Martin Van Buren (MVB) is nicknamed "the magician" for his ability to manage (or manipulate depending on your perspective) the party system. On one hand, MVB often used strategies of delay to check the political pulse of an idea. On the other hand, MVB was not averse to taking political gambles. Through most of his political career, MVB might be seen as an opportunist, caring most about politics than prinicple, and always looking for the next wrung to climb. However, as president MVB faced tremendously complex issues such as a major recession/depression brought on by Andrew Jackson's war with the banking industry, sectional division that was slowly mounting towards Civil War, and threats from foreign interests. During these years, MVB appears to have sought creative solutions.
I only recommend this book for the avid history lover. Niven's style is very dry, which can make reading 600+ pages excruciating at times. However, you will learn a lot. There is a lot of information about New York's history that was completely new to me. A variety of new characters were introduced. MVB's relationship with Clay and Calhoun are absolutely fascinating. Niven, unfortuantely, spends very little time on MVB as a man. I'm leaving this read with more questions than answer.
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