Reviews

"This book presents a concise, interpretive account that covers the most important political, diplomatic, and economic questions of the Taylor and Fillmore administrations and the period from 1848 to 1853. It is well organized, clearly written, and tightly argued."--American Historical Review"This well-written book does justice to two presidents who have been little praised by historians. Many historians have perceived a change of direction when Fillmore succeeded Taylor, but Smith argues for continuity."--Journal of American History"Anyone interested in the immediate pre-Civil War period will find much to ponder in this well-written, tightly argued book."--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society