54-40 or Fight

"54-40 or Fight" by Emerson Hough is a historical fiction novel that explores America's hunger for land in the 1800s. The story plunges into the high-stakes political world of John Calhoun, a powerful Southern politician obsessed with expanding the country's borders by acquiring Texas and Oregon. As Calhoun navigates treacherous political waters and faces off against England, the narrative hints at secret plots and personal ambitions as he employs unconventional methods to gain an advantage. The introduction of Nicholas Trist, sent on a critical mission to the mysterious Baroness von Ritz, raises the stakes and sets the scene for a dramatic meeting involving political and personal fates. The novel weaves together political drama and personal intrigue, highlighting themes of ambition, power, and the conflicts that shaped America.