American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

Reviews

1. 

   Kenneth C. Mahieu – August 13, 2024

   A Pulitzer Prize winner !
   “American Lion” is a Pulitzer Prize winning bio of Andrew Jackson’s two terms in the White House. Jackson was the 7th US President and served from March of 1829 to March 1837. I knew very little about Jackson coming into this book and was pleasantly surprised about his many critical successes. Jackson was a trailblazer in both the literal and figurative. For example, AJ’s predecessors rarely vetoed legislation that came across their desk; this did not deter Jackson from vetoing many pieces of legislation from a rather hostile Congress. Previous administrations had seldom replaced government careerists. Jackson felt new blood was needed as he succeeded John Quincy Adams and he terminated over 900 federal employees, replacing them with Jackson loyalists soon after his inauguration.Meacham does an excellent job of setting the stage by identifying the key issues of the day, some of which Jackson would struggle with throughout his two terms. These included: 1.) the power of Biddle’s Second Bank of the United States, a Bank that Jackson believed made loans to influence elections, 2.) the possibility of South Carolina’s secession, note this was almost 35 years before its actual occurrence in the early 60’s triggering the Civil War, 3.) the removal of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi, 4.) separation of Church and State, 5.) the role of federal government v state government, 6.) pirates ! One theme that keeps repeating is that though the country had been formed more than 50 years ago, many officials were still debating what the US would be, the roles of the major branches of government, and the interpretation of founding documents. It was very interesting to read of situations and arguments that sound amazingly similar to many events that take place today in Washington.Then there are the practices in Jackson’s time that have changed. Things like daily horse rides through the streets of DC with VP Martin Van Buren, or the tawdry idea that candidates, especially the President, would openly campaign for office. And for those readers who enjoy soap opera, there is the Eaton affair, which consumed much of DC throughout Jackson’s first term – amazing as it was, it got a bit boring after a while.All things considered, a 5 star book. I am glad to see the Pulitzer committee agrees with me. I am flabbergasted that the book has such a low reader average score. By the way, my paperback edition was only 361 pages – not sure how one of the print editions got to over 500 pages. Hats off to Meacham who did the historian thing of giving all the facts and details, then analyzing them for historical context, but mostly for making the book very readable and enjoyable.

2. 

   Sambit Panda – August 13, 2024

   Everything is great about the book except the torn cover.Thats why more than 50% discount offered for this book.Obviously I won’t return it cause I won’t get it in 313 rupees anymore.But still with a stature of Amazon it was not expected.I am a little bit of disappointed.

3. 

   Amazon Customer – August 13, 2024

   Should be required reading for all people. Understanding this man’s generation is a must and the actions taken by Andrew Jackson for good or bad has led to a nation that for over 2 centuries has struggled with its real identity through falsehoods of history. A nation that is a nation because of Andrew Jackson. Today’s generation could not only benefit from reading it but more importantly learning from it.Absolute tip of my hat to Jon Meacham the author, or a bow, for this is a magnificent book.

4. 

   kemo – August 13, 2024

   very good read!

5. 

   R Helen – August 13, 2024

   This a fascinating book about one of America’s most respected Presidents. Andrew Jackson is best know for his belief that the President (not the Congress, which at that time was elected by state legislatures) was the true expression of the people. He believed in a strong executive that would not just go along with Congress, but would be a voice of its own. He used the executive veto far more than all his predecessors combined and thereby expanded the powers of the executive branch for his successors. He was a true “man of the people” and he seemed to epitomize “American democracy,” that anyone, no matter how humble, can reach the highest position in the country.Meacham’s book, however, focuses on his Presidency (as it states on the cover) and so it is missing a good look at the early years of Jackson’s life. To understand his Presidency it is helpful to know his past, where his ideas came from, who his friends were. These are sort of glossed over which makes the book somewhat superficial on that point. But if you are interested in American presidential history than you will not be disappointed with this book. It reads fast and well, despite its size. I would recommend it without hesitation.

6. 

   Tony Feeney – August 13, 2024

   This book is enjoyable but maybe a bit too much interest in the gossip around his later years .Would suggest you read it though, always difficult to assess someone from a perspective of today, especially about his rather awful attitude to American Native peoples.At least in Spanish America there was a viable opposition to these attitudes.