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American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

Jon Meacham

3.81 · Rating details · 46,235 ratings · 1,752 reviews

The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever

Andrew 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 orpha The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever

Andrew 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 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

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Hardcover, First edition, 483 pages

Published November 11th 2008 by Random House

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Dec 02, 2008 Christine rated it really liked it

I think this book confused people. They were expecting a McCullough-esque hardcore biography of everything Jackson did EVER. Not so. As Meacham himself states in his Author's note, he was going for a biographical portrait of Jackson's time in the White House. And on that account, this is an excellent book. It gives a great picture of the tumult surrounding Jackson's two terms, the things that made him tick, and the decisions that defined his presidency. No, it didn't really tell us all about And ...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Joe rated it did not like it

Shelves: listened-to

A terrible book about a horrible man written by a coward. I know that sounds harsh but there's no other way to describe it. The book claims to be only about his years in the White House. It isn't. Frequently, Meacham cherry picks and subsequently white washes Jackson's past sins in an effort to show him as a complicated hero.

Jackson wasn't complicated. He was maybe one of the simplest presidents America ever had. Here are some simple facts:
1) His greatest military victory was the Battle of New O A terrible book about a horrible man written by a coward. I know that sounds harsh but there's no other way to describe it. The book claims to be only about his years in the White House. It isn't. Frequently, Meacham cherry picks and subsequently white washes Jackson's past sins in an effort to show him as a complicated hero.

Jackson wasn't complicated. He was maybe one of the simplest presidents America ever had. Here are some simple facts:
1) His greatest military victory was the Battle of New Orleans. Unbeknownst to Jackson, it took place approximately 14 days after the War of 1812 was over. Therefore, at best, the victory was a tragedy.
2) Later, while still serving in the military, without any orders to do so, seized what is now Florida for America. Florida had been owned by Spain, a sovereign nation. Jackson should have been charged for any and all lives lost during this illegal conflict as a war criminal.
3) Fought against the National Banking system simply because he lacked the cognitive capacity to understand it.
4) His legacy on Native American removal/massacre/war is one of the saddest in all of American history. He was truly a monster.

I went into this book knowing very little about Jackson and if I had remained confined to what was printed in the book I would still know very little. With this work, Meacham really tried to re-write history. He would tell tiny snippets of all the issues I listed about but only enough so that the reader wouldn't figure out the truth. This is unacceptable. I realize that many biographers admire their subjects...that's frequently why they take on the project in the first place. But as a historian, it is his duty to present the facts. Let the reader know the good and the bad and let us decide if he was a monster or a hero.

I would like to think Meacham didn't include the necessary facts because he is incompetent but I fear that it was all purposeful propaganda garbage. The vast majority of the book was super boring. Here's my impression of 75% of the book: "How dare you, sir!" "No, how dare you, sir!" with lots of "hrumphs" thrown in for good measure.

Please avoid this work at all costs and if you see Jon Meacham call him foul names for me. An hour on Wikipedia will give you all you need on this jerk. ...more

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Jul 20, 2020 Lyn rated it really liked it

My mouth agape, I could not believe what I had just heard. “What?”

“You heard me, Jackson was a genocidal murderer and should not be praised.”

It was the early 1990s, I was a young recent college grad, having been born and raised around Nashville, Tennessee and this was the first time in my life I had ever heard anyone speak of Andrew Jackson with anything short of admiration and respect.

This was the first, but by no means the last time I would hear criticisms of him or his presidency.

Many of the ...more

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May 18, 2018 Diane rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, nonfiction, history, biography

Jon Meacham won a Pulitzer Prize for this biography of Andrew Jackson, America's seventh president. Jackson was certainly an intriguing subject. He's known as an advocate for the "common man" and for fighting against corruption, but he is also known for owning slaves and for supporting the removal of native Americans from their lands. Jackson was a man of his time, to be sure.

When I learned the author was coming to my city to do a reading for his latest book, The Soul of America, I prepared for Jon Meacham won a Pulitzer Prize for this biography of Andrew Jackson, America's seventh president. Jackson was certainly an intriguing subject. He's known as an advocate for the "common man" and for fighting against corruption, but he is also known for owning slaves and for supporting the removal of native Americans from their lands. Jackson was a man of his time, to be sure.

When I learned the author was coming to my city to do a reading for his latest book, The Soul of America, I prepared for the event by reading Jon Meacham's books about Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson. Reading the biographies of Jackson and Jefferson back to back provided some interesting insights into America's founding and early decades. It's amazing how issues Jackson discussed and acted on back in the 1830s are still relevant today.

This is an incredibly detailed biography. The amount of time dedicated to what's known as the Petticoat Affair became a bit tedious to listen to on a long road trip, but overall, I'm glad I read this book and learned more about the complicated character of Jackson. Recommended for fans of history.

Personal Note:
I finished American Lion on a Friday evening while driving to Nashville, Tennessee. Jackson's family home, called The Hermitage, sits just outside Nashville and I was able to visit it on a beautiful Saturday morning. In the visitor center, guests can watch an introductory film about Andrew Jackson. Guess who was interviewed in the film? Jon Meacham. After watching it, I leaned over to my traveling companion and said, "That 20-minute film basically summarized the 400-page book I just read."

I'm still glad I read it. And if you're ever in Nashville, I do recommend visiting Jackson's home.

Opening Passage
"It looked like war. In his rooms on the second floor of the White House, in the flickering light of candles and oil lamps, President Andrew Jackson was furious and full of fight. He had just been reelected to a second term as America's seventh president, and South Carolina was defying him. He hated it, for he believed to his core that the state was about to destroy the nation. For Jackson, the crisis was not only political. It was personal. Four hundred and fifty miles down the Atlantic seaboard from Washington, in Charleston, radicals were raising an army to defend South Carolina's right to nullify federal laws it chose not to accept — the first step, Jackson believed, toward secession, and the destruction of the Union. 'I expect to hear soon that a civil war of extermination has commenced,' Jackson said, musing about arresting the Southern leaders and then hanging them." ...more

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Apr 21, 2018 Darwin8u rated it really liked it

Shelves: american, history, 2018, biography

"Jackson was a transformative president in part because he had a transcendent personality"
- Jon Meacham, American Lion

description

A solid history of a complicated man. One of the more influential Presidents, Jackson can and should be both praised and condemned. In many ways, he epitomized our young nation. Problematic, in the extreme, in regards to Native Americans and slaves, energetic, complicated, narcissistic, driven, and not to be trifled with. Jackson is often revered by Presidents who want to appear ...more

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Feb 27, 2020 Brian rated it liked it · review of another edition

“Not all great presidents were always good.”

I purchased “American Lion” after a November 2016 visit to the Hermitage (Jackson’s plantation outside Nashville, Tennessee). Growing up a history buff I had known a lot about Andrew Jackson, but had largely ignored him after my teenage years. That 2016 visit, and the realization that it reminded me of-that there is indeed “nothing new under the sun”, rekindled my interest.
As I read the book, as when I was at the Hermitage, the parallels to modern tim “Not all great presidents were always good.”

I purchased “American Lion” after a November 2016 visit to the Hermitage (Jackson’s plantation outside Nashville, Tennessee). Growing up a history buff I had known a lot about Andrew Jackson, but had largely ignored him after my teenage years. That 2016 visit, and the realization that it reminded me of-that there is indeed “nothing new under the sun”, rekindled my interest.
As I read the book, as when I was at the Hermitage, the parallels to modern times are many. That is always the case with the past. It is interesting that President Trump had a portrait of Andrew Jackson installed in the Oval Office. I could quote many things the one said that many would easily attribute to the other. They are similar in many aspects, as are the reactions to their presidencies. Both were the end of the world, according to some of their peers, and both seem to have some real strengths and some real weaknesses as people and leaders. I had to grimace as I read about the issue of Indian removal during Jackson’s time. It was an issue he was for, and there were many voracious opponents to it, many of them who had been ardent supporters…until it was Jackson’s policy. Then they were against it. Change the issue from Indian removal to border wall, same deal. I am not commenting on either policy, only on the fact that political foes changed views on it when it made good opposition.
As previously mentioned, there is nothing new under the sun. Politically motivated impeachment, arguments about separation of church and state and the role of religion in the body politic, issues of race being used as political cudgels, monetary policy and tariffs, populism vs. the political establishment. It could be today, except it is the years before and just after 1830.
It is why I refuse to get bent out of shape about much. Ain’t none of it really new.
The text focuses mainly on the years of Jackson’s two terms, and there was quite a bit that I knew only on the surface level, or not at all. Jackson’s ugliness and bad polices get a lot of attention, Indian removal, etc. But there was more to the man, there always is, and his Nullification Proclamation is a great piece of American presidential history I knew little about. Delivered on Dec. 10th 1832, it was Jackson’s ardent defense of the Union and of a federal government and its appropriate powers. It affected every major administration that followed it, and it was brilliant. Jon Meacham (the author) says of Jackson, “He was rather, the great politician of his time, if success in politics is measured by the affirmation of a majority of the people in real time, and by the shadow one casts after leaving the stage.”
I love history, but there were times I was not fully engaged with this text. The problem is not the subject matter. Andrew Jackson is a good story. It was the writing and presentation, something did not click for me. At times Mr. Meacham seems a little too fan boyish. I am not sure if the text is too uncritical? He does not absolve Jackson of his sins and contradictions, I just wish he had looked at them a little more. They are worth examining.
Andrew Jackson was an important American figure. I appreciate any effort to see him in the context of his time, and I do feel that “American Lion” tries to accomplish that. I am glad I read it.
I leave off with something that Jackson said that I think is indicative of many great leaders, past and present- “Always take all the time to reflect that circumstances permit, but when the time for action has come, stop thinking.” ...more

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Feb 19, 2018 Sharon Barrow Wilfong rated it it was amazing

"History has been ransacked to find examples of tyrants sufficiently odious to illustrate him by comparison. Language has been tortured to find epithets sufficiently strong to paint him in description. Imagination has been exhausted in her efforts to deck him with revolting and inhuman attributes. tyrant, despot, usurper; destroyer of the liberties of his country; rash ignorant, imbecile; endangering the public peace with all foreign nations; destroying domestic prosperity at home..."

While some ...more

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Jan 03, 2009 Gillian rated it liked it

Um, did you know Andrew Jackson was a huge badass? He was also sort of a jerk. And he invented the Democratic party basically. Plus he was not very cool to the Native Americans.

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Sep 01, 2018 Mehrsa rated it it was ok

I was hoping this would be a bit more critical, but it was a hagiography of a very complicated and problematic president. Meacham does not let him getaway with his treatment of the Native Americans or his slaves (the latter he barely even talks about). There is this assumption in the book that the territorial expansions were all good. I don't think anyone would come out and say that the ends justify the means, but while Jackson is critiqued for his treatment of the natives or Mexicans inhabiting I was hoping this would be a bit more critical, but it was a hagiography of a very complicated and problematic president. Meacham does not let him getaway with his treatment of the Native Americans or his slaves (the latter he barely even talks about). There is this assumption in the book that the territorial expansions were all good. I don't think anyone would come out and say that the ends justify the means, but while Jackson is critiqued for his treatment of the natives or Mexicans inhabiting the land, ultimately he's revered for securing the land. How can we separate the two? Same with the expansion of slavery. He kept the union together for longer, but at what cost to human lives? Yes, at the time many people did not care about the lives of black slaves and native americans and we have evolved. Kind of--first of all, lots of people at the time knew it was wrong and said so publicly. And two, why not take our more accurate perspective now and tell the story right?

PREFERRED SYNOPSIS:
"Jackson pretended to be a man of the people, but he thought only white men were people. This was a convenient belief because it allowed Jackson to murder Native Americans and pillage their land and continue to promote the bondage of African Americans--two of the cruelest acts of our government. Jackson and his allies (which included most American men in the government north and south) knew this was wrong, but they cared more about power and land so they used arguments about racial inferiority and divine right to justify their cruel and self-serving actions. We should study the lives of men like Jackson in order to make sure we never lionize such men again and in so doing enable cruelty."

Note: I was most interested in his bank war and there's quite a bit in here on that, but that also diminishes the stupidity of what Jackson did. Reading this made me see Jackson in a new more favorable light, which I think was the point. Trump is no Jackson. And I grant that times were very different with regards to accepting violence and saving the union at all costs. But even compared to the standards of the time, Jackson was cruel and power-hungry. Still, I do appreciate how tenuous the Republic was and how much it needed a brute like Jackson to hold it together. ...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Brad Lyerla rated it really liked it

Jackson usually is praised for his vision of the presidency and commitment to the Federal Union, while simultaneously lamented for his demagoguery and racism. Meacham takes these subjects on without reservation. In Meacham's account, Jackson is at his very best while staring down the threat to the union posed by the Nullification Movement which arose in South Carolina and was championed by John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president. (Times were different.) He is at his worst when orchestrating th Jackson usually is praised for his vision of the presidency and commitment to the Federal Union, while simultaneously lamented for his demagoguery and racism. Meacham takes these subjects on without reservation. In Meacham's account, Jackson is at his very best while staring down the threat to the union posed by the Nullification Movement which arose in South Carolina and was championed by John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president. (Times were different.) He is at his worst when orchestrating the removal of the native american populations of Georgia and Alabama to regions west of the Mississippi River. And his demogoguery blossoms into full blown megalomania when he convinces himself that he is acting in the best interests of the indians, indeed, as their protecting father -- even as he subjected them to the horrors of a 19th century 'ethnic cleansing'.

Meacham explores some of the effects of Jackson's populism on the quality of political discourse during his first election. Taking his case to the people, particularly the roughened voters of the emerging western states, Jackson had no compunction about dispensing with lofty rhetoric in favor of a "telling it like it is" style that appealed to what Easterners considered the vulgar west. Jackson was accused, with some justification, of manipulating "the rabble" in order to achieve his political goals. The election was capped by a rowdy party in the White House after his inauguration. Meacham's depiction of the aftermath of this celebration reminds one of the morning after a particularly drunken frat party combined with a whiskey-fueled, saloon shoot'em up, which did nothing to calm the fears of the establishment that the voters had elected a barbarian as president.

Meacham is entertaining in his description of the petticoat wars of Jackson's first administration and the bitter fight over the national bank that dominated the early part of his second administration. While not offering anything highly original on this subject (as far as I can tell as a first time reader on Jackson), Meacham details how Jackson's vision of the role of the presidency was instrumental in re-defining and strengthening the executive branch of government against fears, deeply seated in the pre-war experience with King George, that the emergence of a strong president would undermine the American democracy.

Meacham keeps the psychoanalysis of Jackson to a minimum, but does occasionally explain Jackson's motivations in psychological terms. For example, as an orphan, Jackson is depicted as acting to create a stable household for himself. Similarly, he is described as understanding his role as President to be a father figure to the people and a bulwark against the rich and privileged. To his credit, Meacham does not overdo this sort of thing, and his restraint in this regard contributes to the pleasure of reading his book, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize.

I might also say that this book focuses on Jackson's years in the White House, 1829 to 1836. It is a compliment to Meacham that I now want to locate a good biography describing Jackson's years before the White House. One suspects those years, when Jackson fought duels, Indian wars, the Battle of New Orleans and may have committed bigamy, will make the White House years look dull as mashed potatoes in comparison. But there is nothing dull about Meacham's book. It is a very fine biography and an engrossing introduction to a complicated and important subject. ...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Jay Schutt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: american-history-biography

Jackson had his faults, but he was a true American hero and patriot. The book was very well done. Recommended.

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Oct 07, 2015 Matt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobook

In a further exploration of the lives of those who helped shape early America, I turned back to biographer Jon Meacham and his depiction of Andrew Jackson. I thoroughly enjoying the author's depiction of Thomas Jefferson in a similar piece and hoped to leave with as much knowledge of this lesser known figure. The seventh President of the United States, Jackson broke many early precedents and his two-terms in office opened the door to a new era in presidential politics, bringing the commoner's vi In a further exploration of the lives of those who helped shape early America, I turned back to biographer Jon Meacham and his depiction of Andrew Jackson. I thoroughly enjoying the author's depiction of Thomas Jefferson in a similar piece and hoped to leave with as much knowledge of this lesser known figure. The seventh President of the United States, Jackson broke many early precedents and his two-terms in office opened the door to a new era in presidential politics, bringing the commoner's views to the forefront. Throughout this biographical piece, Meacham presents Jackson as a man who differed greatly from his predecessors and certainly paved the way for future commanders-in-chief. Jackson is seen as a man from humble beginnings, with little interest in the status quo, and who sought to quell early internal insurrection. While not a typical biography that thoroughly traces the man's life from cradle to grave, Meacham does a wonderful job working through the White House years of Andrew Jackson, peppering the narrative with flashbacks and poignant backstories to better depict those eight years as America's political leader. Not to be missed by those who enjoy succinct biographies as well as the reader who finds learning to be an eternal gift in non-fiction.

Andrew Jackson was the first president to come from humble means, which caused quite a stir amongst those who opposed him. Not from an aristocratic background or schooled at the few prestigious schools America had to offer, Jackson grew up in Tennessee and developed a passion for his country. He became well-versed in Bible teachings and used his religious upbringing to guide him throughout his life. Jackson served in the House of Representatives briefly and the Senate for a short time as well, before becoming a judge and serving the people of Tennessee. When he sought the presidency in 1824, Jackson emerged as a man of the people who challenged the elite, locking horns with John Quincy Adams and only losing when the election went to the House of Representatives after the Electoral College could not determine a winner. Over the next four years, Jackson deflected numerous criticisms to his character and communicated his ideas so effectively that he stunned many by toppling Adams in the '28 election. However, nothing proved more ostracizing than the death of his wife Rachel immediately following his victory. Jackson was forced to serve without this most useful rudder, but had extended family to balance things, having no natural offspring. Meacham argues that Jackson adopted the American people as his family, serving them effectively and caring for them as a father. That Jackson broke the preconceptions forged by his six predecessors is by no means the only thing that differentiated Jackson from the 'presidents of the 13 colonies', but it certainly paved the way for some of his other unique attributes that Meacham presents in the book.

A lack of interest in simply serving in the footsteps of those who came before him serves as the second key trait Meacham presents related to Jackson's character. Jackson ascended to the White House and began breaking some of the societal norms that had become custom in Washington. As Meacham discusses throughout, Jackson sought not only to be president, but to transform the role and serve the people who elected him, a vow mentioned above. When Jackson reached the White House, universal male suffrage (at least for Caucasians) had been acquired, opening up an electorate with a variety of needs. Rather than catering to the rich, Jackson pushed ideas through Congress and led the country with the entire populace in mind. He was the first president to use the constitutional veto of legislation, much to the chagrin of Congress. Jackson did not apologise, but chose to defend his right as entrenched in the US Constitution, using only the tools at his disposal. Meacham cites that numerous future presidents mentioned Jackson's use of the veto to pave the way for a more active and involved executive branch, allowing the president to play a political role as the sole representative of all the people. Additionally, Meacham discusses Jackson's struggles with Cabinet dissent, to the point that he removed a fair number ahead of his reelection bid, most prominently Vice-President John C. Calhoun. Used effectively in 1828 to secure the South, Calhoun became too outspoken in the latter years of Jackson's first term in office and tried to bring the president to his knees for daring to flex his muscle against South Carolina. Jackson did not stand idly by and chose not act summarily, removing those who would have turned Brutus on him and forged ahead into a reelection campaign to renew his support by the American people. In an effort to act free of outside influence, Jackson made some decisions that drew ire of Congress to the point of being censured in a controversial vote. Meacham shows throughout the text that Jackson used his simple upbringing to challenge the status quo, which tried to shackle the Commander-in-Chief into more of a ceremonial role, at least as it related to the domestic policy agenda. That Jackson would have none of it should be no surprise to the reader.

Jackson had not only a domestic and international agenda to complete during his two terms as president, but also tried to quell two major internal issues. During the years of his first term, Jackson tried to address the question of Indian habitation within American states and territories. While Washington and the early administrations had bound themselves to the treaties signed with the Indian population, Jackson did not hold that these documents were sufficient and moved to remove Indian territorial claims while wiping out their settlements west of the Mississippi. Jackson's vehemence would not be deterred and would not permit the free-standing and autonomous rule of the Indian populations. While hindsight offers this as a blatant assimilation technique, Jackson did not stand down when challenged. While Meacham does not speculate how this decision changed modern interaction between the government and Indian population, it is interesting to see how Jackson's actions might have quelled future land clashes. The other major issue Jackson handled was state-control over the slavery issue, with South Carolina as a litmus test. Jackson pushed to keep the state from overstepping its power, going so far as to offer a constitutional interpretation that pitted Jackson against South Carolina. As mentioned above, this became the battleground on which he and John C. Calhoun fought, which extended into the second term and would pave the way for Lincoln's stand. Jackson's ideas sparked the early split within the states that did lead to the Civil War. Southern ideas were not accepted in Jackson's White House, which he made no qualms about stating publicly. In order to preserve the Union, Jackson felt he would do anything to bring the South, read: South Carolina, into line. While he did not bring about the destruction of the Union during his time in office, Jackson's views on these two issues did perforate the bonds Washington and his subsequent five presidents had in place before 1828.

Meacham tackles the presidency of Andrew Jackson with such vigour that the reader cannot help but be enthralled with what there is to learn. A man who, as the title suggests, came roaring into office and tried to change the acceptable norms. Jackson challenged Congress and presidential precedent, using the Constitution as his guidebook. Meacham is thorough in his research and weaves a wonderful narrative that follows a wonderful chronology, with poignant flashbacks to fill in gaps the story does not thoroughly discuss. While not a David McCullough biography, from cradle to grave, Meacham uses an eight-year period packed with dramatic occurrences and political fervour that there is no need to spend chapters and sections inculcating the general themes that so clearly emerge from the narrative. Jackson secured victory by being the (first) people's president and would not hand over the reins to anyone who tried to neuter what the people wanted. He utilised his cabinet and surrounded himself with strong men (and even a few women) who shaped the country in the mid-nineteenth century. His legacy, while someone with which I was not aware before discovering this book, is one of forging new ground within the rules laid out by the Founding Fathers. Meacham illustrates that Jackson never shied away from defending his beliefs to the core, but always opened his mind to alternatives, should they be persuasive and well-grounded.

Kudos Mr. Meacham for this wonderful biographical piece, which taught as much as it entertained me. I thoroughly enjoyed everything you had to offer and look forward to exploring more of your work, when time permits.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/ ...more

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Jun 03, 2018 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: history-american-presidents

I like Jon Meacham better than I do Andrew Jackson. Other reviewers here on Goodreads have said all the important things that I would say and more about his book, “American Lion”. Anyway here’s my 2 cents worth:

Jackson was not one of the greatest presidents, in my opinion. Even so, he was a stubborn leader with fixed views; and like most absolutists, he would not recant and forged ahead with his determined programs, thereby saving the Presidency and ultimately the nation as the future would prov I like Jon Meacham better than I do Andrew Jackson. Other reviewers here on Goodreads have said all the important things that I would say and more about his book, “American Lion”. Anyway here’s my 2 cents worth:

Jackson was not one of the greatest presidents, in my opinion. Even so, he was a stubborn leader with fixed views; and like most absolutists, he would not recant and forged ahead with his determined programs, thereby saving the Presidency and ultimately the nation as the future would prove.

He was dead wrong on Indian removal, which affected my own ancestors in Mississippi and Alabama. Even many of his contemporaries in the affected states disagreed with his Indian policy.

He faced down the Know-Nothings and similar stiff-necks, who for me at least made these decades of American history so boring that it’s a wonder that I’m still interested. Hence, the reason we must read this book, which fills in a gap of our ignorance of what was going on between the Revolution and the Civil War.

He stood firm against the Clay and Calhoun factions in Congress, proving to me at least how delinquent South Carolina and their Southern allies were in their traitorous undermining of federal democracy as intended by the geniuses who formed the Constitution.

He could have but did not take a stand on slavery in that he had slaves, sometimes punishing them severely for running away, but he really thought they were created equal and should be freed. (You can say a thing but not do a thing; but Meacham explains with his usual thorough scholarship how Jackson really meant this.)

The star that Jackson followed was the Union with the people in charge—and nothing less. If it hadn’t been for Jackson, Meacham suggests, Abraham Lincoln as we know him may never have been able to truly save the Union. Fortunately, Lincoln studied Jackson’s presidency closely.

Jackson was a brave man and would take no insult from even the very powerful French, who almost got ready to invade the US due to Jackson’s insistence that they had to repay a large debt to this country, which they had refused to do.

He was too concerned with his family for a world leader at that time. As Meacham describes it, there was a whole passel of competing females pulling at each other’s bonnet strings that it just became too frustrating for Jackson and consequently for the reader. Yet, this perspective—especially, brings out the real humanity of Andrew Jackson. ...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Brian rated it it was ok

When you try and tackle a subject as complicated as Andrew Jackson, and limit a book to just his presidency, it's just impossible to properly portray the man in the White House. So for those who have never read Marquis James or Robert Remini's multi-volume depiction of Jackson, the first 180 pages of this book read like a season story arch of a prime time soap opera. The "Eaton Affair" was a very central topic of Jackson's first term of presidency, but to understand why it was such a central foc ...more

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Feb 13, 2017 Larry Bassett rated it liked it · review of another edition

OK here's the bottom line: I listened to this book in the audible format and it was dull enough on occasion that I dozed off. Not too often and not too long but it did happen!

I decided to read this book now in an effort to understand Mr. Trump's apparent admiration for Andrew Jackson. Other Goodreads reviews are mixed.

Jackson was yet another president who owned slaves. And he was yet another president who pushed the Native Americans aggressively out of their home territory. I finished the book n OK here's the bottom line: I listened to this book in the audible format and it was dull enough on occasion that I dozed off. Not too often and not too long but it did happen!

I decided to read this book now in an effort to understand Mr. Trump's apparent admiration for Andrew Jackson. Other Goodreads reviews are mixed.

Jackson was yet another president who owned slaves. And he was yet another president who pushed the Native Americans aggressively out of their home territory. I finished the book not knowing quite what to think about him. 30 years before the Civil War the country was on the verge of splitting up but Jackson somehow kept it together. The story of that era is told in quite great detail. While Jackson was trying to keep the Union together his vice president Calhoun was trying to pull South Carolina out.

Jackson was only the seventh president of the US. He was way back in the 1830s. His house burned down during that time and quite a few of his papers were destroyed. That evidently has made accurately establishing his history somewhat complicated. This book relies on personal and family letters for much of the information. At the end of the book the author talks about obtaining access to some of the material for the first time.

Reading this book at the beginning of the Trump presidency was fascinating. I quoted quite a few paragraphs that seem to reflect Trump politics. Check them out and see what you think. The vitriol against Jackson may have rivaled that against Trump. And yet the author seems to come down on a fairly positive view of Jackson.

There seems to be some debate about how accurately the author has presented the subject. One third of the book is footnotes which surely is one way the author is trying to say believe me. But the author also acknowledges that many of his sources were the papers and letters of the people and family immediately surrounding Jackson. It would be logical that those people might see the man in a most friendly light. He is portrayed as a family man and this is carried even to the extent of him feeling the people of the nation were his family. Much is made of the fact that he was an orphan and was always creating images of family and had family and children living with him in the White House. ...more

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Oct 31, 2017 Bob Mayer rated it really liked it

Given current events, this book is timely to read. Jackson did some terrible things, most particularly the treatment of Native Americans. But he also kept the Union together in the face of huge dissent. Of course, that only delayed the Civil War and kept another generation in chains.

The big takeaway is that no matter his faults, his primary concern was for the country and the people. If only modern politicians would do so, rather than focusing on their own enrichment and egos.

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Dec 04, 2008 Cassidy Cassidy rated it it was ok

While a terrifically thorough listing of the era's political issues and the personalities clashing over them, the examination left much to be desired. The substance falls victim to a regular temptation among American authors writing American history. Meacham's approach only acknowledges in passing the character flaws of his subject while amplifying the qualities and deeds that would make Jackson a hero to many. For instance, Jackson's unrepentant slave-ownership and his role in devastating gener ...more

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Jan 15, 2019 Allison rated it it was ok

I somehow managed to make it to the end of the book. It read like a college paper that needed a minimum word count. The author seemed to speak in circles, and occasionally, speak down to his audience. Some writers can string a story along, and some (like this one) can't. The research was excellent, but the storytelling had me struggling to finish. Loved the pictures. ...more

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Jan 12, 2021 Michael Finocchiaro rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: american-21st-c, history, biography, presidential-biography, non-fiction

This biography was a bit too obsessed with its subject in my opinion. Jackson, for all his "saving the Union" discourse, was instrumental in pushing a southern slavery agenda and destroying the American Indians that remained west of the Mississippi, and this book mentions these things in passing and not in depth. On the other hand, we get excruciating details about his personal relationships (although relatively little discussion of the Kitchen Cabinet.) I think that Meacham spent too much time ...more

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Oct 07, 2018 Jennifer rated it liked it

Shelves: pultizer, biography-autobiography, non-fiction, 2018

American Lion is a biography on Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. There is not much detail on Jackson’s life before his presidency; it mostly focuses on his two terms in office.

I learned a lot about this period of American history. There were many firsts and much drama that occurred during Jackson’s presidency: the petticoat affair, the longest Indian war, the first president to be physically attacked, and the list goes on. I didn’t feel like I got to know Jackson as a ...more

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Jun 07, 2016 Jill Hutchinson rated it liked it

Shelves: american-history, biography

I am at odds as to how to rate this book. Andrew Jackson is a President who doesn't get a lot of attention in the overall scheme of things. Most people remember him from the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 but don't seem to know much about his Presidency.........and a lot was happening during his eight years as the seventh POTUS.

The book concentrates solely on his years in the White House with limited information about his background and what shaped his personality and ideas. The author ...more

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Mar 13, 2016 Celia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, presidents, 2017-read

I am on a quest to read at least one book about each of the 45 presidents. (Yes, even Trump).

I learned alot about Jackson as I read this.

Rather than enumerate what I learned, please read this book to find out for yourself.

This book primarily covers the years of Jackson's presidency 1829 - 1837.

I was happy to learn about the more personal aspects of Jackson's life.

Some of what happened during his presidency was not quite so engaging. (Good, but just a litany of facts of what happened).

Suffice it ...more

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Oct 23, 2009 Brian rated it it was ok

STATEMENT: I received a free copy of this book thru the GoodReads site to review.

Well, Mr Meacham has done an excellent job researching Andrew Jackson as well as the culture and history surrounding his time in the White House. I cannot fault him in his research... and his book did impress upon me the amount of knowledge that he has acquired on the subject.

However, I was not a fan of the book. I had to force myself to persevere thru its reading. I found it dull, but more importantly, I felt that ...more

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Sep 18, 2018 Katy rated it really liked it

Shelves: history, pulitzer-2018-challenge

A mini biography of Jackson's time as president. I have come to admire what good he did accomplish, although his beliefs in Indian removal and slavery will always mark him as an imperfect man. ...more

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Aug 30, 2014 Robert Owen rated it it was ok

Shelves: american-history

Okay……soooooo, it won a Pulitzer Prize. While one shouldn't get overwrought about a particular award that a given book may receive, but I’ve been reading lots of history lately and I’ve found that as a rule, books awarded a Pulitzer are awarded them for a reason. When I decided that it was about time that I filled in the gaps in my knowledge of antebellum American history in general and the Jacksonian era, in particular, I was tickled to find the Pulitzer Prize winning “American Lion” there to h Okay……soooooo, it won a Pulitzer Prize. While one shouldn't get overwrought about a particular award that a given book may receive, but I’ve been reading lots of history lately and I’ve found that as a rule, books awarded a Pulitzer are awarded them for a reason. When I decided that it was about time that I filled in the gaps in my knowledge of antebellum American history in general and the Jacksonian era, in particular, I was tickled to find the Pulitzer Prize winning “American Lion” there to help launch me on my journey.

Only……the book sucked.

Admittedly, "American Lion" was intended as an intimate portrait of Jackson and his inner circle, and as such, maybe stuff like historical context and political significance weren’t necessarily the focus, but golly, it was as if the John Meacham went out of his way to avoid context and significance in presenting his sketch the iconic 7th President of the United States. In essence, what you learn from reading this book is that “What Andrew Jackson wanted, Andrew Jackson got.” Go ahead, say it along with me, “What Andrew Jackson wanted, Andrew Jackson got.” Got it? Do you feel me? Well, you’ve just read “American Lion”.

You’re welcome.

If I sound angry, it’s because I am. I picked up the book wanting to understand the issues that motivated the electorate to send America’s first populist president to the White House and how that president perceived / exploited / addressed those issues. To be sure, Meacham explains that there were controversies surrounding the United States Bank charter, tariffs and infrastructure expenditures, but what those controversies were, what their implications were, who was for them and why, who was against them and why and what, ultimately, was in the best interests of the nation remain mysteries from the first chapter to the last. What the reader learns is that there was an issue surrounding the United States Bank Charter, tariffs and infrastructure expenditures, where Jackson stood on those issues in the sense of “were he fer’ ‘em or again’ ‘em” and that, given this position…..well……what Andrew Jackson wanted, Andrew Jackson got. How, exactly, he got what he wanted is only dimly hinted at, and whether or not getting what he wanted was a good thing or a bad thing is left wholly to the reader’s imagination.

To be fair, the book does a fine job of explaining the “Petticoat Affair” and Jackson’s critical relationship with his nephew and aid, Andrew Donaldson and his wife, Emily. But beyond that….well…..I really am no smarter about the evolution of American thought or American history as a result of having read Meacham’s book.

Postscript:

Look, after having just written this review, I did a quick check on Wikipedia where, I was assured by people who are probably a lot smarter than I am that, “American Lion” was a Jim-Dandy read. All I can tell you is that before I started reading, I knew from other reading that the Jacksonian era marked a sea change in American politics and it's consequences were so utterly profound that they continue to be felt to this day. When I finished “American Lion” I really was no smarter about this than when I cracked the book’s cover. As I was intensely curious about the era and profoundly unsatisfied with the non-answers provided in “American Lion”, I sought out another book, read it, and felt enlightened as a result. I’m not saying that this “other book” (I won’t mention the title) is necessarily the best book out there on the era because I simply have not read enough other books to have a fair basis for comparison, but boy, it was head and shoulders above “American Lion” in terms of the information and insights it imparted. What I’m laboring to say is that in my humble opinion, there are much better books out there for the intrepid amateur scholar who is interested in learning about the forces that have contributed to make America America. ...more

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Aug 04, 2017 Sara rated it it was amazing

This is how a presidential biography should be written! Rather than an overly long, tedious account of boring minutiae, just tell the reader the critical events that made the president into the type of leader they became. All I ever really knew about Pres. Jackson was his involvement in the Battle of New Orleans and that he was known as "Old Hickory." This bio helps you come to know what made Andrew Jackson tick and his unique temperament that sometimes helped his ambition yet caused him grief a ...more

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Jan 20, 2009 Sara rated it did not like it

Shelves: didntfinish

I was excited to read this book, so it was especially disappointing to discover how poorly written it is. I only got through about 75 pages before giving up. The narration bounces around in time, skips over areas I think are important and goes into too much detail about other things. I know the book is supposed to focus on his presidency but I need to know more about him as a person to appreciate that and this just wasn't doing it for me. Bah. ...more

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May 02, 2017 Bettie marked it as wish-list

http://thehill.com/homenews/administr... ...more

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Oct 22, 2016 Karla rated it really liked it

Not an antithesis to the "Jackson is genocidal war criminal!" narrative, but a rather balanced approach to the guy, focusing mainly on his terms of office and placing him in the context of his time. I thought Meacham did an excellent job of presenting Jackson in a balanced way, both vices and virtues.

What amazed me the most was that I had heard about "The Petticoat Affair," but - as Meacham described its evolution and progression - it was really the most encompassing, polarizing and lolzy politi ...more

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Oct 30, 2018 Helga Cohen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: biographies-and-memoirs, presidents, pulitzers-2018, american-history

This is a good history of Andrew Jackson and his time in the White House. He was the first president outside the founders of our country as the 7th president and came from the south. This book describes the tumultuous times during his presidency. Meacham does a good job narrating how Andrew Jackson came into his power to become president arising out of poverty and tells the story of his 8 years in the White House.

Jackson was elected as president in 1828. He changed the office forever. The peop ...more

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Goodreads Librari...: Page Count	1	17	Dec 21, 2018 10:47AM
NonFiction Pulitzers: American Lion: Sept/Oct 2018 Group Read	112	27	Oct 22, 2018 01:12PM
Goodreads Librari...: Remove incorrect author link	2	16	Aug 18, 2017 02:14PM
Huntsville-Madiso...: Vive Le Livre Staff Pick--American Lion	1	6	Oct 16, 2012 09:13AM
The History Book ...: 12. TPS - THE AMERICAN LION - CHAPTER TWELVE - NON SPOILER	6	39	Nov 19, 2009 05:37AM
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About Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham

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Jon Meacham is the editor of Newsweek, a Pulitzer Prize winning bestselling author and a commentator on politics, history, and religious faith in America.

Books by Jon Meacham

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“Always take all the time to reflect that circumstances permit, but when the time for action has come, stop thinking. (Andrew Jackson)” — 23 likes

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