Andrew Jackson: A Critically Acclaimed Biography by the Foremost Jacksonian Scholar

Robert Remini is no doubt one of the most celebrated Jacksonian scholars, and his profound admiration of the seventh president is well known. Any informed reader coming to this book will expect excellent scholarship and a deep pro-Jackson bent. But this book goes beyond "positive press" into the realm of hero worship. It is smooth and easy to read; a good choice, perhaps, if you are dreading having to read a history book. Just understand that there are divergent opinions about General Jackson. So, for instance, where Remini shakes his head in wonder at his "sharp contrasts, angular twists, and sudden turns" in his personality, another would suggest there is an easier way to understand this man: a leader of men, a man of fine physical courage, but at the end of the day a warlord; a man who weighed decisions by his own ambitions and sense of right, hang what any man (or document) may say; a demagogue, and easy prey for the likes of Martin Van Buren. We are also reminded through this book that Remini wrote it 45 years ago, and the viewpoints of a more Euro-centric America show. For instance: during the First Seminole War, the Seminole Indians fled to Spanish Florida in the belief that they were safe from Jackson in Spanish territory. Jackson interprets the event like this: "When the Indians heard they had been turned over to the tender mercies of Andrew Jackson, they fled in terror . . . To the red men all Jackson needed to do was simply point at them and they perished where they stood." Sigh . . .

Andrew Jackson has been in the news because President Trump has Jackson's portrait in the Oval Office and like Trump, Jackson had problems with judges. George Washington was the top general in the war for independence, Jackson was a 13 year old POW. Robert V. Remini is an admirer of Jackson but Mr. Remini does critizise Jackson for Jackson's conduct as governor of the Florida territory and other things. This book is not hero worship. This book is 212 pages including 36 pages of notes, maps, ect. The print is small, reading more than a few pages at a time is difficult. If you want a short, low cost book about Andrew Jackson, get this book.

The author certainly knows his stuff but don't purchase this expecting a thorough biography. This is definitely the 'cliff notes' of Andrew Jackson. I picked this up after reading the excellent Henry Clay biography and was expecting something similar. I understand this author has written a more extensive biography so I may give it a try.Enjoyed the writing style and learned quite a bit.

The content was well written and gives a personal touch to a figure we usually only hear about in a cold, textbook manner. I laughed out loud during several parts of the book and cried at the end. The book was an class assignment but was so well written I would have considered reading it in my spare time.My only complaint is the print is small and close together, but it does make for a thin, lightweight book.

Great book! Kindof short in terms of presidential bios - I see that there is a longer version out there and perhaps I would have chose that one instead. That being said, this book is very thorough and goes from AJ's childhood right through to his death. The writing is very well done - the book was always interesting and kept me engaged. Highly recommended.

Although, obviously, an incredibly knowledgeable man, Remini is not a great writer, and he wrote a fairly tepid book about one of the most exciting (if for me, often deplorable) men of the 19th century. H. W. Brands wrote a better one and Jon Meacham a much better one.

It is somewhat brief, and I can see why others say that it seems biased toward Jackson. However, I think it is a great introductory read on a president that shaped an era.

Just a few of new information facts (no, I'm far from a expert historian). Slow in some places. Have already passed on to local Friends of the Library for sale.