American History Book Club Announces Next Book: “Polk” by Walter R. Borneman

Following the Monee Historical Society’s June 2 discussion of Andrew Jackson by Robert V. Remini as a part of the American History Book Club, the club has chosen its next book, Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America by Walter R. Borneman.

From the publisher:

In Polk, Walter R. Borneman gives us the first complete and authoritative biography of a president often overshadowed in image but seldom outdone in accomplishment. James K. Polk occupied the White House for only four years, from 1845 to 1849, but he plotted and attained a formidable agenda: He fought for and won tariff reductions, reestablished an independent Treasury, and, most notably, brought Texas into the Union, bluffed Great Britain out of the lion’s share of Oregon, and wrested California and much of the Southwest from Mexico. On reflection, these successes seem even more impressive, given the contentious political environment of the time.

In this unprecedented, long-overdue warts-and-all look at Polk’s life and career, we have a portrait of an expansionist president and decisive statesman who redefined the country he led, and we are reminded anew of the true meaning of presidential accomplishment and resolve.

The Book Club will be discussing the first half of the book at its July meeting: July 14, 2022, at 7:00pm, at the Monee Heritage Center.