The Book, the Man, and the Venue — Martin Van Buren
Book Review — "Martin Van Buren And The American Political System" by Donald B. Cole
Welcome back to “The Book, the Man and the Venue”, my weekly newsletter that aims to shed light on every U.S. president in a way that is engaging, informative, and hopefully, fun!
Every Monday, I’ll be releasing a new article in which I chronicle my journey through one biography for each U.S. President. Each post will consist of three parts: I’ll offer a brief review of the biography (the Book), share reflections on the president's character and legacy (the Man), and choose a location where I would spend time with the president if they were alive today (the Venue).
Hopefully, you will find the content both enriching and enjoyable, and if you like what you read, please consider checking out my other articles (and subscribing if you don’t already)!
Without further ado: Martin Van Buren
The Book
Having gleaned only tidbits about “the little Magician” from Andrew Jackson's biography, I approached Donald B. Cole’s "Martin Van Buren" with modest expectations. To my surprise, Cole's biography unveiled a captivating and illuminating portrayal of a figure who, in this reader’s opinion, merits greater recognition in US history.
Cole presents Van Buren's story as a straightforward yet occasionally dry account of a political tactician who navigates the corridors of power with skill, cunning, and relentless perseverance. Drawing from extensive research (as evidenced by Cole's numerous publications on the Jacksonian era), the author crafts a narrative that is rich in detail and is unexpectedly insightful. While Van Buren remains the central focus, Cole adeptly introduces a diverse cast of characters—such as DeWitt Clinton, Rufus King, and Silas Wright—adding depth to the story without detracting from its overarching themes.
However, the biography's primary emphasis on Van Buren's political career leaves little room for exploration of his personal or familial life. Though there are glimpses into Van Buren's relationships with his wife and son, these aspects are sparingly detailed. Consequently, readers seeking a gripping tale of intrigue and action may find Cole's offering lacking. Yet, for those with a scholarly bent and a penchant for nuanced analysis, Cole's work proves a rewarding choice.
Rating: 6.9/10
The Man
Like tears in rain, the Red Fox of Kinderhook has quietly receded from the annals of American history. To the average person, he remains a figure shrouded in mystery, known perhaps only for his diminutive stature and reputation as a cunning political operator. Yet, delving into his life story proved to be a surprisingly captivating journey for me.
Reading Van Buren's biography, I found striking parallels with Lyndon Johnson. Both men hailed from humble origins and ascended to the vice presidency under more prominent predecessors. Moreover, they shared a remarkable aptitude for political maneuvering, excelling in the art of acquiring power rather than wielding it effectively.
The great Robert Caro often talks about how one of Lyndon Johnson’s greatest skills was his ability to count votes, and I couldn’t help but recognize the same capability in MVB (except, of course, in the election of 1824, which Cole discusses in great detail).
Thus, if there's one president whose story merits greater scholarly attention, it's Van Buren. Given the “Caro treatment”, I believe his narrative would be exceedingly captivating.
Fun Fact #1: MVB’s 1840 presidential campaign popularized the term "ok"! Faced against the spirited slogans of his Whig opponent, William Henry Harrison, Van Buren's supporters rallied around the moniker "Old Kinderhook", which originated from his hometown of Kinderhook, New York. Soon, "O.K. clubs" were formed in support of the democratic nominee, and the term became popular in both positive and negative connotations.
Though Van Buren's electoral bid ended in defeat, the term “ok” lived on. It was placed in the 1864 Slang Dictionary of Vulgar Words, and soon manifested itself in pop culture following the 1881 gunfight between Doc Holliday and the Earp brothers at the OK Corral.
Fun Fact #2: Martin Van Buren is the first president who did not speak English as his first language (he spoke Dutch growing up).
The Venue
Martin Van Buren was known for dressing exuberantly, earning praise and jest alike. Davy Crockett once quipped, “he struts and swaggers like a crow in a gutter. He is laced in corsets, such as women in town wear, and, if possible, tighter than the best of them.”
Given Van Buren’s penchant for fashion and New York upbringing, I think it only makes sense for us to go shopping along 5th avenue. He would certainly enjoy the diverse array of stores (if not the prices), and I would have a great time strolling through the streets with someone who once wielded so much political influence in the Big Apple.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this installment of “The Book, the Man, and the Venue.” If you have feedback about today’s issue, or thoughts about future topics, please feel free to send me a message.
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Thanks Felix, what stores on 5th Ave
Can you contextualize your rating "6.9"?