I read this because the Jefferson book assigned for my Age Of Jefferson & Jackson university class was The Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. ...moreI read this because the Jefferson book assigned for my Age Of Jefferson & Jackson university class was The Political Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. I found Sheldon's book to be dreadful so I wanted to get a short politically-focused biography to supplement it. Hitchens' book fits that description, at less than 200 pages and predominately about Jefferson's politics. The book is a fairly quick and easy read, but nothing noteworthy. If I had been reading for leisure rather than under the time constraints of my college schedule, I definitely would have sought out a more expansive and interesting book on Jefferson.
One thing that did stand out was Hitchens' repeatedly pointing out Jefferson's tendency to use religious terminology to describe heated political issues.(less)
I am writing a term paper on the atomic bomb and I ordered this book without realizing how short it was. For a short summary (just over 100 pages) on...moreI am writing a term paper on the atomic bomb and I ordered this book without realizing how short it was. For a short summary (just over 100 pages) on the issue, it accomplishes its goal. But while efficient, the brevity is quite limiting and the author does attempt to really break any new ground. Probably useful in a college classroom setting, but otherwise you're better off reading something bigger and better like Richard Frank's "Downfall".(less)
Decently written collection of historiography essays on various topics relating to the Age Of Jackson. I don't read historiography much, but it seeme...moreDecently written collection of historiography essays on various topics relating to the Age Of Jackson. I don't read historiography much, but it seemed fine for what it is. My main complaint would be that it's too short - just over 100 pages - and more topics should have been dealt with.(less)
This was assigned reading for my "Age Of Jefferson & Jackson" college history class. I've been enjoying the class, but I did not enjoy this...moreThis was assigned reading for my "Age Of Jefferson & Jackson" college history class. I've been enjoying the class, but I did not enjoy this book. I didn't realize what I was getting into when I started the book, but it quickly became painfully apparent. This is a dry and at times very philosophical/theoretical book; it is better off in a political theory class than an American history class.
I was impressed by Jefferson's belief in the importance of educated, thinking citizens to make government function property. I was also very surprised at a direct quote of his in support of taxing the rich at a higher rate than the poor to promote equality.(less)
This was assigned reading for my Latin American Colonial History class. I thought it was very informative and does a good job breaking down common my...moreThis was assigned reading for my Latin American Colonial History class. I thought it was very informative and does a good job breaking down common myths and misconceptions about the Spanish Conquest. The author does use "I" a little too much and a few parts of the book are a little dull or repetitive, but it was very good for the topics covered in class and would have like to read it even if I hadn't take the class.(less)
This book is a 400 page edit by the author of his three volume 1400 page biography on Jackson. I read it as assigned reading for my "Age Of Jeff...moreThis book is a 400 page edit by the author of his three volume 1400 page biography on Jackson. I read it as assigned reading for my "Age Of Jefferson & Jackson" college class.
Remini is clearly favorable to Jackson, although importantly he does occasionally criticize some things. A main theme of the biography is to show Jackson had a fairly clear political ideology he followed, contrary to critics. I don't agree with all of Remini's conclusions, though he tries to makes a good argument.
Remini has some clunky sentences and seems to repeat himself a few times, but mostly I thought he wrote very well. There are a few parts I felt were dubious inclusions, particular chapters about the White House and the Hermitage. Those pages could have been better political or military matters.
Those criticisms aside, I definitely recommend this book. Jackson was an interesting and significant character in American history. I'd definitely recommend contrasting this book with something less favorable to his policies. I read Howe's excellent "What Hath God Wrought" last year served which served as a good counterargument, taking into perspective the whole time period.(less)
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