Martin Van Buren, Captivating History
Martin Van Buren, Captivating History
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Martin Van Buren
A Captivating Guide to the Man Who Served as the Eighth President of the United States

Author: Captivating History

Narrator: Duke Holm

Unabridged: 2 hr 1 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/04/2018


Synopsis

Explore the captivating life of Martin Van Buren  History chiefly remembers Martin Van Buren as the eighth president of the United States (1837- 1841). He was also, however, notable for achieving many firsts in American politics. He was the first American president to be born a citizen of the country, and not a British subject. He was the first Dutchman and the first man without Anglo-Saxon ancestry to serve as president. He was the first and only American president to have been raised in a language other than English. He was also the first New Yorker to ascend to the Oval Office in the White House, at a time when Manhattan was becoming the urban heart of a future America (as it is today). Historians have also recognized him as the first "professional politician" to occupy the presidential seat. His expressed capacity for political intrigue, strategic pragmatism, and politically expedient "non-committalism" has earned him his fair share of critics and detractors.  The darkness of his times (the first depression, the question of slavery, the forceful relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands) easily come to mind, but America was also hurtling towards the future we live in during Van Buren's reign. The seeds of the modernity we recognize so well - railway networks, democracy, the printing press - were sowed in his era. Six small townships and cities - in Maine, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas - still bear his surname. To understand the history of American politics, one must understand Van Buren's often overlooked legacy. This audiobook will give you an in-depth understanding of this man, born a tavern owner's son, who became one of the founders of the Democratic Party. Get this audiobook now to learn more about Martin Van Buren!

Reviews

Goodreads review by Mark on November 06, 2024

This is an excellent biography of America’s 8th president. Highly recommended.......more

Goodreads review by Mark on December 25, 2024

James Bradley has written a much-needed biography of Van Buren, the first full-fledged study of Old Kinderhook in four decades. You won't be disappointed!......more

Goodreads review by Adam on March 19, 2025

I've always been somewhat ambivalent on Van Buren. He comes off as a bit slimy and just the born politician, shifting his opinions to align with people who could get him power. On the other hand. he created the two-party system that has dominated American life. In his view, two parties would need to......more

Goodreads review by Christopher on December 16, 2024

Was debating between 3 or 4 stars and then sure enough on the last page of text came the inevitable swipe at President Trump. I had been looking forward to this book for at least 3 years and while it didn’t meet my high expectations it was still more than adequate. The author did an admirable job not......more

Goodreads review by Adam on March 28, 2025

A loooooong 27 hour biography of the 8th President, Van Buren doesn’t get enough credit for his architectural role in shaping the modern two-party system, specifically the Jacksonian Democrats. Often in Jackson’s shadow for championing status quo during his own one term before a run of other forgott......more