It was OK. I liked his book about Thomas Jefferson more; maybe Jefferson was just a more interesting person. This book seemed a lot more political, which is probably because Jackson was a more political president and created the types of politics that we see today. He really expanded executive power. This book took me awhile to get through.

Solid biography of the first modern president. His criticism of Jackson's views on slavery seemed perfunctory at best, and had an obligatory feel about them. Meacham firmly took Jackson to task for his treatment and views of American Indians. But I found his larger view of the Jackson presidency as the first developments of the modern presidency, and the first openly political president, quite persuasive. The book reads well, and Meacham chops the book into very short segments, which makes it easier for someone like me, who typically only reads for pleasure a few minutes a night. I do strongly recommend this to anyone.

DNF. Presidential non-fiction might not be for me.

This is the first Jackson biography that I’ve read. I did not find it as engaging or informative as Meacham’s biography on Lincoln. There was a lot to time spent on cabinet and family drama but not a whole lot on policies, philosophies and stances from Jackson’s political life. I was particularly disappointed about the short shrift given to the events of Indian removal and the travesties around that disaster. All that said, the book is still worth reading to learn more about a man who is often wrongly demonized (he contained multitudes and contradictions) and who shifted what it means to be president in our country.

3.5 Stars. I liked this book a lot, but in parts I found it hard to focus. I don't know why, though. I loved learning about a part of American history I knew so little. It was especially interesting under current (early 2017) American political machinations. I was worried and comforted after reading this book. Men in power can make bad, even horrific, choices and the Union will endure. But that doesn't make the bad choices any better in the moment, though. I still wish people could speak as eloquently as they once did, in politics or just in life.

Andrew Jackson is, in my opinion, one of the most influential villains in American history. This book provides an in-depth look into his rise to power and the lasting impacts of his reign on American politics leading up to the Civil War. The writing can be dense, but it is very informative overall.

Although the book was informative, it was a bit dry. I often found my eyes getting heavy while the author expounded on certain points. However, it did outline much of Jackson's life and time period, along with the major issues of his day. I felt that the author dealt with him rather objectively, which helped to throw a more human light on the man.

I thought I would hate him. I grew up near the Potowattomie Reservation and learned of the Cherokee Trail of Tears when I was in the third grade. To be honest, I wanted to hate him.
The book was well written, showed him as both a patriot and severely flawed. Also showed how someone could believe whole heartedly in individual rights but not see how his policies toward Indians and Africans were counter to that belief.


It's a very timely book, considering he kind of invented our current views on electioneering and how the presidency works.