The University Press of Kentucky

" Across more than six generations—beginning before the Revolutionary War—the Breckinridge family has produced a series of notable leaders. These often controversial men and women included a presidential candidate, a U.S. vice president, cabinet members, generals, women’s rights advocates, congressmen, editors, reformers, authors, and church leaders. Along with success, the Breckinridges, like other Americans, faced hardship and war, contended with race, lived through difficult family situations—including a sex scandal—and encountered personal and political failure. An articulate, opinionated, and frank family, the Breckinridges have left a detailed record that allows us a vivid recreation of the range of American history and society.

"A well-written and often evocative narrative that is liberally sprinkled with first-rate analysis."--Indiana Magazine of History

"Traces the path of the well-known family from log cabins in colonial Virginia to the 20th century."--Kentucky Monthly

“Each of Klotter’s eight central figures merits extended study and he lists more than a dozen ‘secondary’ family members who seem ripe for historical investigation.”—Ohio Valley History

"With a new,brief inroduction. . . hefty volume is well worth the investment for anyone interested in Kentucky history, antebellum politics or the Army of Tennessee."--Jeff Patrick, Civil War News