I found this volume to be a highly readable and well-researched account of Andrew Jackson's presidency. Meacham states that his purpose is to focus on the interaction of personalities in the Jackson White House, some that he accomplishes very well, including such political luminaries as John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay as well as the impact of women, particularly the scandalous Margaret Eaton and his neice Emily Donnelson, who served as the White House hostess. Looming over everthing was the personality of Jackson himself, whom Eaton presents as more thoughtful and in control of his emotions than popular opinion holds. The most important thing that I learned from this book was the march toward militarism that took place in South Carolin during the Nullification Crisis. Although I have taught U.S. history for many years, I did not realize how close the nation was to actual blooshed over this matter. Although Meacham presents a generally favorable interpretation of Jackson, he pulls no punches in portraying his flawed policies regarding the U.S. Bank, Indian Removal, and--most significantly--his blindness toward the evil of slavery. I heartily recommend this volume for anyone interested in either Jackson himself and/or the evolution of the presidency.