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$12.77
21. Henry Clay: Statesman for the
$17.50
22. Henry Clay: The Essential American
23. Henry Clay and the American System
$11.98
24. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
 
25. The Life of Henry Clay.
$20.00
26. Henry Clay: From "War Hawk" to
$17.85
27. Henry Clay the Lawyer
$0.83
28. Henry Clay: The Great Compromiser
 
$49.85
29. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume
 
$49.85
30. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume
 
$49.85
31. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume
 
$95.00
32. Life and Speeches of Henry Clay
$9.94
33. At the Edge of the Precipice:
$10.65
34. Mr. Clay's speech, at the dinner
 
35. Letters to Lucretia: The story
 
$5.00
36. Henry Clay and the Art of American
 
37. Henry Clay: Leader in Congress
 
$99.00
38. Henry Clay (American statesmen)
$17.76
39. The Great Triumvirate: Webster,
 
$22.00
40. Political Register Setting Forth

21. Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union
by Robert V. Remini
Paperback: 880 Pages (1993-11-17)
list price: US$21.95 -- used & new: US$12.77
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0393310884
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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"Great biography leaves an indelible view of the subject. After Remini's masterful portrait,Clay is unforgettable." —Donald B. Cole,NewsdayAmong the nineteenth-century Americans, few commanded the reverence and respect accorded to Henry Clay of Kentucky. As orator and as Speaker of the House for longer than any man in the century, he wielded great power, a compelling presence in Congress who helped preserve the Union in the antebellum period. Remini portrays both the statesman and the private man, a man whose family life was painfully torn and who burned with ambition for the office he could not reach, the presidency. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

4-0 out of 5 stars Clay politics previews current Congress
Consider reading about Henry Clay essential reading.Clay, as speaker of the House, was very inventive on the misuse of government, expanding federal powers that developed the path that has lurched us into the over-arching and over influential federal government of today.While some of the powers and legislation aided the growth of America to the West, both have also saddled the current US with a legacy of federal power too extensive and beyond the Founding Fathers wishes.Clay misused Congressional power to achieve his ends.His followers have learned well his techniques and with their own imaginative imitations done more to bloat federal government, creating something extremely harmful we are left with today and the source of government overspending and infringement upon the liberties of people.What we need today in Congress is a leader who is a counter-Clay to renew the LIMITS the Founding Fathers birthed in the Constitution and the foundations of our government.

Remini does a very good job getting at the Clay techniques that lay a story a reader can evalute and decipher these steps, even if he doesn't subjectively fight this theme as a purpose for his writing the book.

5-0 out of 5 stars Great Biography
I have also read Remini's works on Jackson and Daniel Webster, this work on Clay may not have left me with the same impassioned feelings for those two men, but that is more a reflection on Clay's life than on Remini's work. Remini does a good job of bringing Clay to life, and left me with mostly positive feelings for the Great Compromiser. Although Clay's stubborn insistence that he was right to take the job of Secretary of State in 1825, still made me cringe (as I'm sure Remini did too) every time he brought it up. A fine use of primary sources, very readable and also scholarly, this is a great read.

4-0 out of 5 stars Exhaustive and Definitive
The historian Robert Remini, having written arguably the definitive 20th century biography of The Life of Andrew Jackson, decided that all the material he had inevitably gathered about Henry Clay should be put to good use. So Remini wrote what is arguably the definitive 20th century biography of Henry Clay.

Henry Clay is a towering figure in American history, but one known today almost exclusively to students of history because he failed in his greatest ambition: election as President of the United States. Clay's career spanned from the War of 1812 to the Compromise of 1850 - in both of which he played a prominent role. He served as Speaker of the House for most of 14 years between 1811 and 1825, as John Quincy Adams's Secretary of State, and as US Senator from Kentucky for most of the period between 1831 and his death in 1852.

Clay is probably best known as the Great Compromiser and for his American System. His support for a central bank and an activist federal government (particularly supporting the construction of interstate roads) makes Clay seem modern by comparison with many of his contemporaries. These programs were funded by protective tariffs; thus, Clay's unpopularity in the South.

Clay was perhaps the greatest political orator in an era of great speakers. Clay studied history and marshaled his facts in preparation for debate, but he excelled in devastating give-and-take. An extremely intelligent man, Clay's oratory often displayed his wit with biting personal attacks. He came to regret his attacks on Andrew Jackson, made when Jackson was a mere general and no political threat. Indeed, Clay's acerbic tongue was one of the reasons he never achieved the presidency. His open ambition for it was another. Oddly for the man known as the Great Compromiser, Clay had difficulty reining in his tongue and ambition.

Clay sought the presidency in 1824, 1832, 1840, 1844, and 1848. Clay used his position as Speaker to maneuver Adams's 1824 election through the House (no candidate had a majority of the electoral vote, but Adams was a distant second to Andrew Jackson). Adams rewarded Clay with appointment as the Secretary of State and Clay was forever after tagged with the `corrupt bargain'. Clay lost his best chance for the Presidency in 1840 when the machinations of Thaddeus Stevens and Thurlow Weed denied him the nomination in a thoroughly manipulated convention. The Whig nominee, William Henry Harrison, easily won the fall election.

Harrison was without doubt the least qualified man to serve as president to that date. The Whig Party's founding purpose was opposition to Andrew Jackson and his autocratic exercise of dictatorial power, as they saw it. A Clay supporter mused that Harrison was just the man to bring the president's powers back in line: "The throne is too high and it may be well to place a man upon it who will degrade it by his imbecility." (at page 553).

Remini exhaustively details Clay's political career, but also gives due attention to the unending parade of tragedy and hardship that marked his personal life. Remini portrays Clay as a great public man, a great politician in the best sense, bright, witty, and charming, a raconteur, a risk-taker, but also a flawed man who displayed his ambition too openly.

Very highly recommended for the reader with a sustained interest in American history, especially 19th century American history and the development of American democracy. The book is nearly 800 pages and one could argue that Remini could have cut at least 200 of them without doing violence to the story of Clay's life.

3-0 out of 5 stars Henry Clay: The greatest of his era
Of all the biographies of early American figures, I rather like Henry Clay best. He boasted a lengthier political career than Washington, Adams, Hamilton, Jackson etc. Of his rivals in the Senate, neither Daniel Webster nor John C. Calhoun were as effective in meeting the great challenges of his time: the BUS, the various Tariffs and territorial expansion. As a former debater, it is truly depressing that we have no audio to record his momentous speeches--those rarities which permanently altered the course of history.. Lincoln, Madison, Van Buren and virtually everyone else he met (save Andrew Jackson) admired his many abilities.

Robert Remini is a biographer in the classical sense, the emphasis is heavy on the political, and far lighter on the more personal/psychological aspect of Clay's character. We are told he was a ladies' man, party-goer and gambler, but of these habits there is precious little detail despite almost 800 pages of work. Remini favors the younger Clay, House Speaker and leader of the National Republicans over the elder statesman and undisputed champion of the Whig Party. Perhaps 3 failed presidential elections took away his luster not only for the American public, but the biographer himself. After reading Clay, I will now give 'equal time' to Jackson, likely from a more contemporary biographer.

5-0 out of 5 stars Twice was Nice
I have read this book two times, because it was very interesting to me to learn about one of America's finest statesmen. Robert V. Remini is a favorite author of mine. Ialso liked

Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time

Andrew Jackson 3 Volumes The Course of the American Empire 1767-1821, The Course of the American Freedom 1822-1832, The Course of the American Democracy 1833-1845 ... Read more


22. Henry Clay: The Essential American
by David S. Heidler, Jeanne T. Heidler
Hardcover: 624 Pages (2010-05-04)
list price: US$30.00 -- used & new: US$17.50
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Asin: 140006726X
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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The epic life and times of one of the most important political figures in our history.
 
He was the Great Compromiser, a canny and colorful legislator and leader whose life mirrors the story of America from its founding until the eve of the Civil War. Speaker of the House, senator, secretary of state, five-time presidential candidate, and idol to the young Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay is captured in full at last in this rich and sweeping biography that vividly portrays all the drama of his times.

David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler present Clay in his early years as a precocious, witty, and optimistic Virginia boy, raised on a farm, who at the age of twenty transformed himself from bumpkin to attorney—a shrewd and sincere defender of the ordinary man who would be his eventual political base. The authors reveal Clay’s tumultuous career in Washington, one that transformed the capital and the country. Nicknamed “the Western Star,” Clay became the youngest Speaker of the House shortly before the War of 1812 and transformed that position into one of unprecedented power. Then, as a senator, he joined and sometimes fought John Calhoun and Daniel Webster to push through crucial legislation affecting everything from slavery to banking. Commonly regarded as the greatest U.S. senator in history, Clay served under ten presidents and overshadowed most of them, with the notable exception of his archrival Andrew Jackson. Clay ran unsuccessfully for president five times, and his participation in the deadlocked election of 1824 brought about the “Corrupt Bargain” with John Quincy Adams that made Clay secretary of state—and haunted him for the rest of his career. As no other book, Henry Clay humanizes Clay’s marriage to plain, wealthy Lucretia Hart, a union rumored to be mercenary on his part but that lasted fifty-three years and produced eleven children.

Featuring an inimitable supporting cast including Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, James Polk, and Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay is beautifully written and replete with fresh anecdotes and insights. But it is Henry Clay who often rises above them all. Horse trader and risk taker, arm twister and joke teller, Clay was the consummate politician who gave ground, made deals, and changed the lives of millions. His life is an astounding tale—and here superbly told.Amazon.com Review
Why Henry Clay? An Essay by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler

Many Americans do not know this extraordinary person, which is a pity.Many years ago, a conference gave us the opportunity to visit his grave and his home.A friend accompanied us to the cemetery where we stood before the large vault with its imposingcolumn topped by a statue of Clay, his right arm partially extended, entreating during one of his famous orations.The day was raw, and a dirty cotton sky sent down a misty drizzle that glossed the marble with a wet patina.In the back portion of the vault, a marble slab held one of Clay’s most famous quotes:“I had rather be right than be President.”Our friend, who inclines to the acerbic, muttered, “Nothing about a corrupt bargain?”We laughed.

Yet later as we walked through the house named Ashland, we paused over the twin legacies of Clay’s fateful decision in 1825 and of his unstinting labor to improve and sustain his country.His behavior in 1825 fastened upon him--presumably forever, if our companion’s remark was any evidence--the infamy of the “Corrupt Bargain.”His work for the country revealed the great poignancy of his generation, the futility of practical politics clashing with grave moral imperatives.He sought the presidency and was labeled a schemer; he compromised for the Union and was lauded as a statesman.Which one was the real Henry Clay?In this book we try to answer that question.

His personal life, for instance, presents intriguing clues.Clay married what many described as an ugly girl, possibly only for the status and influence her family imparted, but there is no evidence that he ever strayed from her bed and considerable proof (they had eleven children) that he found it congenial.He early found slavery morally troubling and ultimately regarded it as incompatible with American ideals of liberty.But he died owning slaves.He gained fame as the master of political compromise, which by definition is the bending of principles to achieve functional agreements.But in 1825, he was reviled as crooked, even though he did not violate a single personal scruple or run counter to his own conscience.

All lives are marked by such inconsistencies.We strive to reveal Clay to a new generation of readers by showing how he was both exemplary and unique, how he was both mired in the customs of his time and a prophet for ideas that would not gain acceptance until our own.He believed in ideas with passion, but he leavened everything with humor, a novelty among public figures of his time and obviously one of the facets that Abraham Lincoln found appealing enough to imitate.Most of all, we found that there has never been anyone like Clay in American political history.He transformed the post of Speaker of the House into its modern role, he proposed and doggedly advocated a plan to expand American prosperity, and he was a crucial leader in every matter great and small bearing upon American politics for almost fifty years.

When our friend made that crack about the “Corrupt Bargain,” we all laughed, but we shouldn’t have.In a way, this book is our penance for having done so, because Henry Clay was a patriot, a statesman, and a gentleman.Not without flaws, he was nevertheless about as good as it gets in public life, and we hope that readers will find him as fascinating as we have.



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Customer Reviews (41)

5-0 out of 5 stars henry clay and the muscle of America
It seems that the American History biography industry is currently turning out a steady stream of first-class pictures of our most famous statesmen.Few are as complete and well-written as this one.Henry Clay was one of the two giant figures of the adolescent stage of the American republic.The United States, then only comprising 17 states when Clay first entered Congress at the age of 29, was on the verge of developing political parties, which largely shaped the outcome of the many conflicts -- North against South, agrarian interests against growing industrialism -- over the next half century.No figure played a consistently more important role in framing these debates than Henry Clay.Amazingly, Clay became the Speaker of the House of Representatives at age 34 in 1811, his first year in this body.In this role, he was a central force in the debates. He argued that the Congress should encourage territorial expansion, oppose British domination of American trade, and establish a construction program of roads and waterways.By 1824, the increasingly stark differences of political opinion began to pull the country towards opposing political pods: exponents of small government, a wing of the country led the hero of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson, and the backers ofmore vigorous federal policies, ultimately forming into the Whig party led by Clay.All of the political twists and turns during the 1820's and 1830's finally ended in the eight year presidency of Andrew Jackson.In 1820, tensions caused by the existence of slavery in the South and strong opposition to this system in the North spilled over into fierce arguments over the sequence of states joining the Union.This led to the Missouri Compromise of 1820, a solution importantly drafted and brokered by Clay, which postponed the venomous differences that ultimately led to the Civil War more than 40 years later.Clay's leadership of Congress, then an even more important branch of government than today, was sure and firm until the Polk presidency of 1844.His dominant role in national affairs slowly ebbed but sparks of his former leadership were evident in his role in the passage of the Compromise of 1850, which sorted out difficult issue of statehood for two giant territories, California and Texas.Clay died in 1852, nationally celebrated and revered.No Congressional statesman reached the level of Clay's contributions, prominence or dominance for at least another century.

The Heidlers, David and Jeanne, present this complex story in great detail and vast understanding.Parts of this story are extraordinarily well-written and even moving.Clay was successful and talented in so many ways but the grand prize of the Republic, its Presidency, eluded him.His private life, treated with care and compassion by the Heidlers, was complicated by a parade of tragedies.Seven of Clay's eleven children predeceased him and one was committed to an insane asylum for most of his adult life.

This is a very well-researched work and throws much-needed light on an important period of American history.

5-0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for understanding US history and the politics of the present day
Factious partisan politics, congressional redistricting to win elections, political impresarios, smear campaigns, use of the presidential veto weapon, a crisis of consciousness, a pandering press, shameless political patronage, pork-barrel legislation, a highly controversial war, a recession, and a depression... All this may sound like modern politics, but for Henry Clay, who served as a US congressman and senator between 1811 to 1852, this was just another day in the office.

David and Jean Heidler have written an excellent and thought provoking biography of Clay.Although modern readers may make the error of overlooking Clay, he was an influential, controversial, and powerful figure in his time.With a political career that spanned 49 years, Clay served under 10 presidents and ran for that very office 5 times.In fact, Clay often wielded such an amount of power that his influence in congress often exceeded that of the Chief executive.The Heidlers' biography tells Clay's story in vibrant color.In spite of the book's nearly 500 pages, this is a quick and engaging read.

In describing Clay's political life, the Heidlers pay close attention to Clay's political rivalries and his successes. Although they certainly describe Clay's well known abilities as an orator, they also emphasize his skills as a legislator--something that other authors have neglected in the past.Although both pro-slavery and abolitionists tried to co opt him as their own, Clay's advocacy for gradual emancipation (he was, in fact, a slave owner himself) eventually alienated both factions, and probably cost him the presidency.The Heidlers do an excellent job of describing Clay's moral views on this subject.Although this often places Clay in a less than favorable light from a modern perspective, he was certainly considered a progressive in his time (many of his ideas inspired the young Abraham Lincoln) and he made a career of making practical compromises in order to hold the union together.

The Heidlers also do an excellent job of describing Clays domestic life.Clearly, this was a much more difficult job: Clay's political life was clearly documented in the congressional record and newspapers of the time.His domestic life was more difficult to piece together.Still, the Heidlers found a surprising number of primary resources and have fleshed out a clear vision of Clay's more intimate relationships.They clearly detail the various joys and tragedies that befell the Clay family and give the reader a truer understanding of what life was like in the Kentucky of the 1800s.

There are some weaker aspects to the book, but they are minor.We get a detailed description of Clay's political rivals, especially John Calhoun and John Randolph.Unfortunately, I would have liked to learn a little more about Clay's relationship with third member of the `Great Triumvirate,' Daniel Webster.At times, the authors wax a little too sympathetic with Clay.For example, a lot is made of his rivalry with the controversial Andrew Jackson.When describing Clay's disputes with Jackson, the Heidlers seem to side with the subject of their biography. Although Jackson may have been highly volatile and lacked a certain level of education, domestication and grace, historians still consistently rate Jackson within the top ten, `near great' presidents.They may also empathize a little too much with Clay regarding the Corrupt Bargain, where Clay was accused of 'giving up' his own electoral votes in exchange for the position of secretary of state, enabling John Quincy Adams to become president. They also may give Clay too much credit for the Compromise of 1850.There's no question that Clay deserves incredible amounts of credit for the series of bills that eventually came to light, but Stephen A. Douglas may also have authored the legislation and certainly deserves the credit for getting the bills passed through congress.

On the whole, this is an incredibly comprehensive and beautifully written biography of Clay.It is one of those historical biographies that will stick with you long after you read it.Given the many parallels in the US political machine between the 19th and the 21st century, Henry Clay: the Essential American is also essential for understanding the politics of today.Highly recommended.

4-0 out of 5 stars very enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.I thought it was a well-written account detailing the history and politics between 1812 and Civil War.

5-0 out of 5 stars The clear authoritative work on Henry Clay
It took me quite awhile to finish this first-class biographical work. It's a veritible *tome* of information on Clay.

Of course Clay was one of the more renowned "Fathers" of our country and a self-made man. His ultimate impacts upon the early-period development of America can hardly be overestimated; however, he was a bit of a political odd duck, a facet of his complex philosophies which are made perfectly comprehensible by the author who artfully details every possible nuance of Clay's remarkable life.

Clay was hardly a man without enemies but this is universally true of all great men and women. Here, you will explore and discover his many achievements but neither does the author ignore his warts -- all is revealed.

The writing here is compelling, active, authoritative (great and extensive sources all properly documented) and, most of all, informative. This fine work could be useful equally as a university text or for the casual reader of nonfiction. I found it a joyful way to spend my reading time and I think anyone interested in American history will be similarly gratified.

Highly recommended for Social Science students, biography fans, and armchair historians.

5-0 out of 5 stars I really liked this book
I don't normally give a book 5 stars, but this is one of the few exceptions. It is very well written and vividly recalls Clay's life. It shows him not just as a politician, but as a person and a family man. I left with the impression that Clay was an imperfect man, as we all are, but certainly a great one worth remembering. He was a man who, despite many great tragedies with his family, ultimately persevered. While he may not have been that successful as Andrew Jackson almost always had his way against Clay, I do believe that without Clay the chances of the Union splintering 30 years earlier than it did would have been very likely.

I highly recommend this book to all. It is a fresh look on a Great American, one who is often forgotten. ... Read more


23. Henry Clay and the American System
by Maurice G. Baxter
Hardcover: 261 Pages (1995-09)
list price: US$34.95
Isbn: 0813119197
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24. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate (Images of America: Kentucky)
by Eric Brooks
Paperback: 128 Pages (2007-04-11)
list price: US$21.99 -- used & new: US$11.98
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Asin: 0738543950
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On September 13, 1804, Henry Clay entered into an agreement to purchase 125 acres on Todd's Road just outside the city limits of Lexington, Kentucky. With this transaction, Clay began the creation of one of Lexington's most important sites. Over the next two centuries, Ashland would be home to five generations of one of Kentucky's first families. Ashland would also be the source of some of Kentucky's finest horses; the location of a small but important Civil War skirmish; the birthplace of the state's flagship university; the home to one of the state's first museums; one of Lexington's first subdivisions; and finally a National Historic Landmark. Many books have been written about Henry Clay, Ashland's creator and most important resident, but this is the first to tell the story of his beloved farm and personal retreat. ... Read more


25. The Life of Henry Clay.
by Glyndon Garlock Van Deusen
 Hardcover: 448 Pages (1979-06-15)
list price: US$47.95
Isbn: 0313207178
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This is a biography of a great American statesman and U.S. Senator of the nineteenth century. ... Read more


26. Henry Clay: From "War Hawk" to the "Great Compromiser" (Historical American Biographies)
by Alison Davis Tibbitts
Library Binding: 128 Pages (2003-09)
list price: US$26.60 -- used & new: US$20.00
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Asin: 0766019802
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27. Henry Clay the Lawyer
by Maurice G. Baxter
Hardcover: 160 Pages (2000-03-02)
list price: US$35.00 -- used & new: US$17.85
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Asin: 0813121477
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Though he was best known as a politician, Henry Clay (1777-1852) maintained an active legal practice for more than fifty years. He was a leading contributor both to the early development of the U.S. legal system and to the interaction between law and politics in pre-Civil War America. During the years of Clay's practice, modern American law was taking shape, building on the English experience but working out the new rules and precedents that a changing and growing society required. Clay specialized in property law, a natural choice at a time of entangled land claims, ill-defined boundaries, and inadequate state and federal procedures. He argued many precedent-setting cases, some of them before the U.S. Supreme Court. Maurice Baxter contends that Clay's extensive legal work in this area greatly influenced his political stances on various land policy issues. During Clay's lifetime, property law also included questions pertaining to slavery. With Daniel Webster, he handled a very significant constitutional case concerning the interstate slave trade. Baxter provides an overview of the federal and state court systems of Clay's time. After addressing Clay's early legal career, he focuses on Clay's interest in banking issues, land-related economic matters, and the slave trade. The portrait of Clay that emerges from this inquiry shows a skilled lawyer who was deeply involved with the central legal and economic issues of his day.

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28. Henry Clay: The Great Compromiser (Our People)
by Michael Burgan
Hardcover: 32 Pages (2004-01)
list price: US$27.07 -- used & new: US$0.83
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Asin: 1592961746
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Henry Clay devoted his life and work to strengthening the United States. In his time he was an economist and a passionate believer in compromise. For Clay, the Union was the key to his heart . Young students will love reading about this important figure in America's history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

5-0 out of 5 stars A juvenile biography of Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser
Henry Clay is considered one of the greatest U.S. senators ever and along with John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster made up the great triumvirate that had their last great battle in debating the Compromise of 1850.Clay also served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and ran for president several times as a Whig (he lost all those times, of course, but seeing as how both of the Whig candidates who won the White House died in office, that was not necessarily a bad thing).This juvenile biography of "Henry Clay: The Great Compromiser," part of the Our People series, explains to young readers while Clay is remembered for his political service at a time when American was developing as a nation.Clay is best known for promoting what he called the "American System," an argument for the United States government creating a strong national economy.Known as the Great Compromiser, Clay is identified with a political principle that historian Shelby Foote identifies as being the quality that best represents American genius.

As is the well established pattern with this books, Michael Burgan looks at Clay's life in four chapters: (1) Young Lawyer and Politician explains how Clay's family settled in Kentucky, where his first forays into politics say him actually finish out the term of a U.S. Senator; (2) Leader of the House tells how Clay finish rose to national prominence when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and became Speaker of the House by the end of the War of 1812; (3) Presidential Politics covers Clay's failed attempts to become President; and (4) Last Years in Washington focuses on his pivotal role in the Great Compromise of 1850, which put off the Civil War for another decade.Burgan does a god job of highlighting the principles and policies Clay supported that are now part of the government today, although those points could easily get lost just in detailing Clay's political resume.

This volume is illustrated with historic paintings and prints on almost every page, but the strength of the book is the presentation of information.There are informative sidebars on key subjects such as The First Parties and The War of 1812, and the margins are filled with Interesting Facts, like how Clay studied law with the same famous lawyer who taught Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.The back of the book includes a Time Line of Clay's life, Glossary Terms from "abolitionists" to "investors," assorted sources For Further Information, and an Index.Having told the story of the influential senator of the West, the Our People series needs to turn to Calhoun of the South and Webster of the East. assorted sources For Further Information, and an Index. ... Read more


29. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume 6: Secretary of State, 1827
by Henry Clay
 Hardcover: 1456 Pages (1981-12-31)
list price: US$85.00 -- used & new: US$49.85
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Asin: 0813100569
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30. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume 3: Presidential Candidate, 1821-1824
by Henry Clay
 Hardcover: 944 Pages (1963-12-31)
list price: US$85.00 -- used & new: US$49.85
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Asin: 0813100534
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31. The Papers of Henry Clay. Volume 8: Candidate, Compromiser, Whig, March 5, 1829-December 31, 1836
by Henry Clay
 Hardcover: 960 Pages (1984-11-05)
list price: US$85.00 -- used & new: US$49.85
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Asin: 0813100585
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32. Life and Speeches of Henry Clay
by Henry Clay
 Hardcover: 694 Pages (1987-05)
list price: US$95.00 -- used & new: US$95.00
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Asin: 0837724074
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This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 2; Original Published by: Greeley & McElrath in 1843 in 579 pages; Subjects: United States; Presidents; Campaign literature; Biography & Autobiography / Historical; Biography & Autobiography / Political; Political Science / Government / Legislative Branch; Social Science / Slavery; ... Read more


33. At the Edge of the Precipice: Henry Clay and the Compromise that Saved the Union
by Robert V. Remini
Hardcover: 200 Pages (2010-05-11)
list price: US$24.00 -- used & new: US$9.94
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Asin: 0465012884
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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In 1850, America hovered on the brink of disunion. Tensions between slave-holders and abolitionists mounted, as the debate over slavery grew rancorous. An influx of new territory prompted Northern politicians to demand that new states remain free; in response, Southerners baldly threatened to secede from the Union. Only Henry Clay could keep the nation together.

At the Edge of the Precipice is historian Robert V. Remini’s fascinating recounting of the Compromise of 1850, a titanic act of political will that only a skillful statesman like Clay could broker. Although the Compromise would collapse ten years later, plunging the nation into civil war, Clay’s victory in 1850 ultimately saved the Union by giving the North an extra decade to industrialize and prepare.

A masterful narrative by an eminent historian, At the Edge of the Precipice also offers a timely reminder of the importance of bipartisanship in a bellicose age.

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Customer Reviews (6)

3-0 out of 5 stars Compromise of 1850--in brief
This book is really for those who don't have much background knowledge on the Civil War. For someone like me, who's read MacPherson, Nevins, Catton, etc.. this is a superficial read. At only a little over 100 pages, there just isn't room to cover the Compromise of 1850 with any kind of depth. I don't like the title, either: as Remini admits, Stephen Douglas was more instrumental than Clay in getting the legislation passed. Still, if you'rea novice and it's at the library, there's no harm in checking it out. It's a decent Intro to the Compromise of 1850; let's call it COM1850 101.

3-0 out of 5 stars Remini in a Rush
This is not up to the standards one expects of Remini.It seemed that he was working against a publishing deadline and he rushed through some of the admittedly complex situations of the 15 years before the Civil War and what effect that had on the ultimate outcome.

5-0 out of 5 stars Mr Remini makes pre-civil war years interesting
There are many names that you hear throughout pre-Civil War history, like Clay and Calhoun and Buchanan, but Prof. Remini tells a clear story and how the Civil War was postponed due to the efforts of Henry Clay and the other persons who were trying to hold the Union together. I got the book on tape and really loved it. It's a great read.

5-0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Succinct Look atA Key Moment in American History!
This is a wonderful, concise analysis of the politics and issues behind the Compromise of 1850.I have always enjoyed Remini's work, and loved his earlier door-stopper of a biography on Henry Clay (written back in the 1990s).Think of this volume as a sort of "filet mignon" culled from that earlier work - composed of just the juicy morsels regarding the 1850 Compromise, removed from that larger biography.Some might be taken aback at the sliminess of the volume - but just realize, again, that this is not supposed to be an exhaustive look at all the roll calls, all the political machinations, behind the debates and passage of the Compromise, but a quick, yet incisive, overall "tree-top" look at it.For a "grounds-up" view, go to other works (like my all time favorite book on the Anti-bellum/pre-Civil War era, The Impending Crisis, by David Potter).But do buy/read this book.It deserves to be in any Civil War junkie's library - and I think would be a FANTASTIC introduction for anyone who is interested in the politics of that era.I bought it - and am glad I did, for I will re-read it many times again!!

5-0 out of 5 stars Brilliant case study of a vital legislative compromise
This is an exhaustively researched and meticulously written case study of the Compromise of 1850. Though seemingly brief at just 159 pages of text, this masterful study places the idea of political compromise in its historical context and then examines the Senate debates in 1849 and 1850 that sought to resolve the question of slavery as it applied to lands gained during the Mexican War. There is tension, drama, and tragedy in this story of sectional and political intrigue that forestalled civil war for a decade, allowing the Union to further develop its capacity to support such a war, and find the leader in Abraham Lincoln who could see it through. A spellbinding historical narrative.
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34. Mr. Clay's speech, at the dinner at Noble's inn, near Lexington [Ky.] July 12, 1827
by Henry Clay 1777-1852. [from old catalog] Miscellaneous Pamphlet Collection (Library of Congress) DLC [from old catalog]
Paperback: 26 Pages (1827-12-31)
list price: US$10.65 -- used & new: US$10.65
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Asin: B003TSEMMW
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This reproduction was printed from a digital file created at the Library of Congress as part of an extensive scanning effort started with a generous donation from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.The Library is pleased to offer much of its public domain holdings free of charge online and at a modest price in this printed format.Seeing these older volumes from our collections rediscovered by new generations of readers renews our own passion for books and scholarship. ... Read more


35. Letters to Lucretia: The story of Lucretia Hart (Mrs. Henry Clay), born March 18, 1781, died April 7, 1864
by Louisiana Wood Simpson
 Unknown Binding: Pages (1983)

Asin: B00071Q91Q
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36. Henry Clay and the Art of American Politics
 Paperback: Pages (1957-06)
-- used & new: US$5.00
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Asin: 0316204129
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37. Henry Clay: Leader in Congress (Discovery Biography)
by Helen Stone Peterson, Vic Dowd
 Library Binding: 80 Pages (1990-12)
list price: US$14.95
Isbn: 0791014576
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38. Henry Clay (American statesmen)
by Carl Schurz
 Hardcover: Pages (1981-10)
list price: US$99.00 -- used & new: US$99.00
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Asin: 040450891X
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Volume: 1General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1899Original Publisher: Houghton, MifflinSubjects: StatesmenUnited StatesBiography ... Read more


39. The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun
by Merrill D. Peterson
Paperback: 582 Pages (1988-12-08)
list price: US$29.95 -- used & new: US$17.76
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Asin: 0195056868
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Enormously powerful, intensely ambitious, the very personifications of their respective regions--Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and John C. Calhoun represented the foremost statemen of their age.In the decades preceding the Civil War, they dominated American congressional politics as no other figures have. Now Merrill D. Peterson, one of our most gifted historians, brilliantly re-creates the lives and times of these great men in this monumental collective biography.

Arriving on the national scene at the onset of the War of 1812 and departing political life during the ordeal of the Union in 1850-52, Webster, Clay, and Calhoun opened--and closed--a new era in American politics.In outlook and style, they represented startling contrasts: Webster, the Federalist and staunch New England defender of the Union; Clay, the "war hawk" and National Rebublican leader from the West; Calhoun, the youthful nationalist who became the foremost spokesman of the South and slavery. They came together in the Senate for the first time in 1832, united in their opposition of Andrew Jackson, and thus gave birth to the idea of the "Great Triumvirate."Entering the history books, this idea survived the test of time because these men divided so much of American politics between them for so long.

Peterson brings to life the great events in which the Triumvirate figured so prominently, including the debates on Clay's American System, the Missouri Compromise, the Webster-Hayne debate, the Bank War, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, the annexation of Texas, and the Compromise of 1850. At once a sweeping narrative and a penetrating study of non-presidential leadership, this book offers an indelible picture of this conservative era in which statesmen viewed the preservation of the legacy of free government inherited from the Founding Fathers as their principal mission.In fascinating detail, Peterson demonstrates how precisely Webster, Clay, and Calhoun exemplify three facets of this national mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

5-0 out of 5 stars The Three Men Who Shaped America
This is a great, great history of a time and group of men who helped shape America. These three individuals (Webster, Clay, and Calhoun) exercised great control over the development of the United States. The synergies that resulted from their interaction within the halls of government would set the US of a path that made many events more likely than not. In this book, we are treated to each of their personalities, ideologies, and decisions that lay before each of them. We see how each worked to ensure their goals would prevail. This book provides great detail on each scene that is set before the reader and reflects the importance all possible choices before each of these great actors. The book is well sourced and can be dense at spots, but is still worth the effort mainstream audiences. A great book that deserves to be read by all students of US politics.

5-0 out of 5 stars Calhoun, Clay and Webster: The Triumvirate Standing Athwart Jackson
~The Great Triumvirate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun~ is a powerful biography, of not one but three prominent U.S. Senators. Henry Clay (1777-1852) of Kentucky, John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) of South Carolina who was also the 7th Vice President, and Daniel Webster (1782-1852) of Massachusetts. As a result of their mutual antagonisms, they became known to historians as the Great Triumvirate. Clay, a consummate "warhawk," stood out for his achievements at spearheading legislation, assembling sponsors, and garnering compromises. Calhoun once a youthful nationalist, stood out for his steadfast stance in favor of states' rights and his acute logical sense. Webster was renowned as the vivacious orator who spoke stirring speeches of nationalist sentiment.

All of these men greatly influenced their era. The author Merill Peterson brings to life the great contests and debates of their time. The Triumvirate figured prominently in those debates whether it was the feud over the American system, the nature of the Union, or the Missouri Compromise dealing with slavery, their influence could be seen and heard. All of their tense contests in the U.S. Senate were in the backdrop of the Jacksonian era, which was a time of bombastic oratory in Congress and tense passion for democracy and the common man felt in the American heartland. All of these men in the Triumvirate fancied themselves as champions of the people no doubt.

The great controversies of the time were animated by the respective positions of Calhoun, Clay and Webster. Issues over internal improvements, tariffs, slavery, and the destiny of the burgeoning American empire figured prominently in the political discourse of the triumvirate. All of these men saw themselves as great statesmen and men of principle. Both Clay and Webster were in the hip-pocket of the Second Bank of the United States, which was sorely detested by Andrew Jackson who decried it as a "monster." Clay was once a Jeffersonian states' rights champion, but frequently oscillated back and forth as a National Republican in favor of federally-sponsored internal improvements. Webster's hypocrisy is manifest in his days before the Hartford Convention and his 1850 Capon Springs speech, where he essentially affirmed that the adherents of the compact view of the Union were right.

Jackson stampeded Clay's legislative agenda. Subsequently, Clay's feuding with Jackson compelled him to advocate abolition of the Presidential veto power. Calhoun's solicitude for the Constitution compelled him to defend the veto power all the same. Both Clay and Calhoun were detested by Jackson, and the mutual antagonisms seethed beneath the surface amidst the battles over tariff policy and nullification.

Calhoun was said by Randolph to speak in "axioms" when the logic of his thought was much admired and praised. Calhoun spent his twilight years in the wake of the nullification controversy writing what he hoped would be his most enduring contribution to American political science, the Disquisition and the Discourse, which was the definitive defense of the Jeffersonian states' rights interpretation of the Constitution.

All things considered, this is a masterful look at antebellum America during the height of the Jacksonian era. Merrill Peterson has put together a wonderful book. Another great author on the antebellum era is a scholar from the University of Virginia Michael Holt. The Jacksonian era was a time of great controversy in America, and marked the rise of the machine-ridden politics following Van Buren's ascendancy. It was arguably more democratic, but prone to more demagoguery, so there were certainly trade-offs. In the good old days, prominent U.S. Senators keyed more prominently in the history of the Republic than did some Presidents. Of the Great Triumvirate -- Calhoun, Clay and Webster -- their names were heard on the lips of school teachers by children throughout the land.

5-0 out of 5 stars Great Scholarship and a wonderful story
The Great Triumvirate paints a rich picture of the political life in the early 1800's.The lives of Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster would shape the course of politics during the first half of the 1800's.These men would pick up where the founding fathers left off and define what it would mean to be American. They represented their sections of the countries but each would bow to the political realties of the time. In the end they were so good at representing their sections that their efforts to achieve the presidency would be met with failure.Henry Clay "the great compromiser" was a tyrant of the Senate and his political domination was impressive in preventing an outbreak of the civil war. While from the South Calhoun was an astute political observer who worked to preserve the institution of slavery.Daniel Webster as the fiery orator from the North was the consummate constitutionalist who the abolitionists hoped to have on their side. These three would "rule" the United States through their congressional domination like the triumvirates of Rome.The interaction between the three was not as great as I expected and more often than not they were working at cross purposes.The political pandering that grows out of this time period (especially with regard to Calhoun) sets the stage for the political discourse that we see emerging in the United States today.The election of 1848 painted here bears remarkable parallels to the 2008 presidential election that is shaping up.For those who want an understanding of our political history this is an essential book to read.These three men defined the next evolution in American government and this is the best book to show how they worked against and with each other to achieve the union.

5-0 out of 5 stars Masterful history through the lives of 3 great men
Peterson tells the history of early American politics through the intertwined lives of Clay, Webster, and Calhoun.He highlights several major trends in the country, illustrated by these politicians--the increasing opportunity for non-elites to rise to prominence in national politics, the change of the burning issue of the day from the tariff to slavery, and the increasing discipline and organization of political parties.

The story is compelling as he tells the lives of these men and their continued interactions in crisp prose that is guaranteed to improve your vocabulary.His descriptions of the personalities, portraiture, and oratorical styles of the men are fascinating.

One question looms over the tale--if these were the three of the four most powerful politicians between Jefferson and Lincoln (Jackson would be the fourth), why did none of them get elected president?Peterson answers the question by referring to their individual characters and to their public perceptions.His last chapter and epilogue also contain an insightful discussion of the impact of each of the men on the looming Civil War and history's vindication or indictment of each for their roles (or lack thereof) in contributing to it.

This book is not an easy read, which is why I would have given this book a 4 1/2, if possible (yes, I'm stingy with 5's).Another possible drawback is the limited discussion of the formation of the Whig party, in which all three played at least something of a role.

4-0 out of 5 stars The big three in antebellum America
In the first half of the 19th century, American politics was dominated by the Congress, with only one really strong president (Andrew Jackson) in the era between Jefferson and Lincoln.Perhaps the largest figures in this period were the so-called "Great Triumvirate" of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John Calhoun.Serving in both houses of Congress, various presidential cabinets and (in Calhoun's case), the Vice Presidency, these three were the architects of the era.Only the Presidency itself would elude their ambitions.

All three were born at roughly the same time, entered Congress around the same time and died within a couple years of each other.They represented the three regions of antebellum America: Webster was in the North, Clay the West and Calhoun the South.They were often at odds with each other, even when they were in agreement on a subject.

Webster was probably the least significant of the three.Known for his oratory and intellect, he led primarily by example.His constant financial problems put him in some ethically dubious situations.Calhoun was renowned for his integrity but - although he never lived to see it - provided a lot of the theoretical basis for the secession movement that eventually resulted in the Civil War.Clay was probably the most blatantly ambitious of the three, but also the best deal-maker.Among his many accomplishments (often shared with others) were the Treaty of Ghent, the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.Some of these may have be problematic to modern eyes, but these Compromises helped delay the Civil War.Although this may have not been Clay's design, the delay allowed the North to develop enough resources to win the war, which may have not been possible a decade earlier.

This book actually serves as three parallel biographies that occasionally intertwine.While generally interesting and informative, it is also a somewhat ponderous read.In addition, while the book does a good job at looking at the three as individuals, it is sometimes lacking in describing them as a trio.For better works about this era and its participants, I recommend Robert Remini, who has written biographies of Clay and Webster along with Andrew Jackson.Despite the flaws in this work, it is still at least a solid four stars for the information it does present, so you can't go too wrong reading it if the subject matter interests you.
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40. Political Register Setting Forth the Principles of the Whig and Locofoco Parties in the United States
by William Gannaway Brownlow
 Hardcover: 349 Pages (1974-06)
list price: US$27.50 -- used & new: US$22.00
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Asin: 0871521539
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