This fascinating study examines the meteoric career of a vigorous intellectual movement rising out of the Age of Jackson. As Americans argued over their destiny in the decades preceding the Civil War, an outspoken new generation of "ultra-democratic" writers entered the fray, staking out positions on politics, literature, art, and any other territory they could annex. They called themselves Young America--and they proclaimed a "Manifest Destiny" to push back frontiers in every category of achievement. Their swagger found a natural home in New York City, already bursting at the seams and ready to take on the world. Young America's mouthpiece was the Democratic Review, a highly influential magazine funded by the Democratic Party and edited by the brash and charismatic John O'Sullivan. The Review offered a fresh voice in political journalism, and sponsored young writers like Hawthorne and Whitman early in their careers. Melville, too, was influenced by Young America, and provided a running commentary on its many excesses. Despite brilliant promise, the movement fell apart in the 1850s, leaving its original leaders troubled over the darker destiny they had ushered in. Their ambitious generation had failed to rewrite history as promised. Instead, their perpetual agitation helped set the stage for the Civil War. Young America: The Flowering of Democracy in New York City is without question the most complete examination of this captivating and original movement. It also provides the first published biography of its leader, John O'Sullivan, one of America's great rhetoricians. Edward L. Widmer enriches his unique volume by offering a new theory of Manifest Destiny as part of a broader movement of intellectual expansion in nineteenth-century America.

Tales of Young America takes a glimpse of history through the eyes of this amazing storyteller. Read stories of George Washington and his friendship with Benjamin Franklin, tales of Abraham Lincoln like never before, riveting stories of Andrew Jackson that will make you shiver, passionate stories of love between the presidents and their first ladies. This is a great way for young and old to enjoy one of our greatest gifts—our history.

Oliver Optic's 'Vine and Olive; Or, Young America in Spain and Portugal. A Story of Travel and Adventure' is a captivating novel that follows a group of young Americans exploring the landscapes of Spain and Portugal. Optic's descriptive writing style vividly brings to life the cultural richness and historical significance of these countries, making it an immersive reading experience for those interested in travel literature. The book is beautifully written, with detailed accounts of the characters' adventures, making it a valuable addition to the travel fiction genre. Oliver Optic, a pseudonym for William Taylor Adams, was a prolific author known for his adventure stories for young readers. With a background in education, Optic's writing often incorporated moral lessons and values, aiming to educate and entertain his audience. This particular novel reflects Optic's passion for travel and exploration, as well as his expertise in crafting engaging narratives that appeal to a wide range of readers. I highly recommend 'Vine and Olive' to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and travel narratives. Oliver Optic's vivid storytelling and attention to detail make this book a must-read for those seeking a thrilling adventure through the landscapes of Spain and Portugal.