Heirs of the Founders: The Epic Rivalry of Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American Giants

I have been impelled, in light of recent events, to study up on American history in order to be a more informed citizen. In that light, I selected this book to inform myself about the lives and philosophies of three American giants: Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster. Unfortunately, in this telling, they have become less than great in my mind. Daniel Webster, in particular, supports slavery in one of his greatest oratorical triumphs. The others seem no better, engaging in petty squabbles, duels, jibes and insults. In all, it reassured me that today’s politicians might be no worse than so-called giants in American history. The reader may find it difficult to read since the characters were not drawn clearly enough to differentiate them. For that reason, this book might be better suited for a reader more schooled in their history. Perhaps that is the lesson of this book: history repeats itself.