John Tyler, the Accidental President

By: Edward P. Crapol

Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray

The first vice president to become president on the death of the incumbent, John Tyler (1790-1862) was derided by critics as "His Accidency." In this biography of the 10th president, Edward P. Crapol challenges depictions of Tyler as a die-hard advocate of states' rights, limited government, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Instead, he argues, Tyler manipulated the Constitution to increase the executive power of the presidency. Crapol also highlights Tyler's faith in America's national destiny and his belief that boundless territorial expansion would preserve the Union as a slaveholding republic. When Tyler sided with the Confederacy in 1861, he was branded as America's "traitor" president for having betrayed the republic he once led.

©2006 The University of North Carolina Press (P)2019 Tantor

Particular institution?

Peculiar institution, a phrase well overused to make slavery look less evil. This was not a real good biography.

Attempted Rescue Flounders

The author has put in a great effort trying to convince us and himself of Tyler’s worth by giving him credit for being there while things happened. But even he can’t erase the smears.

He’s set a very low bar for the determination of relevancy in a US president, and then essentially manufactures reasons to support his clearing that bar.

Still, it’s a Tyler biography which is more rare than should be of any President.

Better than I Expected

When I read some of the reviews, I was hesitant to begin reading this book, but I'm glad I listened to my impulses and went with it anyway because it was actually surprisingly interesting. Obviously, Tyler's story is not as exciting in comparison to that of Washington, Lincoln, or even his role model, Jefferson. He led a much more quiet life of a southern aristocrat and so his story would seem much more bland than other more notable presidents, but he also was not completely the insignificant president that I thought he was before reading the book. As a matter of fact, his presidency shaped the future of American foreign and domestic policies in several profound ways (annexation of Texas and Hawaii, continuation of the "extend the sphere" doctrine of Madison), most notably the precedent of presidential succession, which would be used multiple times. Tyler was a southern aristocrat during the Antebellum period, so obviously he owned slaves and falsely believed that slavery would continue through the 19th century and continue into the 20th, and as president he defended the institution of slavery. The author does a great job with balancing modern understanding of the evils of slavery and Tyler's own 19th century understanding, and Crapol does not shy away at pointing out Tyler's faults. He gives Tyler fair treatment without making him out to be a hero or a villain, and describes him in the context of his times, not ours.
This book is not a biography in the traditional chronological sense, and takes more of a thematic look into Tyler's life and presidency. Each chapter deals with certain topics (slavery, Texas, Hawaii, Tyler's support of the Confederacy, etc.) rather than a strict chronological account that is used in most biographies, but to me, this actually was one of the strengths of the book, whereas it may not have worked for other more notable presidents. Crapol does a great job at focusing on what were the most important aspects of Tyler's life and how/why he should be remembered in history.

Story Strangled by Presentation

Making my way through the presidents, one biography at a time.

The story is outstanding, but so much of the presentations by Mr. Murray is a clear distraction. I appreciate his energy, which is evident throughout.

However, Mr. Murray's annoying habit of closing a phrase or sentence on ascension is novel during the preface, but wears thin early on.

I will plow through, but will be looking closely at the reader in the future. I'll avoid titles by Mr. Murray. A shame, because aside this singular but insistent pecadillo, he is an interesting listen.

Excellent as it Could Be

Having listened to nearly 200 Audible books l would give high ranks to this well written documentary that addresses difficult subjects & issues. The narrator was equally talented & fluid. I can’t imagine someone ranking this presentation low unless they were extraordinarily sensitive on the issues discussed, were not familiar with Presidential biographies, or were expecting some sort of Hollywood ride from an 1800s simple world. I salute the author & enjoyed becoming familiar with the issues at hand during this era. Especially about the annexation of Texas, the fact that Britain’s flag once flew over Hawaii, & Britain also attempted to take Texas on the grounds of preventing it from becoming a slave state. Now Polk’s Presidency falls into sync better with me having previously finished his biography. Well Done.