American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House (New York Times Notable Books) (0812973461)

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American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House (New York Times Notable Books)

Author: Jon Meacham
Binding: Paperback
Published: 2009-04-30
ISBN: 0812973461

$9.35

Features:

ISBN13: 9780812973464
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House (New York Times Notable Books)
by: Jon Meacham

Editorial Review:

Andrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times are at the heart of this remarkable book about the man who rose from nothing to create the modern presidency. Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad. To tell the saga of Jackson's presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers, he details the human drama-the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers-that shaped Jackson's private world through years of storm and victory.
One of our most significant yet dimly recalled presidents, Jackson was a battle-hardened warrior, the founder of the Democratic Party, and the architect of the presidency as we know it. His story is one of violence, sex, courage, and tragedy. With his powerful persona, his evident bravery, and his mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, articulating a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will-or face his formidable wrath. The greatest of the presidents who have followed Jackson in the White House-from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman-have found inspiration in his example, and virtue in his vision.
Jackson was the most contradictory of men. The architect of the removal of Indians from their native lands, he was warmly sentimental and risked everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind; and a man who fought a lifelong war to keep the republic safe-no matter what it took.
Jon Meacham in American Lion has delivered the definitive human portrait of a pivotal president who forever changed the American presidency-and America itself.
From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

The first "progressive" President?:

Jon Meacham's well-written American Lion provides a highly detailed insight into the goings-on in Andrew Jackson's White House. It seems the Jackson presidency was characterised by an intricate intertwining between politics and family affairs, and in that respect the narrative makes some of the most fascinating reading of any biography I have read. Unfortunately, and far less unique, the author's present-day views of past rights and wrongs tend to inflitrate his subject matter, skewering what could have... more info

Very long-winded:

I generally like historical biographies, but this book is overwhelming. There are so many stories of each phase of Jackson's life that it's easy to lose track of where you are in history. If you are a Jackson scholar, it's probably a great text, but if you're just looking for a casual historical read, this book bogs you down.

review of American Lion:

Terrific content to the book for any history buff ; numerous details of President Jackson's life I was unaware of . Great reference work done to have so many details of events during Andrew Jackson's life .

Ruined by author's political biases:

"American Lion" is a well-researched, well-written book. I disagree with those who complained about long sentences and too many quotes, as I rather enjoyed those. I also believe that the book is thankfully not an academic study, and therefore covers the man and his time to a very thorough degree, especially with the new information Meacham uncovers.
But Meacham, by virtue of his job as Editor of Newsweek (one of the laziest, most biased 'mainstream' rags around), is a big liberal who I've seen on TV... more info

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