Title
Looking Up From the Basement: New Biographies of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
10-2005
Department 1
History
Abstract
Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan inhabit a distinctive place in American presidential historiography. Along with Millard Fillmore and Ulysses Grant, they are usually held up as anti-models when discussions turn to presidential greatness. But each has rated more dismissive commentary than serious study, a point highlighted by the publication of these new biographies. [excerpt]
Recommended Citation
Birkner, Michael J. "Looking Up From the Basement: New Biographies of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan." Pennsylvania History 72.4 (October 2005), 535-543.