A major player in American politics in the era between 1812 and the beginning of the American Civil war, Daniel Webster was involved with every significant issue confronting the new nation. He had no equal as an orator, and his lifelong defence of the Constitution and as a constant upholder of the Union, the 'Godlike Daniel' won love and respect. But he was also known as 'Black Dan' because of his questionable dealings with wealthy and influential men, his political conniving, his non-payment of debts and perhaps because of his roving eye. Webster was an intellectual colossus, a statement of the first rank and a man of towering and finally unfulfilled ambition. Robert Remini, 'the foremost living authority on the Jacksonian era' (Literary review), illuminates both the man and the time as they tangle in issues such as westward expansion, growth of democracy, abolitionism and tariff issues. Webster's speeches are discussed, as are his relations with contemporary statesmen.