Heirs of the Founders by H.W. Brands

H.W. Brands always seems to bring to light lesser known people or events. We all know about the founding fathers of this country but give little time and energy to the next generation of statesmen who had to keep the fledgling country going and balance the many different visions of democracy. John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster were all very intelligent, well-respected and very verbal politicians. All had White House aspirations but lost the office to others and all of them maintained very visible Washington profiles. The three men came from different parts of the country which held to different beliefs. Post-revolutionary Washington was just as volatile, loud and fraught with political strife as today and these three men were at the forefront of one of the greatest and disturbing question - how to handle those who wanted slavery to continue with those that didn't. This debate would last through several presidencies, numerous proposals and for Calhoun, Clay and Webster, a lifetime of debate. This book is well researched and in character with his other books, filled with interesting side stories to give you the necessary background. Instead of just spouting facts and figures, Brands makes history come alive.