
In the bustling corridors of early‑20th‑century Washington, a seasoned doctor and a fervent public servant clash over the nation’s destiny. John Calhoun, a charismatic yet conflicted figure, wrestles with his own ambitions while confronting the stark realities of politics, ambition, and personal honor. Their sharp, witty exchanges reveal a world where ideals of expansion and the rule of the people collide with the gritty mechanics of power.
Against a backdrop of heated debates about Texas, Oregon, and the nation’s future, the narrative follows Calhoun’s relentless drive to shape America’s borders. As alliances shift and foreign interests loom, he must decide whether to pursue grand visions or confront the personal cost of his convictions. Listeners are drawn into a tense, character‑driven portrait of a pivotal moment in American history, where every choice carries the weight of a nation’s fate.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (477K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-12-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1923
A lawyer-turned-writer who helped shape the popular American Western, he turned frontier history and outdoor adventure into bestselling fiction. His novels, including The Mississippi Bubble and North of 36, brought the sweep of the American past to a wide audience.
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