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A Man of Iron

The Turbulent Life and Improbable Presidency of Grover Cleveland

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A Man of Iron

By: Troy Senik, Troy Senik - introduction
Narrated by: Pete Simonelli
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About this listen

 “A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable” (National Review) biography of Grover Cleveland—one of America’s most unusual presidents and the first one to serve two non-consecutive terms.

“Entertaining and astute” (Booklist), A Man of Iron explores the remarkable life and extraordinary career of Grover Cleveland—the honest, principled, and plain-spoken president whose country has largely overlooked him.

Grover Cleveland’s political career—a dizzying journey that saw him rise from obscure lawyer to president of the United States in just three years—was marked by contradictions. A politician of uncharacteristic honesty and principle, he was nevertheless dogged by secrets from his personal life. A believer in limited government, he pushed presidential power to its limits to combat a crippling depression, suppress labor unrest, and resist the forces of American imperialism. A headstrong executive who alienated Congress, political bosses, and even his own party, his stubbornness nevertheless became the key to his political appeal. The most successful Democratic politician of his era, he came to be remembered most fondly by Republicans.

“With prodigious research, rich detail…and lively prose” (The Free Lance-Star, Virginia), A Man of Iron is a compelling and vivid biography joining the ranks of presidential classics such as David McCullough’s John Adams, Ron Chernow’s Grant, and Amity Shlaes’s Coolidge. Americas Politicians Politics & Activism Presidents & Heads of State United States Career Biography

Critic Reviews

"Listeners will be rewarded in learning about a man who deserves far more credit than history has afforded him."
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Brilliantly written biography of a great and oft-overlooked president. Sharp, descriptive and wryly funny writing. It was highly enjoyable and I just couldn’t put it down! Troy is a great writer and I look forward to his next book.

A Book of Iron

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I knew nothing about Grover Cleveland and little more about American politics in the late 19th century. This is a work of scholarship no doubt but Troy Senik turns this into a truly engaging story about a self made principled incorruptible politician during the hey day of pork barrel, patronage and disinformation. It is read by a terrific narrator - a sometimes rarity. Take really worth listening to!

Probably the best historical biography I have ever read

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