“An analysis which in completeness and usefulness surpasses those of his predecessors.”
+ + Nation. 81: 504. D. 21, ’05. 60w.
“Particularly useful to students is the second part of this little book.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 11: 6. Ja. 6, ’06. 260w.
“For general use this guide is most convenient.”
+ Outlook. 82: 521. Mr. 3, ’06. 90w.
Alexander, De Alva Stanwood. [Political history of the state of New York.] 2v. ea. *$2.50. Holt.
Volume 1, (1774–1832) follows the movements of political parties in New York from 1777, when the state constitution was drawn up, to 1832 and the formation of the Whig party. Volume 2, (1833–1861) takes up the story and carries it down thru the formation of the republican party in 1854, to the crippling of the Weed machine in 1861. The causes of fractional divisions during these years are carefully traced, and the subtle methods by which such men as George Clinton, Hamilton, Burr, De Witt Clinton, Van Buren, Seymour and Thurlow Weed achieved leadership and in succession ordered the political course of the Empire state receive detailed analyses.
“These volumes will have small value for the special student of New York politics, but they are capable of rendering a real service to the general reader until the time when a more thorough and comprehensive study of this subject shall appear.”