James K. Polk: A Biographical Companion (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781576070567)

This A-Z encyclopedia provides a detailed overview of America's 11th president and connects Polk's public and personal life to his historical significance.

In 1844, James K. Polk was not a promising presidential nominee--he was not popular, charismatic, or even well known. But by the time he left office in 1849, he had acquired the enormous Oregon Territory by negotiation and had taken by force more than half of Mexico's territory, an area of about 500,000 square miles.

Yet Polk's territorial successes inspired the rancorous debate over whether slavery should be allowed in the new territories--a debate that ended in civil war. Modern critics charge that Polk's actions toward Mexico were amoral if not immoral. In this comprehensive examination of Polk's life and career, our 11th president emerges as a complex man and a skillful politician who pursued power relentlessly.

Author: Mark E. Byrnes
ISBN-10: 1576070565
ISBN-13: 9781576070567
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Language: English
Published: 11/02/2001
Pages: 312
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.67lbs
Size: 10.24h x 7.24w x 1.09d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/01/2002 pg. 1546
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2002 pg. 323
Choice 04/01/2002 pg. 1398
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2002 pg. 47