Politics in New York State, 1800-1830

xii, 221 pp. 8vo. A case study of Martin Van Buren which 'illustrates the conflict between principles and opportunism in politics, revaluating the importance of economics and ideology, considered paramount by earlier historians such as Dixon Ryan Fox. [Kass] develops the idea that power is more appealing to most men than wealth or ideas. Party lines in Van Buren's day were indistinct and politicians opportunistic; to further their own careers they would even switch from one faction to another overnight - anything to win!"