have decided to add in a biography of Jefferson Davis. Though not a President of the United States, I think his life and his “Presidency” is important to the whole narrative of the Unites States.

About 25 minutes from where I live is the site where Jefferson Davis was captured, called the Jefferson Davis State Historic site. A small museum, monument, walking trail and picnic sites.

[Rachel N.]

I like the idea of reading about Jefferson Davis but right now I'm deeply into the mess Johnson made of resconstruction. I'll have to see what my library has for him. I hope everyone enjoys Team of Rivals. It looks like something I might add to my tbr after I've made it through all the presidents once.

[Joy D]

Jason, that's a good idea.

[Joanne]

It is a great idea. Let us know what book you read, Jason.

[Jason]

Joanne wrote: "It is a great idea. Let us know what book you read, Jason."

Jefferson Davis, American is the one I will probably read.

The other I saw recommended is Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour

[Jason]

A. Lincoln - Ronald C. White Jr. - 4 stars

A solid and full biography of the 16th President. It fully shows Lincoln's personality and insurmountable situation he and the nation faced.

The biography is short on his childhood and ends abruptly with Lincoln's death. But it covers his presidency in full detail and perspective. White shows, despite issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, how Lincoln was just shaped by the time he lived and his hesitancy to potentially sacrifice a unified nation for abolitionism.

[Joy D]

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin - 4* - My Review

Partial biography of Abraham Lincoln focused on his Presidency. The narrative non-fiction explores both his leadership and strategic decisions. Unlike anything that would happen today, Lincoln included his political opponents in his Cabinet, such as Secretary of State William Seward, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase, Attorney General Edward Bates, and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Both Seward and Chase were his rivals for the Republican Presidential nomination.

His entire Presidency was marked by the Civil War, and as it progressed, Lincoln experienced personal tragedies and multiple pressures of differing opinions on how the war should be handled. The book describes his pre-election years, initial election, major speeches, replacement of General McClellan, reactions to the outcomes of battles, Emancipation Proclamation, reelection, his views on reconstruction, and assassination. It is too bad he was assassinated before he could lead the Reconstruction, as he certainly would have done a better job of it.

It occasionally gets bogged down in details, but I enjoyed this book. It is well-written and well-researched. It is a step above the usual fare for a biography as it offers a deeper analysis of Lincoln’s personality, decision-making, and philosophy of life. It portrays a leadership quality that is often missing in current times - the ability to bring opposing viewpoints together in the interest of doing what is best for the country. History fans and those interested in leadership should appreciate this one.

[Joanne]

I am still plugging along on this one Joy, reading a little every night. I am also enjoying it. As companion, which was not intentional, I am also reading The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. I thought I might get too bogged down with the two of them together but it is proving very interesting.

[Joy D]

I just read The Demon of Unrest, and I see how they would make a good pairing!

I am on to Andrew Johnson. Not sure yet what I'll be reading.

[Jason]

Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour - William C. Davis

In my journey of Presidents, I felt it important to read about the 1st and only President of the Confederate States. Though repetitive, this biography is extensive and comprehensive.

It's impossible not to compare Davis and Lincoln, and Davis is opposite in every way: impatient, nepotistic, vindictive, and obstinate. Without being the President of the Confederate States, Davis would be a side character in someone else's biography.

[Joy D]

I may read something about Davis at some point, but whenever I think of it, I just can't muster up the enthusiasm - he was not exactly an admirable leader.

I like how you put it: "Without being the President of the Confederate States, Davis would be a side character in someone else's biography."

[Joy D]

For Andrew Johnson, I think I am going to read:
Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy by David O. Stewart

[Jason]

Joy,

One of my biggest reasons for reading a Davis biography is when I read books about Lincoln, in my mind it felt like the confederate army and government was frozen in time. They only functioned within the frame work of the Union. This helped add their timeline and actions to the story

Second, Davis was captured near where I live. So that pushed me a bit too.

[Rachel N.]

Joy that's the book I'm slowly reading for Johnson. The slow is solely due to my having a crazy month and nothing to do with the books quality. I'm hoping for less going on in September so I'll have more reading time.

[Joy D]

Jason wrote: "Joy,

One of my biggest reasons for reading a Davis biography is when I read books about Lincoln, in my mind it felt like the confederate army and government was frozen in time. They only functione..."

Good point. It's one of those topics (and people) I think I "should" read about but can't manage to prioritize it.

[Joy D]

Rachel N. wrote: "Joy that's the book I'm slowly reading for Johnson. The slow is solely due to my having a crazy month and nothing to do with the books quality. I'm hoping for less going on in September so I'll hav..."

I'm not sure when I will start it. This year, I decided to participate in both annual PBT challenges, which has tended to take precedence over the Presidential biographies.

[Joy D]

Finished the book on Andrew Johnson. I found it interesting. In my opinion, the roots of many of our continuing racial issues in the US can be traced to the botched job of Reconstruction.

Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy by David O. Stewart - 4* - My Review

This book provides an analysis of the Presidency of Andrew Johnson and delves into detail about his impeachment trial. The author describes the many ways Johnson botched the job of Reconstruction, allowing southern states to regain the same power (or more) than they had prior to the Civil War and to deny civil rights (and worse) to the freed slaves. The resulting conflict between Congressional leaders and the President is the primary focus of this non-fiction.

Frustrated Republican leaders began to try to find ways to limit Johnson's power, including the possibility of removing him from office. They passed the dubious (in terms of Constitutionality) Tenure of Office Act, which Johnson then knowingly violated through his attempt to replace Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. He was thwarted when Stanton refused to resign. This violation was the crux of the Impeachment charges brought against Johnson.

Stewart explores the difficulties involved in impeachment, and the idea that it should be motivated by removal of a President who has violated the laws versus solely on political reasons. It requires a 2/3 vote of the Senate to remove a President, and Johnson came very close to being removed – only one vote saved him. Stewart makes the case that the prosecution's case was poorly organized and argued. It might have been more effective to focus on Johnson’s violation of his oath of office in not protecting all the citizens of the country.

Stewart discusses the personalities of the individuals involved on both sides of the trial, the political intrigues behind the scenes, and the corruption that ended up making a difference in the form of bribes and payoffs. The book is engagingly written. It is easy to tell that Stewart has a legal background, and his analysis of events is logical and well-presented.

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "Finished the book on Andrew Johnson. I found it interesting. In my opinion, the roots of many of our continuing racial issues in the US can be traced to the botched job of Reconstruction...."

I've been thinking that as well and have been trying to read books about the reconstruction and those set shortly after the civil war. I'll add this to my wishlist.

[Rachel N.]

I'm almost done with this book Joy so I'm waiting to read your review until I'm done. I will finish it in September.

[Theresa]

Joy D wrote: "Finished the book on Andrew Johnson. I found it interesting. In my opinion, the roots of many of our continuing racial issues in the US can be traced to the botched job of Reconstruction.

[book:Im..."

Interesting thinking and it is shared by Joy Reid from MSNBC and others who appear on different programs hosted by journalists covering current events. It came up in discussions during Black Lives Matters and the controversy - banning and toppling - over Confederacy flags, emblems, and monuments.

Back in my younger days I did quite a bit of reading on the Civil War and Reconstruction and I remember thinking then that Reconstruction was very poorly done.

[Joy D]

It is too bad that Lincoln had to replace the VP from his first term, Hannibal Hamlin, with Andrew Johnson in order to win reelection. Hamlin was an abolitionist whereas Johnson was a southerner who did not want to join the secessionists. It is also too bad Lincoln was assassinated, since he definitely would have done a better job (it's hard to imagine a worse job actually).

[Joy D]

Rachel N. wrote: "I'm almost done with this book Joy so I'm waiting to read your review until I'm done. I will finish it in September."
I'll look forward to your thoughts on it, Rachel (and yours, BnB, whenever you get to it).

[Jason]

Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy - David O. Stewart

A thorough examination of Johnson's Presidency, Impeachment, back-room dealings, and all the players involved. I was surprised to learn that Johnson was the only Senator from a succeeded state to stay loyal to the Union.

With Johnson undermining Lincoln's reconstruction plan, practically subjecting former slaves back into slavery, and disallow any reparations, the House of Representatives sought any and every means to make Johnson the first President to be impeached.

My biggest surprise was seeing Seward support of Johnson and his lenient plan of reconstruction.

I know this book focused on Johnson's impeachment and his relationship with congress, I would have liked more of an overview of his life after his Presidency as well as covering the purchase of Alaska.

[Rachel N.]

I finished the Andrew Johnson book right before my grandmother died. I'm really not in a headspace to write a review so I'm calling Johnson done for me and will soon move onto Grant.

[Joy D]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Rachel. My condolences.

[Jason]

Grant - Ron Chernow - 5 Stars

Probably the best Presidential biography I have read, and Grant is a much more human character than the larger-than-life Presidents like Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.

There is some sadness to Grant, the difficulties he had with being loyal to a fault, trusting unethical people, being inept at cunning political maneuverings compared to those around him, and being associated with a corrupt Presidency because of who he surrounded himself with.

That is all I can think about when reflecting on Grant. Sadness. He was more. Loyal, Innovative, Intelligent, Commanding, Principled, and Adaptive.

Grant and his thoughts and personality will stick with me for a long, long time.

[Jason]

Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President - Ari Hoogenboom

I really enjoyed this book and learning about Hayes, the 19th President of the United States.

My favorite parts were learning about Hayes as a General in the Civil War, his travels, especially during and after his presidency, and his relationships with his family, especially his wife.

This biography attempts to tell a different perspective of Hayes' presidency and Hoogenboom makes a strong case for Hayes. Generally considered a forgotten and subpar President for ending Reconstruction, speaking boldly but acting meekly on most issues, and gaining the White House through controversy and corruption. (It was interesting to learn of a stolen election and voter fraud). it has been said that Hayes left the Republican Party more united when he left office because he equally angered all factions.

Hoogenboom makes the argument that Hayes spoke boldly but was hindered by a hostile congress, an already failing Reconstruction, and a divided Republican party. Basically, he did the best with what he was given and, taken into account, Hayes had a great and successful Presidency.

Because I enjoyed this book despite the unpopular view of Hayes, I look forward to reading more of Hayes' Presidency.

[Jason]

I have two books picked out for Garfield and I also want to read another about Hayes.

1) Garfield - Allan Peskin
2) Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President - Candice Millard

[Joanne]

Jason. Millard's book is an excellent bio. I knew nothing about Garfield before I read it. There are other people, not so famous (to me) and ones I knew a lot about that I got great information on. I won't say anymore than that but I will look for your review of the book! I know that Joy enjoyed this one too.

Nice review, by the way.

[Rachel N.]

You make me actually look forward to Hayes now Jason :-). When I get to Garfield I plan on reading Destiny of the Republic. I finally seem to be back on track and am making good progress with my book on Grant.

[Jason]

Garfield - Allan Peskin - 3 Stars

This is an extensive biography of the 20th President James Garfield and covers every aspect of his life.

I love reading about Garfield and what he was doing at the same time as Grant and Hayes. How their lives intertwined but also that these men also were completely obvious to each other at times. Just living their lives.

I mentioned that my Hayes biography presented Hayes in a different light than popular opinion. Through this biography I was able to glimpse that popular opinion that Hayes was able to upset both sides of the Republican Party.

Garfield had the makings to be an influential President but is largely forgotten due to his untimely death. Though unwilling to yield on issues he thought right, even to satisfy his constituents, he was not above reproach and was caught up in several scandals in his career.

I enjoyed this biography and learning about the progress of the United States through its Presidents.

[Joy D]

Nice review, Jason!

I hope to get back on track in reading these biographies now that the two huge PBT challenges of last year are behind me. :-)