Life of James Buchanan, Fifteenth President of the United States. v. 2 (of 2)

"Life of James Buchanan, Fifteenth President of the United States, Volume 2" by George Ticknor Curtis offers an in-depth exploration of Buchanan's presidency and the tumultuous era in which he governed. This second volume delves into the critical events leading up to the Civil War, detailing Buchanan's policies, political decisions, and the growing sectional tensions that characterized his term from 1857 to 1861. Curtis's narrative is meticulously researched, providing a comprehensive portrait of Buchanan as both a man and a leader. The author presents Buchanan's challenges, including the enforcement of the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act and the increasing divide between North and South. Curtis's analysis offers insight into Buchanan’s character, his reluctance to confront the emerging crises, and how these decisions shaped his legacy. With rich historical context and engaging prose, this biography serves as a valuable resource for those interested in American history and the political landscape of the pre-Civil War era.