Title: A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent
Author: Robert W.
Merry
First published November 3, 2008
575 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780743297431 (ISBN10: 0743297431)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
When the Williams family moves to a charming cottage in the English countryside, they didn’t expect to encounter something out of the ordinary. But as soon as they settle in, strange occurrences begin to take place.
Doors slam shut on their own, and unfamiliar markings scribbled in an old-fashioned script appear on the walls. James, the youngest member of the family, soon discovers that they are dealing with the ghost of Thomas Kempe, a mischievous spirit with a penchant for causing trouble.
Will James be able to uncover the secrets behind this ghostly presence and put an end to the chaos?
About the Author
Meet Robert W. Merry, a multi-talented American journalist, publishing executive, commentator, and author.
He currently serves as the editor of The American Conservative.
Born in Tacoma, WA in 1946, Merry has an impressive background. He served in the U.S. Army for three years, where he worked as a counterintelligence special agent in West Germany.
After completing his service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Washington in 1968. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School in 1972.
Merry began his career as a reporter and eventually became a Washington-based political reporter in 1974 when he joined the staff of a Dow Jones weekly newspaper. When the newspaper folded in 1977, he landed a job at where he spent twelve years covering Congress, national politics, and the White House.
In 1987, Merry became managing editor of the publication. He worked his way up the ranks, becoming the Executive Editor in 1990, President in 1997, and finally Editor-in-Chief.
He spent a total of 12 years at the helm of the publication, leading it into the digital age.
Editoral Review
In “A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War and the Conquest of the American Continent,” Robert W.
Merry offers a compelling account of one of the most controversial periods in American history. First published in 2008, the book seeks to shed light on the presidency of James K.
Polk, who served from 1845 to 1849, and the conquest of the American continent that occurred during his tenure. With its meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and sharp critical insights, “A Country of Vast Designs” stands out as an exemplary work of historical nonfiction.
Merry begins by situating Polk within the larger context of nineteenth-century American politics, tracing his rise to power and his key policy goals. From there, he delves into the conflicts and struggles that defined Polk’s presidency, including the Mexican-American War, the annexation of Texas, and the massive territorial expansion that resulted.
Throughout, Merry carefully analyzes the various political, social, and economic forces at play, illuminating the complex dynamics that drove Polk and his contemporaries. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a nation in the midst of profound change, struggling to reconcile its ideals of democracy and freedom with its drive for territorial and economic expansion.
Merry’s narrative is gripping and deeply informative, bringing to life the key figures involved in these conflicts and shedding light on the underlying tensions that drove them. One of the book’s most impressive strengths is its ability to weave together various strands of history into a coherent and engaging narrative.
Rather than simply offering a blow-by-blow account of Polk’s presidency, Merry places it within the larger context of American history, exploring the broader social, political, and economic factors that shaped it. This approach allows the reader to gain a much deeper understanding of the forces that drove Polk and his contemporaries.
Additionally, Merry’s writing style is clear, concise, and highly readable, making this a book that even those with minimal knowledge of American history will find accessible and engaging. The author’s attention to detail is remarkable, and his research is second to none, making this an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike.
Of course, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the pacing somewhat sluggish at times, as Merry devotes considerable space to complex political maneuvering and negotiations.
Others might find the author’s analysis of Polk’s character and motivations somewhat reductive or oversimplified. That said, these are relatively minor criticisms, and they do little to detract from the book’s overall quality.
In fact, one could argue that Merry’s meticulous attention to detail and careful analysis of Polk’s presidency are precisely what make this book such a standout work of historical nonfiction. In conclusion, “A Country of Vast Designs” is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, politics, or culture.
Merry’s impressive scholarship and engaging writing style make this book an absolute pleasure to read, and his insights into the complexities of American nation-building are as relevant today as they were during Polk’s presidency. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and present.
