Adams and Calhoun

"A pleasure to read. It is well researched, both in primary and secondary sources, and exceedingly well- written, moving through a complex story at a brisk pace. The author's word choices and skill at both narrative and argument make the book an easy and productive read. . .. Hartford has produced a fast-paced, engaging narrative about two famous men that proves not only fair to both and engaging for readers but also one unsparing concerning the flaws both men manifested."—Lacy Ford, emeritus, department of history, University of South Carolina

"Thematic chapters, which focus on the issues of empire, nullification, slavery, and party politics, present the opportunity to view some of the most significant events of the first half of the nineteenth century through the lens of two of the country's foremost politicians, and the fact that they came to disagree so completely despite an early friendship perfectly illustrates the growing political divide. The writing is crisp and polished."—Robert Elder, associate professor of history, Baylor University