A lot of it has to do with the vagaries of the moment, Bill. Someone has to be interested in the subject and find a publisher who thinks there would be enough interest to sustain selling enough books to turn a profit. Most people have some familiarity with Nicolay and Hay, but fewer know Stoddard.
Also, one has to factor in the availability of primary material. In doing a quick search on
NUCMC for Stoddard, I didn't come up with anything other than some
papers in the Burton Historical Collection in Detroit his son had when he wrote a book about his father. Also, Harold Holzer edited a
book that was probably also a family reminisce. However, without Stoddard's personal papers readily available, any kind of full life would be difficult to do.
However, I was serious in my comment that maybe it's something you should take up. Interest in a subject is usually the prime for beginning a research project. If you want to do it, I'll be happy to help you in any way I could. You might not get a book out of it, but an article might be very doable.
Best
Rob
Any recommendations on a book about William O. Stoddard?
