Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times
by H.W. Brands
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Book Reviews of Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times
Book Review: Smooth Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read biographies of the first seven Presidents, just ending with this one on Andrew Jackson. By far, this was the smoothest read, least dry, most interesting biography of the seven. I enjoyed the writer's style of relaying information without seeming to bog the reader. The explanations of wars, political maneuvers, incidents in life, and thought processes of Jackson were clear and fit together like a puzzle. I was impressed with way I came away from the book knowing Jackson as a man, a solidier, and a politician. I enjoyed returning to this book to see what was next. Very good biography.Book Review: Interesting and readable
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an interesting and readable biography of a sometimes contradictory subject. As with so many presidential biographies, the "pre-presidential" years are the most interesting, as we learn how Jackson earned his reputation and his chronic injuries. The presidential years dwell somewhat on dry subjects such as the federal bank.
Most interesting about Jackson are his contradictions, he favored states rights and then fought to preserve the union. He knew Indians on a personal level better than any president before or since, yet his Indian policy could be downright cruel.
Book Review: his own man...
Summary: 5 Stars
Seventh president, hero of the War of 1812, military leader in the Indian wars. When he took an American Army to New Orleans in anticipation of the English landing there, he was surrounded by citizens who had not sworn their loyalty to America. He stood before them and challenged "either stand with us or against us". Old Hickory was as tough as they come and this wonderful book will fill in so many details that you didn't know about Mr. Jackson. He was the first American president who had been a prisoner of war. He stood on principle and eschewed weakness. One of our finest.Book Review: Fascinating author on radio; less so in print
Summary: 3 Stars
I heard Professor Brands interviewed at length on the radio, and found his comments about Andrew Jackson absolutely fascinating! Surprisingly, that's not the sense I got reading through the biography.
Where's the beef? The Jacksonian Era was the lengthened shadow of this gray character? One doesn't expect a Martin Van Buren to jump off the page, but Ol' Hickory?!
Interesting sidelight: Henry Clay (Lincoln's hero) turns out to be an implacable enemy of Jackson.
Book Review: Great Reading!
Summary: 5 Stars
Well written and a true joy to read this a great book on the age of Andrew Jackson. Prof. Brands has made clear that his goal was to write a book about the times of Andrew Jackson and not so much a typical biography. He does this with success and offers up a very solid telling of Jackson's exciting life in the process. If you want a great read on the man and his times, look no further. If you want a detailed accounting of Old Hickory's life look to Robert Remini.