For your consideration in a Rare 1848 2nd Edition of "Life of Major General Zachary Taylor" by H. Montgomery, J. C. Derby & Co., publishers, Auburn, NY. omprehensive biography about the 12th President of the United States. A national hero as a result of his victories in the Mexican-American War won him election to the White House despite his vague political beliefs. He served from March 1849 until his death in July 1850. Before his presidency, Taylor was a career officer in the United State Army, rising to the rank of major general. Despite being a Southerner and a slaveholder himself, Taylor did not push for the expansion of slavery. To avoid the question, he urged settlers in New Mexico and California to bypass the territorial stage and draft constitutions for statehood, setting the stage for the Compromise of 1850. Taylor died suddenly of a stomach-related illness in July 1850, ensuring he would have little impact on the sectional divide that led to civil war a decade later. His top priority as president was preserving the Union, but he died seventeen months into his term, before making any progress on the status of slavery, which had been inflaming tensions in Congress. The green cloth bound gold gilt stamped illustrated hardcover is in fair to good condition, amazingly preserved for its age, scuffing and staining observed. Intact pages exhibit age tanning and foxing throughout. Measures 5"W x 7.75"L x 1"D, weight 14oz,