Creates a solid portrait of both man and President. Pierce, a New Englander known for his charm and good looks, traditionally ranks as one of our nation's worst leaders. Holt does not dispel or challenge any previous assessments but rather tries to explain the pre-Civil War President's actions. Holt's thesis is that Pierce's obsession with the Democratic Party and priority of party over country in the tumultuous 1850s in fact damaged his party and pushed the country more quickly toward war.

A precocious start -- War, sectional crisis, and election -- No "timid forebodings of evil from expansion" -- Patronage, policy, and political realignment -- Defeat -- Retirement.