A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent

President James K. Polk, often overlooked yet ever-consequential, comes to life in this "compelling, perceptive portrait" (The Wall Street Journal) biography of the 11th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson protégé, and champion of "manifest destiny."

In a one-term presidency, James K. Polk completed the story of America's Manifest Destiny--extending its territory across the continent by threatening England with war and manufacturing a controversial and unpopular two-year war with Mexico. "A crucial architect of modern America, James K. Polk deserves to be elevated out of the mists of history" (Jon Meacham, author of American Lion).

Author: Robert W. Merry
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 11/02/2010
Pages: 592
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.39lbs
Size: 9.18h x 6.28w x 1.46d
ISBN: 9780743297448

Review Citation(s):
New York Times Book Review 01/02/2011 pg. 20