Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol

John C. Breckinridge rose to prominence during one of the most turbulent times in America's history. Born to a well-known Kentucky family in 1821, he became a celebrated statesman, heroic soldier, and supporter of compromise. Widely respected, even by his enemies, for his dedication to moderate liberalism, Breckinridge's charisma and integrity led to his election as Buchanan's Vice President at age 35, the youngest in America's history.

After a decade out of print, Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol returns as the stirring biography of one of Kentucky's great moderates. Historian William C. Davis was the first to write a comprehensive biography about Breckinridge, offering a laudatory account of Breckinridge's spectacular political rise from state legislator to Vice President that distinguished his antebellum career.

Davis places the too-often overlooked Breckinridge in his rightful place in the framework of American history through a remarkable collection of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters, as well as the papers of his associates and extensive aid from the Breckenridge family. A true Kentucky hero, "Old Breck's" bravery in battle, dedication to the pursuit of truth, and unique ability to win the loyalty of others rank him alongside Henry Clay and Simon Kenton. In this welcome return of an important volume, Breckinridge presents the life of a man whose life and legacy contains valuable insight into our nation's history.

John C. Breckinridge rose to prominence during one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history. Widely respected, even by his enemies, for his dedication to moderate liberalism, Breckinridge's charisma and integrity led to his election as Vice President at age 35, the youngest ever in America's history.

After a decade of being out-of-print, Breckinridge: Statesman, Soldier, Symbol returns as the quintessential biography of one of Kentucky's great moderates. Historian William C. Davis sheds light on Breckinridge's life throughout three key periods, spanning his career as a celebrated statesman, heroic soldier, and proponent of the reconciliation.

A true Kentucky hero, "Old Breck's" bravery in battle, dedication to the pursuit of truth, and unique ability to win the loyalty of others rank him alongside Henry Clay and Simon Kenton. Drawing from a remarkable collection of sources, including previously unknown documents and letters, as well as the papers of his associates and extensive aid from the Breckinridge family, Davis presents the legacy of a man often overlooked.

William C. Davis, director of programs at the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and professor at Virginia Tech, is the author or editor of more than fifty books, including the Virginia at War series. He was also the chief consultant for The History Channel's Civil War Journal and lives in Blacksburg, Virginia.