This is history at its most dry. This book does what it says it will do, discuss Van Buren's background as an attorney and its influence on him. Unfortunately, I think only an attorney would find this interesting, as it reads like I would expect a law book would read. Not for the average reader hoping to learn about this president.

I felt that this book was very well researched, informative and interesting. It, however, left me wanting more. The book stops short of not only Van Buren's presidency, but his vice presidency under Andrew Jackson as well. Furthermore, Van Buren's ex-presidency was long, eventful and unfortunately also neglected by this book.