Author: Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce (1804–1869) was the 14th President of the United States, serving from 1853 to 1857. As an author, he is not predominantly known for literary works but rather for his political communications, such as his “First State of the Union Address, ” delivered in 1853. This address, as with other state papers, functioned as a platform to manifest Pierce”s stance on domestic and foreign policies of the era, as well as to reflect the pre-Civil War tensions in the United States. While the address itself is an important historical document, it does not serve to rank Pierce among literary figures in the traditional sense; it does not offer the breadth or depth of storytelling, imaginative prose, or poetic flair that characterize scholarly literary art. Indeed, as a politician and not a career author, Pierce”s writings were more instrumental and didactic, aimed at outlining his administration”s objectives and reassuring a nation riven by sectional discord. As a historical figure, Pierce”s legacy is contentious, with his presidency overshadowed by his perceived ineffectiveness and sympathy toward the pro-slavery faction. His address, and other writings, therefore, are best understood within the context of his political life and are studied more often for their historical value than their literary merit.