The American President Series

The American Presidents Series - About The SeriesThe American Presidents Series - Book ListThe American Presidents Series - The AuthorsThe American Presidents Series - Interactive Timeline
The American Presidents Series - Bonus MaterialThe American Presidents Series - Email UpdatesThe American Presidents Series - About Henry Holt

The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series

Join the
mailing list



Visit The
History Reader

The American Presidents Series

The American Presidents Series

The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series

James Buchanan

By Jean H. Baker

Published by Times Books

hardcover
Publication date: 6/7/2004
ISBN: 0805069461

Ordering Information

A provocative reconsideration of a presidency on the brink of Civil War.

Almost no president was as well trained and well prepared for the office as James Buchanan. He had served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate; he was Secretary of State and was even offered a seat on the Supreme Court. And yet, by every measure except his own, James Buchanan was a miserable failure as president, leaving office in disgrace. Virtually all of his intentions were thwarted by his own inability to compromise: he had been unable to resolve issues of slavery, caused his party to split -- thereby ensuring the election of the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln -- and made the Civil War all but inevitable.

Historian Jean H. Baker explains that we have rightly placed Buchanan at the end of the presidential rankings, but his poor presidency should not be an excuse to forget him. To study Buchanan is to consider the implications of weak leadership in a time of national crisis. Elegantly written, Baker's volume offers a balanced look at a crucial moment in our nation's history and explores a man who, when given the opportunity, failed to rise to the challenge.


James Buchanan is available at all fine bookstores.
Here are some links to help you.

Buy James Buchanan by Jean H. Baker Buy James Buchanan by Jean H. BakerBuy James Buchanan by Jean H. Baker

The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series
The American Presidents Series
 

Home | The Series | Book List | The Authors | Interactive Timeline
Bonus Materials | Email Updates | Henry Holt & Company

The American Presidents Series
by Times Books

Copyright © 2003- Henry Holt and Company
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Ads and Cookies

 
The American Presidents SeriesThe American Presidents Series