Overview

Charismatic, charming, and one of the best orators of his era, Henry Clay seemed to have it all. He offered a comprehensive plan of change for America, and he directed national affairs as Speaker of the House, as Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams--the man he put in office--and as acknowledged leader of the Whig party. As the broker of the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, Henry Clay fought to keep a young nation united when westward expansion and slavery threatened to tear it apart. Yet, despite his talent and achievements, Henry Clay never became president. Three times he received Electoral College votes, twice more he sought his party's nomination, yet each time he was defeated. Alongside fellow senatorial greats Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun, Clay was in the mix almost every moment from 1824 to 1848. Given his prominence, perhaps the years should be termed not the Jacksonian Era but rather the Age of Clay. James C. Klotter uses new research and offers a more focused, nuanced explanation of Clay's programs and politics in order to answer to the question of why the man they called ""The Great Rejected"" never won the presidency but did win the accolades of history. Klotter's fresh outlook reveals that the best monument to Henry Clay is the fact that the United States remains one country, one nation, one example of a successful democracy, still working, still changing, still reflecting his spirit. The appeal of Henry Clay and his emphasis on compromise still resonate in a society seeking less partisanship and more efforts at conciliation.

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9780190498047

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Reviews

It is to Klotter's great credit that he enables contemporary readers to appreciate why Henry Clay was so influential and why he remains the gold standard in managing the dance of legislation on Capitol Hill. And yes, why despite his manifold virtues as a politician, he never made it to the White House. -- Michael J. Birkner, North Carolina Historical Review A fine exegesis...elegant. - The Wall Street Journal The author lays out a well-written abundance of highly german and nuanced material -- the product of a master -- for the reader to thoughtfully consider. This book belongs on the shelves of all who appreciate political history and its relevance for our lives today. -- Steve Flairty, Kentucky Monthly

A fine exegesis...elegant. - The Wall Street Journal

Author Information

James C. Klotter is Professor of History at Georgetown College and State Historian of Kentucky. The prize-winning author, coauthor, or editor of some eighteen books, he was the executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society for many years.

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