Martin Van Buren

A Fascinating Biography of the 8th United States President

By: Steven Wallace

Narrated by: Thomas Rode

Martin Van Buren: A Fascinating Biography of the 8th United States President showcases the life and political career of a man who championed for the expansion of voting rights and would later overcome an attempt to rig the presidential election by the opposing party to take his place in American history.

In his continuing series on American presidents, Steven Wallace presents the lifelong biography of the patriotic eighth president of the United States. Before the Panic of 1837 - the second worst depression in American history - poisoned his career and term as presidency, Martin Van Buren was a passionate politician who hoped to move America forward.

Born just six years after the founding of the United States, Martin Van Buren seemed destined for politics. Known throughout his career as “Little Van” for his short stature, his impact on America was certainly not minimal. From the age of 14, the democratic Van Buren began a political career as an apprentice. He would later go on to fulfill several positions including senator for New York state, a brief stint as governor, Andrew Jackson’s secretary of state, and eventually president. His incredible life also led him to become directly involved in intriguing events such as the War of 1812 and the Petticoat Affair.

Enjoy this concise and interesting biography about the eighth president of the United States, whose impressive political career was overshadowed by the second worst depression in the nation’s history.

©2021 Montgomery Providence Publishing (P)2021 Montgomery Providence Publishing

Rating primarily based upon length.

The length of this very brief book severely limits the depth the author can achieve in presenting Van Buren's life. However, as a precis of his political career, it is more pleasing & comprehensive than most short biographies I have read. The biography featured politics but very nicely established Van Buren's early & personal life. Well done in the time utilized.
The author chose to refer to Van Buren as 'Martin', which seemed a bit familiar to me. Definitely whet my appetite to learn more about President Van Buren, though!
Note: I was provided this book at no cost to me.

Van Buren biography

This biography was less detailed than I would have liked. I should have paid more attention to the book’s length than its title.

Not Enough

Too fast. Too short. A quick run down if you want the highlight reel version.

not impressed

It felt too simple. kind of a glorified Wikipedia article. The other presidential biographies I've listened to were a lot more in depth & engaging. more of a short story than a biography

Excellent

Excellent narration, along with an interesting glimpse back to the issues in that era of time. Along with giving us a look at these founders who became leaders. Well done and enjoyed.Given audio for my voluntary review

bad info

There is a lot of incorrect information take this book with a grain of salt. Look up stuff that seems off it is probably wrong.

Just an essay

This is a thesis driven essay as opposed to an actual biography. The argument outpaces the evidence.

Too abbreviated

A cursory overview not worth a full credit. I believe I could have received the same results from a Google or Wikipedia search.