In Polk, Walter R. Borneman gives us the first complete and authoritative biography of a president often overshadowed in image but seldom outdone in accomplishment. James K. Polk occupied the White House for only four years, from 1845 to 1849, but he plotted and attained a formidable agenda: He fought for and won tariff reductions, reestablished an independent Treasury, and, most notably, brought Texas into the Union, bluffed Great Britain out of the lion's share of Oregon, and wrested California and much of the Southwest from Mexico. On reflection, these successes seem even more impressive, given the contentious political environment of the time. In this unprecedented, long-overdue warts-and-all look at Polk's life and career, we have a portrait of an expansionist president and decisive statesman who redefined the country he led, and we are reminded anew of the true meaning of presidential accomplishment and resolve. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Engaging portrait of an overlooked president:
This is a highly readable and quick-paced analysis of an often overlooked president. Polk is best known as having presided over the largest territorial expansion in our nation's history, and Borneman understandably devotes of his analysis to the foreign policy maneuvers that led to the acquisition of Texas, California, Oregon and New Mexico. I had just a few minor criticisms of the book. First, this is a pretty light read. This is good, in the sense that it is quite accessible even to those without much of... more info
Good, not great:
Wanting a better understanding of this era in American history, I read Jon Meacham's "American Lion" followed by Walter Borneman's "Polk." Mr. Borneman presents a general overview of James K. Polk's life and presidency, with emphasis on the country's rapid territorial expansion during his one term in office (1844-48). While I found it a good and worthwhile read, I was frustrated with aspects of his writing -- for example, his endless use of nicknames and clichés -- and, more importantly, the lack of... more info
Best look at the politics of the time:
James Polk provides a look at one of the paradigm shifts to occur in United States history. The era of expansion that occurs under Polk coupled with the changing role of the government sets the stage for what would become known as manifest destiny and the prosperity of the Gilded Age. It also serves to lay the catalyst for the Civil War and the debate about an American Empire. The author sets his book along several lines and breaks them into sections accordingly. Probably the boldest claim of the book and... more info
Enjoyable:
This book was easy and enjoyable to read. Before I read this, I knew little about Polk or his times, and I came out knowing a lot about the times and quite a bit about Polk. My only concern is that most of the book focuses on Polk's foreign affairs, the independent treasury and lowering tarriffs are only briefly mentioned. Also, I find that very little information is given on the man himself, the book completely glosses over his years as governor, his years in the House and his years as the Speaker of the... more info
