The Life of Martin Van Buren (Presidential Chronicles - Individual)

The Life of Martin Van Buren (Presidential Chronicles - Individual)

The Life of Martin Van Buren is the eighth installment in Presidential Chronicles , the series of books and videos on American history as seen through the lives of the Presidents of the United States. Historian David Fisher created this series to tell the stories of all the U.S. Presidents, with robust yet concise chronicles of their lives. His extensive use of quotes and period-specific images help convey the essence of these national leaders, delivered in a digestible format that will cater to those with a casual interest in American Presidents, as well as hard core enthusiasts. The Life of Martin Van Buren chronicles the life of the nation’s eighth President. Here’s a sample, with some perspective from David Fisher: “Among the nicknames most famously ascribed to Martin Van Buren was the “Great Magician,” which later became the “Little Magician” due to his diminutive stature. The moniker was not meant as praise. It was an epithet offered by political rivals for Van Buren’s behind-the-scenes machinations that somehow managed to magically achieve the politically impossible. This was, in many ways, the life mission of Martin Van Buren, such that he would undoubtedly have taken the phrase as a compliment. … Looking at the results, the magic clearly wore off for the “Little Magician” once he reached the presidency. His administration oversaw a troubled time, full of economic and political strife, and the electorate failed to return him to the White House. … Those who value reaching the top of the mountain as the primary goal will see in Van Buren the kind of strategic organization and discipline that can enable such a successful rise, leveraging relationships, patronage, and even the occasional intrigue to pave the road to the attainment and maintenance of power. On the other hand, there’s the latter stage of Van Buren’s career where he relied more on strong stands in the personal and ideological pursuit of heartfelt causes. In a number of these instances, popular support eluded him leading him to a series of political defeats. These characteristics spanning the entirety of Martin Van Buren’s lengthy political career leave one wondering: Which of these political approaches is the more righteous to be championed by posterity?” The Presidential Chronicles series will eventually include biographies of every U.S. President, made available as individual E-Books as well as in groups of five in printed volumes.