[A] splendid biography . . . Between Washington's time and Lincoln's, it is probable that no American was more influential than Clay. --David S. Broder, The Washington Post A revealing portrait of Henry Clay, a man who was critical to the life of the nation in the tumultuous nineteenth century. Never president but always in the arena, Clay is a remarkable architect of the Union, and we owe the Heidlers a debt for bringing him to life in these pages. --Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House Henry Clay's unparalleled combination of skill, charisma, and energy are on display in this biography. --James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era An enormously engaging picture of this man and his era. --Heather Cox Richardson, The Washington Post It is a measure of the Heidlers' success that they rescue Harry of the West from his own legend. . . . [They] write with one voice and contagious enthusiasm. --Richard Norton Smith, The National Interest