"Across more than six generations--beginning before the Revolutionary War--the Breckinridge family has produced a series of notable social and political leaders. These often controversial men and women include a presidential candidate, a U.S. vice president, cabinet members, generals, women's rights advocates, congressmen, editors, reformers, authors, and church leaders. Though they enjoyed many successes, the Breckinridges--not unlike other Americans--faced hardship and war, contended with issues of race, lived through difficult family situations (including a sex scandal), and encountered personal and political failure"--Back cover.