Andrew Johnson: Plebian and Patriot

by Robert W. Winston

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Genres: Presidents, History

549 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1928

Reviews

[Louis Picone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to understand not so much about Andrew Johnson (although it does help shape his life), but more so to understand the Lost Cause perception of Andrew Johnson, Reconstruction, the Black race, and the Radical Republicans. Winston draws deeply on the Dunning School and praises Johnson to the hilt while denigrating "Africanization" fears of the post-Civil War South.

[E. Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. More entertaining than Hans Trefousse's book.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. I have to admit that, before this, I did not know much about Andrew Johnson. I'm starting to venture into a section of American history (Reconstruction/the Gilded Age) where I'm not quite so knowledgeable. From the onset, it was obvious that Winston was trying to rescue Andrew Johnson from the negative impression predominate in historical analyses of his presidency. With that in mind, I think that Winston brings to light some good points and admirable characteristics of Johnson's character. However, I cannot say that this book alone gives a student of history a fair and balanced look at Johnson. Overall, from this and other readings, I am left with an impression of Johnson as a flawed character, particularly in his inability to be diplomatic and play the political game (his political tact was rather like a bull in a china shop). However, despite his flaws, he did carry out his policies with a sense of acting in what he felt was the best interests of the nation, and in some respects, he had better intentions than the Radical Republicans with whom he tangled for a large portion of his presidency. He stuck to the Constitution as his guiding star and fought battles, specifically the battle over the Tenure of Office Act, that, had they gone another way, would have been detrimental for the future of the nation as it would not have allowed the successes of future presidencies to take place. I would invite anyone to read this book in order to better balance the numerous negative portrayals of Johnson in the annals of history.

[Giff Blaylock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uh, racist. Can I give it less than one star? This book is attempts to vindicate the US President generally considered the worst in history. I picked it up to read because I owned it as part of the Easton Press US presidents collection, but really just skimmed it; I was interested in the federal government's role in Reconstruction. Robert Winston wrote this book only 60 years after the end of the Civil War, so it was an interesting take on white racial sentiments at the time.

[Mike Huey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fewest stars I’ve ever given a book. The author seems to almost feel that Johnson win the Civil War with some help from Lincoln. One can tell it was written by a southerner during Jim Crow. An amazing line from the last chapter summing up Johnson’s life on page 514: “The kindly feeling between the whites and blacks, existing during slavery days, would have been maintained.” Author also refers to southern states being Africanized after the war.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!