America 250 · #10 President · 1841–1845
John Tyler
"His Accidency" — the first VP to inherit the office, and more consequential than the caricature.
The biography
John Tyler, the Accidental President
Edward P. Crapol · 2006
The modern reassessment — Tyler as more consequential than remembered.
Worth considering
John Tyler
Gary May · 2008
American Presidents Series — shorter.
Common questions
What is the best biography of John Tyler to read?
The definitive biography of John Tyler is John Tyler, the Accidental President by Edward P. Crapol. This work provides a comprehensive look at his life and presidency, moving beyond the caricature of his time in office to analyze his actual political impact and historical legacy.
Should I start with John Tyler, the Accidental President by Edward P. Crapol?
Yes, Edward P. Crapol’s biography is the recommended starting point for understanding John Tyler. It effectively explains how he transitioned from the first vice president to inherit the office to becoming a consequential figure in American history during his term from 1841 to 1845.
What is an alternative biography for John Tyler if I want a different perspective?
If you are looking for an alternative to Edward P. Crapol's work, consider John Tyler by Norma Lois Peterson. This biography offers a detailed examination of Tyler’s presidency and political career, providing another scholarly perspective on the man known as His Accidency.
Why is John Tyler often referred to as His Accidency?
John Tyler earned the nickname His Accidency because he was the first vice president to inherit the presidency following the death of a sitting president. This unique constitutional transition led critics to label his administration as accidental, though his presidency proved more consequential than that title suggests.
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