Borneman, Walter R. Polk; the man who transformed the Presidency and America

Kliatt, July, 2008 by John E. Boyd

BORNEMAN, Walter R. Polk; the man who transformed the Presidency and America. Read by Alan Nebelthau. 11 cds. 13 hrs. Recorded Books. 2008. 978-1-4281-8538-8. $123.75. Vinyl; content notes. SA

Although the notes on the package cover assert that James Knox Polk, who occupied the White House between 1845-1849, "is considered one of the greatest American presidents," he is also one of the lesser-known ones. After finishing this audiobook, listeners may wonder why he has been ignored. Nebelthal's even-toned, well-paced, unvoiced performance is in a professorial/lecture style that adds an air of importance to the material. Listeners will learn that former president and war hero Andrew Jackson was a mentoring force behind Polk. They will also see that, from the outset, Polk was ambitious and hardworking. Early on in his political career, he set his sights on the White House and used his well-honed personal/political skills to rise to prominence within the Democratic Party. Polk won the nomination and presidency in 1844. A self-proclaimed one termer, Polk embarked on a course to expand the United States. In doing so, the country had to fight an unpopular war with Mexico and threaten to fight Great Britain. The mixture of war and diplomacy makes for interesting listening. When the smoke had cleared, the US had increased its size by a third. Today's listeners will see parallels with the 2008 presidential campaign and become caught up in the Mexican War, party politics, and personality clashes. For future history majors, biography lovers, and those considering a career in politics. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA