David Stephen HeidlerBesprekingen

History, American History, Biography, Henry Clay

Henry Clay is a singularly unfashionable figure for our times. A professional politician, he was a firm believer in compromise and celebrated as the greatest practitioner of it. Though he hungered for the presidency, he repeatedly reiterated his belief in legislative supremacy and opposed Andrew Jackson’s concentration of power in the executive. And when faced with the growing moral divide over slavery, he attempted to straddle the issue in a manner that would invite derision from both sides of the issue. Yet as David and Jeanne Heidler show, his death in June 1852 triggered nationwide mourning, a tribute to his long career and testimony to the esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries.

How he came to earn such passionate devotion is only partly covered in this biography, however, which focuses primarily upon Clay’s political career. This in itself more than justifies the hundreds of pages the authors devote to it, spanning as it does over half a century, from the early days of Kentucky’s statehood to the last major effort at political compromise before the Civil War. Much of this career was focused on becoming president, yet the Heidlers argue that he never really came close to the office, leaving instead an unfulfilled ambition that has given his distinguished career an aura of failure despite his many achievements.

The Heidlers lay our Clay’s career in admiring prose that conveys with clarity many of the issues and battles of his day. Yet is their book really necessary? There are no new arguments about Clay’s career within its pages, merely a lengthy narrative that does little to improve upon Robert Remini’s [b:Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union|379234|Henry Clay Statesman for the Union|Robert V. Remini|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388964751l/379234._SY75_.jpg|369051], the yardstick by which Clay biographies must be judged. In most respects the Heidlers’ effort is much inferior, particularly in its coverage of the nonpolitical aspects of Clay’s life and in the frequent use of ahistorical (and ungrammatical) labels that are more reflective of modern-day partisanship than the politics of Clay’s time. Such issues mean that this is merely the latest Clay biography rather than the best, and that readers seeking to understand Clay’s life would be better served picking up Remini’s superior work instead.

One—if not the most—of the most influential politicians in American history who never became President, though he tried several times, was praised and vilified throughout his life then slowly forgotten in the century and a half after his death. Henry Clay: The Essential American by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler follows the dramatic political rise, the stunning setbacks, and tragic family life of the man who became Andrew Jackson’s great enemy and Abraham Lincoln’s great hero.

The Heidler’s begins moments after Clay’s death and describes the journey of his body to Lexington with the outpouring of honor along the way then turn their attention as to how Clay became so honored. Born in eastern Virginia as a scion of a long-time colonial family and fatherless early in life, Clay was fortunate to have a stepfather and several mentors who gave him opportunities which he took hold off and used to establish himself in the legal profession in Kentucky. Though idealistic early in his political career, especially on the issue of slavery in the state, Clay downplayed it sooner after to gain connections especially through marriage and accumulation of wealth in which slaves were an important facet though he would continue to advocate for his brand for emancipation throughout his life. Clay’s time in the Kentucky legislature foreshadowed the parliamentary advancements he would bring to the House and later the Senate, especially the Committee of the Whole which allowed Clay as Speaker of both the Kentucky and U.S House to join debates. A staunch Jeffersonian Democratic-Republican, Clay’s views and future policies would shift to include several Hamiltonian policies like a National Bank and tariffs but in Republican language. Upon his arrival in Washington in 1811 until his death 41 years later, Clay would be the most influential man in the city even though he never resided in the White House which would be occupied by either his allies or his avowed enemies though he would campaign for the Presidency either actively or with the am to from 1824 to 1848. Three times during his time in Washington, he championed the Union in the 1820 Missouri Compromise, the 1833 Nullification crisis, and the Compromise of 1850 his final political act as slavery threatened to ripe the country apart.

First and foremost this was a political biography which the Heidlers expertly detailed for the reader, however Clay was a family man with a particularly tragic tinge as all of his daughters predeceased their parents with Clay’s namesake dying in the Mexican-American War while another was to spend half his life in an asylum. The issue of slavery is given significant space in various parts of the book as the Heidlers put Clay’s views in context of their time and how he was as a slaveowner, but don’t excuse him for hold human beings as property. Though not stated explicitly this was also a light history of the Whig party primarily because, until slavery tore it apart, Henry Clay embodied the party even when younger members decided to jettison its ideological center for Presidential victory.

Henry Clay: The Essential American details the life of the most important politician of the Antebellum era. The husband-wife historian team of David S. and Jeanne Heidler write a very scholarly yet lively history of the man and his times that gives the reader a view of how important their subject was during his time on the national scene.½

An absolute monster of a book. I bought this when I had a gift card from Borders and didn't know what else to buy, and since I've always had an infatuation with thick, heavy books with a gazillion pages, I gave in and bought it. I never regretted it, but I've only scratched the surface on this book and can only imagine only the most die-hard American Civil War buffs getting the most out of it. But if you want to impress your friends, buy it and put it on your coffee table. Hell, it's so damn big it CAN be the coffee table! In all seriousness, though, this is an excellent book of scholarly work on one of our most important subjects.½

The Great Compromiser is well-served by this biography. I know there are others on him but this is the only one I have read. From his great success as Speaker of the House in 1810 to his five failed attempts at the presidency Harry of the West was a dominant player in politics for 40 years. He dealt with slavery, the War with Mexico, the War of 1812, the tariffs, the Bank of the United States, etc. He was the head of the Whig Party for many years. He was Abraham Lincoln's hero. He was a major player in the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1833, and the Compromise of 1850. Tragically, he had to bury seven children. Perhaps, the authors spend too much time on these deaths. When he died, there was an enormous outpouring of grief which the country would not see again until the death of Lincoln.

Henry Clay was involved in politics from the time of President John Adams (#2) until President Millard Fillmore (#13). He served in the Senate (even before he was legally old enough), the House of Representatives (most of the time as Speaker), and as Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams (despite holding differing political views). He cast such a long shadow of influence over the nation that Abraham Lincoln later cited him as one of his greatest influences and heroes. He was the heart and soul of the Whig party and renowned for his speaking prowess - frequently packing the galleries with people eager for the chance to hear him speak. And yet he ran unsuccessfully for president 4 times, being undermined by those in his own party who thought him unelectable. He was "an otherwise good and decent man" with "a fundamental flaw" (pg 448) - he was a slave owner (which troubled abolitionists) who favored gradual emancipation (which troubled Southerners).

This lengthy biography (almost 500 pages) on a little-remembered but highly influential politician is surprisingly readable. The focus is almost completely on his political career, and details on his personal and family life are few and usually only included as they bear upon his career. With that emphasis comes a sometimes uncomfortable unveiling of the ugliness of politics, and this heavy focus on politics was the only negative for me; I generally prefer biographies with a more personal note. But for Henry Clay, politics was personal and it was his life. And the Heidlers have done an excellent job of pulling together massive amounts of information and sorting out the myths and legends. While the book may not have broad appeal, it will certainly appeal to those seeking to understand the early history of the US and into the Jacksonian era as the country plunged toward Civil War.

Henry Clay was involved in politics from the time of President John Adams (#2) until President Millard Fillmore (#13). He served in the Senate (even before he was legally old enough), the House of Representatives (most of the time as Speaker), and as Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams (despite holding differing political views). He cast such a long shadow of influence over the nation that Abraham Lincoln later cited him as one of his greatest influences and heroes. He was the heart and soul of the Whig party and renowned for his speaking prowess - frequently packing the galleries with people eager for the chance to hear him speak. And yet he ran unsuccessfully for president 4 times, being undermined by those in his own party who thought him unelectable. He was "an otherwise good and decent man" with "a fundamental flaw" (pg 448) - he was a slave owner (which troubled abolitionists) who favored gradual emancipation (which troubled Southerners).

This lengthy biography (almost 500 pages) on a little-remembered but highly influential politician is surprisingly readable. The focus is almost completely on his political career, and details on his personal and family life are few and usually only included as they bear upon his career. With that emphasis comes a sometimes uncomfortable unveiling of the ugliness of politics, and this heavy focus on politics was the only negative for me; I generally prefer biographies with a more personal note. But for Henry Clay, politics was personal and it was his life. And the Heidlers have done an excellent job of pulling together massive amounts of information and sorting out the myths and legends. While the book may not have broad appeal, it will certainly appeal to those seeking to understand the early history of the US and into the Jacksonian era as the country plunged toward Civil War.

Henry Clay was involved in politics from the time of President John Adams (#2) until President Millard Fillmore (#13). He served in the Senate (even before he was legally old enough), the House of Representatives (most of the time as Speaker), and as Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams (despite holding differing political views). He cast such a long shadow of influence over the nation that Abraham Lincoln later cited him as one of his greatest influences and heroes. He was the heart and soul of the Whig party and renowned for his speaking prowess - frequently packing the galleries with people eager for the chance to hear him speak. And yet he ran unsuccessfully for president 4 times, being undermined by those in his own party who thought him unelectable. He was "an otherwise good and decent man" with "a fundamental flaw" (pg 448) - he was a slave owner (which troubled abolitionists) who favored gradual emancipation (which troubled Southerners).

This lengthy biography (almost 500 pages) on a little-remembered but highly influential politician is surprisingly readable. The focus is almost completely on his political career, and details on his personal and family life are few and usually only included as they bear upon his career. With that emphasis comes a sometimes uncomfortable unveiling of the ugliness of politics, and this heavy focus on politics was the only negative for me; I generally prefer biographies with a more personal note. But for Henry Clay, politics was personal and it was his life. And the Heidlers have done an excellent job of pulling together massive amounts of information and sorting out the myths and legends. While the book may not have broad appeal, it will certainly appeal to those seeking to understand the early history of the US and into the Jacksonian era as the country plunged toward Civil War.

It isn't that Henry Clay is a bad book. But I quickly realized that I simply didn't have enough interest in the subject to sustain me through nearly 500 pages. So unfortunately this book goes in my short pile of started but never finished. Since I read so little of it I can't give it a fair rating. Usually if I can't get through a book I only give it one star. But I think that this book is better than that, so I'm giving it two stars. I readily admit that it might well deserve an even higher rating then that. So if your an enthusist of 19th century politicians this book might be up your alley.

To be honest, i was a bit disappointed about this book. I felt the author paid more attention in writing about Clay's family life rather than his political life. I was expecting a more in-depth analysis on how Clay honed and applied the parliamentary skills that he was known for today. Being a great orator, i was also expecting the author to give greater detail about his speeches,perhaps putting excerpts of it, but all i got were usually short summaries comprising of about 5 sentences. The author also failed to provide enough background for some issues, like when the book mentioned henry clay's son going to portugal because of a diplomatic crisis. The book didn't even told us what that crisis was all about. Nevertheless, I would have to say that the book is well-written if only i hadn't expected more...½

The Heidlers (Old Hickory's War: Andrew Jackson and the Quest for Empire, Stackpole, 1996) have edited an excellent reference work on the major event of the early national period, the War of 1812. Arranged in alphabetical order, their encyclopedia contains more than 500 entries by some 70 authors, including leading authorities on the war such as Donald Hickey. Although all the military engagements are covered, this thorough and comprehensive book also treats such topics as African Americans, the Federalist Party, and naval medicine. Also included are nearly two dozen pages of maps, a broad introductory overview of the war, and an up-to-date bibliography that includes such 1997 titles as Paul Nagel's biography of John Quincy Adams (LJ 10/1/97). This handsomely produced and easy-to-use book is fully indexed, with a special section of important documents. Most libraries will want to have it on hand.?Stephen G. Weisner, Springfield Technical Community Coll., MA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

4797. Henry Clay The Essential American, by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler (read 5 Feb 2011) Though I have read with satisfaction other biographies of Henry Clay, this is truly a magnificent work, outlining in superb fashion the tremendous life of its subject, beginning with his early years in Virginia and his astounding life in Kentucky and in Washington. Born !2 Apr 1777, he was a United States Senator before he was 30 (despite the Constitution!), and when he entered the House he was elected Speaker at the beginning of his first term! He was a part of the American team which obtained the Treaty of Ghent, an exceptionally good treaty to end a war we seldom won any battle in. His runs for the Presidency in 1824, 1832, 1836, 1840, 1844, and 1848 are told about in matchless prose. His life is such a full one and it is told in this biography extremely well, sympathetically but without failing to show when he was wrong. The only typo I saw in the book was on page 472 where it is stated Zachary Taylor died on June 9, 1850, whereas of course he died on July 9, 1850. This is one of the best biographies I have ever read.

(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)

As we all know, for every famed politician who eventually enters the history books, there were a dozen politicians around them who didn't, hardworking and greatly respected people in their time but who simply never rose to the level where they were recorded in history's great lists; so to put it in contemporary terms, for example, for every Ronald Reagan, there are a dozen Tip O'Neills, people destined to be forgotten by the public at large just a generation or two after their deaths. And when it comes to the first half of the 1800s, one such person would definitely be Henry Clay -- five-time Presidential also-ran, leader of Congress for almost half a century, scourge of Andrew Jackson, and champion of a whole series of failed projects (including the Bank of the United States, and the idea of compromise between the North and South over the issue of slavery). And it's noble, don't get me wrong, for scholars David and Jeanne Heidler to put together their recent 600-page biography of the man, explaining how he's gotten the short end of the stick over the years by being painted as the dowdy, elitist 'foe' of the populist, fascinating Jackson; but this overlong and overly dry tome also points out the problem of devoting this many pages to a man who ultimately never really did anything truly great, with the text eventually blurring at a certain point into a seemingly endless repetition of, "Then he unsuccessfully ran for President, then he debated tariff legislation, then one of his kids died; then he unsuccessfully ran for President, then he debated tariff legislation, then one of his kids died..." Although he's an interesting figure and I'm glad now that I know more about him, this particular volume delves way too much into the mind-numbing minutia of his day-to-day life, a book perfect for the Heidlers' fellow scholars but maybe not the best choice for a general audience member.

Out of 10: 7.3

There's so much substance behind Clay...this biography captures that and his charming, witty personal attributes and deftly blends them. I tend to prefer biographies of men of substance (Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Augustine of Hippo, Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Johnson, Alexander Hamilton, Madison/Jefferson, Clay, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Clinton) and to treat other biographies with contempt (Stonewall Jackson). Many biographies of public figures have difficulty with that blend, which makes the achievement all the more remarkable. Clay comes off as extremely human but great at that. The only minor flaw is the seeming confusion of John Clay with Henry Watkins in the first chapter, though it's apparent that the family relations WERE confusing. Wonderful read and worth every page of effort that you need to put into it.