In Pretense of Glory, the first modern biography of Nathaniel P. Banks, James G. Hollandsworth, Jr., reveals the complicated and contradictory nature of the man who called himself the "fighting politician." Banks (1816-1884) enjoyed a long and almost continuous career in public service - election to the Massachusetts legislature, elevation to the governorship of the state, and ten terms in the U.S. Congress - in spite of his lack of formal education, family connections, and personal fortune.

An energetic, industrious youth, he taught himself law, studied foreign languages, and throughout his life maintained active interest in history, economics, and "the science of government." Banks became known as a skillful statesman, a compelling speaker, and a politician with a bright future. Nevertheless, this "master of opportunities" fell short of his ultimate goal - the White House - and proved to be a leader who sacrificed much to political expedience.

In this engrossing biography, Hollandsworth illuminates the characteristics of Banks's personality that prevented him from realizing the promise of his early career in politics and contributed to his dismal record as a commanding officer. Hollandsworth reveals how Banks's obsessive pretense of glory prevented him from achieving its reality.