John Tyler, the Accidental President - by Edward P Crapol (Paperback)

About the Book

The first vice president to become president on the death of the incumbent, John Tyler (1790-1862) was derided by critics as "His Accidency." In this biography of the tenth president, Edward P. Crapol challenges depictions of Tyler as a die-hard advocate of states' rights, limited government, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Instead, he argues, Tyler manipulated the Constitution to increase the executive power of the presidency. Crapol also highlights Tyler's faith in America's national destiny and his belief that boundless territorial expansion would preserve the Union as a slaveholding republic. When Tyler sided with the Confederacy in 1861, he was branded as America's "traitor" president for having betrayed the republic he once led.

Review Quotes

"[A] well-written, enlightening biography. . . . A balanced view of a neglected U.S. President."--CHOICE

"A commendable study that judiciously measures Tyler's qualities and real accomplishments while acknowledging his personal faults and policy mistakes. . . . A fine study of the enigmatic career of John Tyler."--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

"A masterful and mostly sympathetic study of the 10th president. . . . A fascinating and lively read."--Virginia Pilot

"A worthy contribution to the study of the Tyler presidency and a skillful look at politics in the United States leading up to the Civil War. . . . A subtle blend of biography with presidential history."--The Historian

"Crapol is to be congratulated for giving us a concise scholarly discussion of a forgotten president."--Virginia Magazine

"In this remarkable study, Crapol . . . argues that Tyler was in fact a terrifically strong president who helped strengthen the executive branch. . . . This balanced, fascinating volume will introduce a new generation of readers to an oft-ignored president."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The best study yet of Tyler's presidency and his important legacies. . . . Any study of late Jacksonian America must now include Crapol's brilliant study." --Pacific Historical Review

"This revelatory study adds a welcomed fresh dimension to the history and historiography of antebellum expansion and diplomacy."--Journal of Southern History

"Well researched and well written, this fine volume adds to the growing literature on John Tyler, successfully linking his republican views with slavery, expansion, and national destiny."--Journal of American History

"Written clearly and concisely . . . provides a superb examination of Tyler's life and the legacies of his foreign policy initiatives."--Virginia Quarterly