Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of American Popular Politics (American Profiles)

Martin Van Buren was a one-term president whose public life has long been overshadowed by the more fiery personalities of his day-Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and John C. Calhoun. Nevertheless, Van Buren was a transforming political figure in American history, one of the first of the new republic's professional politicians. In the early part of the nineteenth century, America was skeptical of popular politics, distrustful of political parties, and disdainful of political management. However, as prominent historian Joel H. Silbey demonstrates, Martin Van Buren took the lead among his contemporaries in remolding the old political order as he captured the New York state governorship, a seat in the United States Senate, and ultimately the Presidency. Silbey argues that Van Buren recognized the need for effective national political organization and, in the process, helped remake America's political culture. Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of American Popular Politics takes a fresh look at the life and political career of one of America's most often overlooked, yet most influential, public figures. Review In this welcome book, one of our best political historians has given us the best biography of one of our best politicians. Joel Silbey's Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of American Popular Politics will be required reading for all interested in the Jacksonian era.--William Freehling, University of Kentucky In Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of American Popular Politics, Joel Silbey draws on his deep knowledge of the Jacksonian era to produce an excellent study of one of the most important political leaders of the early nineteenth century. Silbey's deft analysis of Van Buren's public career, spanning some four decades, highlights his many contributions to the formation of the Democratic party and the development of the second party system. Clearly written, this concise biography offers a sure-handed introduction to the emergence of the American democratic system in the years after 1815.--William E. Gienapp, Harvard University Martin Van Buren was hated, ridiculed, and wrapped in mystery during his lifetime, but in later years, he was too often forgotten or misunderstood. Joel H. Silbey has put the 'Little Magician' in proper perspective at last, in this concise, thoughtful analysis of one of America's most pivotal politicians.--Harry Watson, University of North Carolina About the Author Joel H. Silbey is President White Professor of History at Cornell University. Martin Van Buren and the Emergence of Popular Politics is his thirteenth book.