The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington foreverAndrew 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 … 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.
more
When you read this book, you will realize things never change and politics is a nasty game!
A put together story about the Jackson years in the White House. The author’s in-depth review of letters, many in personal collections and un-read before, allows him to present an entertaining story of the Jackson years from the perspectives of those folks closest to him.
At times the story does get bogged down in the discussion of how people got …
Meacham tells the story of Jackson so completely and compellingly that it made me wonder why our history doesn’t focus on him more.
Jon Meecham is a national treasure. A great read about a complex man.
Never knew much about Andrew Jackson and now feel so empowered to discuss that era of history!
Very informative I learnt a lot about our countries històry….
What’s old is new again in this book about the first controversial charismatic “people’s” president of the US.
While well written and a good read, nothing new or earth-shattering to learn about King Andrew.
It’s tough to beat Jon Meacham and this biography is as good as it gets. The insights to Andrew Jackson are deep and the background is so well researched I have found it impossible to put down even the second time I read it.