Biographies

Henry Clay: The Essential American

David Heidler; Jeanne Heidler

About the Program

Historians David and Jeanne Heidler recount the life of the "the Western Star," Henry Clay.  The youngest speaker of the House and long time U.S. Senator from Kentucky who served under ten presidents.  The Heidler's recall Clay's personal life, which included his fifty-three year marriage and eleven children and his political exploits from his significant role in the Great Compromise to his five unsuccessful campaigns for the presidency.  David and Jeanne Heidler present their book at Ashlands, The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, Kentucky.

About the Authors

David Heidler

David Heidler is the author or editor of several books with his wife Jeanne Heidler, including Daily Life in the Early Republic, 1790-1820: Creating A New Nation.  He is currently associated with the history department at Colorado State University.


Buy the author's book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Jeanne Heidler

Jeanne Heidler is the author or editor of several books with her husband David Heidler, including Old Hickory's War: Andrew Jackson and the Quest for Empire.  She is a professor and the senior civilian member of the history department at the United States Air Force Academy.

Program Information

Henry Clay: The Essential American

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Past Airings

  • Sunday, July 4th at 5:30pm (ET)
  • Sunday, July 4th at 8:30am (ET)
  • Sunday, June 27th at 10pm (ET)
  • Saturday, June 26th at 1:30pm (ET)
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