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Great Generals
Andrew Jackson: A Bibliography
This brief biography focuses more on the political career of Andrew Jackson than on his military heroism at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. It nevertheless provides an overview of the martial events that made Jackson's rise to the presidency possible. Robert Remini is widely touted as one of the great historians of the Jacksonian era, and Andrew Jackson is his most accessible book on the period's most intriguing figure.
314 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
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February 6, 2019
I came into this book with the desire to learn more detail of General Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans, as well as the Second National Bank Busting in which President Jackson took during his first term as President. I have known through peripheral reading that the Treaty of Ghent signed in Ghent, Belgium on 14 December 1814 took a whole month to reach Andrew Jackson; Major General Jackson would defeat the British for New Orleans on 8 January 1815. The Treaty took another month for ratification. Ratification of the Treaty of Ghent occurred in February 1815. My second interest in this book was the National Bank busting that later President Jackson undertook – simply put – he did not like the influence the Bank had on American Politics, and he did not care for the fact that the average American had no stake in this bank. In this manner, he understood that the Second Bank of the United States was a monopoly that had to be busted – he succeeded. This book provides a good look at these two events, and all other major events during the life of Andrew Jackson.
I would like to thank a contact of mine Sharon for her recommendation of the Remini book; I plan to read the abridged larger volume later. I now have a desire to delve deeper into the life and times of President Jackson as a result. This book was published in 1966 – it is therefore not a logical reason to like or dislike any President because of President Jackson. He was honorable to the time to which he lived. He proudly wore a scar over his head from an injury during the American Revolution he received from a British Officer.
If you are looking to see if President Jackson is a topic you would like to read and learn about in a deeper context – then I encourage you to read this book. Thanks again Sharon!
I would like to thank a contact of mine Sharon for her recommendation of the Remini book; I plan to read the abridged larger volume later. I now have a desire to delve deeper into the life and times of President Jackson as a result. This book was published in 1966 – it is therefore not a logical reason to like or dislike any President because of President Jackson. He was honorable to the time to which he lived. He proudly wore a scar over his head from an injury during the American Revolution he received from a British Officer.
If you are looking to see if President Jackson is a topic you would like to read and learn about in a deeper context – then I encourage you to read this book. Thanks again Sharon!
February 20, 2017
Let me make clear my criteria in rating and reviewing this book: first, I picked this up because I needed a short but reliable read on Andrew Jackson to fill my knowledge gap in the time period and understand the comparisons made with him and President Trump, and secondly with an understanding that this is a compact political biography and not the full treatment of the man. Remini can (and has) give an all encompassing account, but I just do not have the time for it. So, with that in mind, I give this book four stars for largely meeting expectations and being enjoyable.
Jackson is in the national mind again, and with good reason. As I read somewhere recently (not in this book), the times are Jacksonian. People are fed up with the perceived aristocracy and are desperate for a real leader of the average man. We see it in both parties. And it resembles the era of Jackson well. The man's goal, above all else, was to level the aristocracy of pull (as Ayn Rand might put it) and make the government an honest broker for all men.
Jackson would thrive today. He knew how to do politics as well as any in his day and knew especially to pander to the common man. But there is more to it than that: Jackson was from a common stock himself, was closely associated with common folks on the frontier, and seems to genuinely believed his own rhetoric. He most certainly was not a rich man playing a role. And his history backs up his courage and fortitude, genuine aspects of who he was. When someone tried to assassinate him, Jackson's response was to beat the tar out of the fellow! The hero of New Orleans had a long history of military experience and dueling to put his personal courage beyond question.
The times are Jacksonian, but our current President is not. He seems to know how to play the masses, but he is not one of them, nor does he possess the true grit of Andrew Jackson. Nor does he seem to have the same genuine faith in that message; from our current President, it often sounds cheap, unearned. One cannot accuse Jackson of that, whatever his other (many) faults.
As to the issues of the day, great focus is placed on the Nullification Crisis and the Bank War. The former isn't as relevant today, but it is important to understand that Jackson was a nationalist first who had no love for nullification or rumors of secession. In the Bank War, Jackson would find friends in the like of Senators Warren and Sanders, as he meant to destroy this institution for political reasons. In fairness, the Bank of the United States was abusing its financial leverage to impact elections and Congressional votes, but the victory of Jackson put the nation on an unsound financial footing for decades to come. It is one thing to remove a dangerous institution, another to replace its important functions.
This is a condensed book. For anyone looking to have the questions answered that I did, I would absolutely recommend it. Anyone looking for the full treatment, the sad "the end of this book almost feels like the end of a life" emotion, will need to go elsewhere.
Jackson is in the national mind again, and with good reason. As I read somewhere recently (not in this book), the times are Jacksonian. People are fed up with the perceived aristocracy and are desperate for a real leader of the average man. We see it in both parties. And it resembles the era of Jackson well. The man's goal, above all else, was to level the aristocracy of pull (as Ayn Rand might put it) and make the government an honest broker for all men.
Jackson would thrive today. He knew how to do politics as well as any in his day and knew especially to pander to the common man. But there is more to it than that: Jackson was from a common stock himself, was closely associated with common folks on the frontier, and seems to genuinely believed his own rhetoric. He most certainly was not a rich man playing a role. And his history backs up his courage and fortitude, genuine aspects of who he was. When someone tried to assassinate him, Jackson's response was to beat the tar out of the fellow! The hero of New Orleans had a long history of military experience and dueling to put his personal courage beyond question.
The times are Jacksonian, but our current President is not. He seems to know how to play the masses, but he is not one of them, nor does he possess the true grit of Andrew Jackson. Nor does he seem to have the same genuine faith in that message; from our current President, it often sounds cheap, unearned. One cannot accuse Jackson of that, whatever his other (many) faults.
As to the issues of the day, great focus is placed on the Nullification Crisis and the Bank War. The former isn't as relevant today, but it is important to understand that Jackson was a nationalist first who had no love for nullification or rumors of secession. In the Bank War, Jackson would find friends in the like of Senators Warren and Sanders, as he meant to destroy this institution for political reasons. In fairness, the Bank of the United States was abusing its financial leverage to impact elections and Congressional votes, but the victory of Jackson put the nation on an unsound financial footing for decades to come. It is one thing to remove a dangerous institution, another to replace its important functions.
This is a condensed book. For anyone looking to have the questions answered that I did, I would absolutely recommend it. Anyone looking for the full treatment, the sad "the end of this book almost feels like the end of a life" emotion, will need to go elsewhere.
July 1, 2025
I am not a huge fan of President Jackson, mainly due to his two faced treatment of Indians. I decided to read this to see if if it reveled anything new to me that might change my mind. Nothing new but it was a well written bio. Recommended
September 21, 2020
This is a story of a racist genocidal leader who also displayed cognitive dissonance in rare moments of possible compassion. Though the author doesn’t deny this fact, he glosses over atrocities, large and small, as though they are insignificant moments in the life of a general.
The book concludes by saying, “in the present age, the American People should still be grateful for what he did” to that I say No. We should acknowledge that he greatly influenced the might of the US and our standing on the world stage, and since we can’t roll back the clock we have to accept what was done to get here, but we should condemn any attempt at perpetuating that type of leadership.
The book concludes by saying, “in the present age, the American People should still be grateful for what he did” to that I say No. We should acknowledge that he greatly influenced the might of the US and our standing on the world stage, and since we can’t roll back the clock we have to accept what was done to get here, but we should condemn any attempt at perpetuating that type of leadership.
May 14, 2017
Apparently Steve Bannon recently gave Donald Trump a biography of Andrew Jackson because he sees Jackson as a prototype of Trump. Trump misread or misremembered or couldn't quite get the book. Be that as it may, I thought I'd read the same biography, but I wasn't the only library member in Chapel Hill who had the same idea, so I ended up with a short volume by military historian Robert V. Remini called, unsurprisingly, Andrew Jackson, focusing on his military career but framed within his pre- and post-military experience (childhood and the presidency.)
It's a good book. Some of the writing is stiff, but Remini is a master of explaining and analyzing military operations. The fundamental Jackson comes through loud and clear.
Jackson was an ambitious, iron-willed, self-disciplined and, by his lights, highly moral man. He had no formal military training and made mistakes, but he learned from them. Contrary to popular belief, he did not win the battle of New Orleans after peace was concluded; the treaty had been signed but not ratified. The battle itself, which made him a national hero, did more than stop the British attempt to control the Mississippi. It sent the world a message that the U.S. could match the world's greatest military power in a head-on collision of forces, outfighting and outthinking the British. It also, because Jackson commanded troops from many states, did a great deal to nurture the idea that the United States was more than a federation of states, each proud and sovereign. In the early 19th century, that wasn't a commonplace concept. (Of course it was Lincoln who saw the U.S. through to the ultimate meaning of "one nation.")
Given that Trump went to a military prep school and never served in the military, there is no comparison between the two men. Jackson's generalship entailed victories in major campaigns. His physical sacrifices and education in the brutality of war, as well as in leadership, made him the towering figure of his day.
Jackson's obsession as a military leader was securing the U.S. from indigenous peoples and foreign powers. His thought was that the south could only be safe if the indigenous peoples were confined to smaller spaces--where they would become agriculturalists as opposed to hunter/gatherers--preferably across the Mississippi. He fought and defeated the Creeks and Seminoles in pursuit of this goal, rationalizing these wars as good for the indigenous people because they would be safer somewhere else, far from white settlers. Here we have a species of nationalism that is somewhat Trump-like, although Trump's anti-immigrant stance completely flips the coin Jackson first pried off the table, meaning Trump wants to make America safe for immigrants (most of us) against anyone else who wants to live in the U.S. whereas Jackson was obsessed with displacing people already in the U.S. so that immigrants (most of us) could take over. Eventually, Jackson pushed the indigenous peoples across the Mississippi, following the "Trail of Tears," when he was president. Trump's idea is a kind of metal Mississippi, his border wall.
One of the things that irks Trump the most is how far short he falls of true popularity. Jackson was a feted hero; his armies loved, respected, and feared him. He put his life on the line repeatedly. So he had a charisma the billionaire Trump could never attain, much as he wants to be loved for having won the presidency with 3 million votes fewer than his opponent.
The issue of populism extends far beyond popularity, of course. Generally speaking, populism entails empowering the little guy, disentangling him from a too-powerful central authority. Here we see a colossal misfit of Trump in the Jacksonian mold. Skipping over his authoritarian, me-me-me concept of rule, one huge issue stands out. Jackson is the only president to have eliminated the national debt. At no other time did the U.S. owe zero to creditors. His reasoning was commonsensical but far reaching: it's better not to have a central government that imposes itself on the nation with financial burdens that stretch endlessly into the future. Trump has styled himself "the King of Debt" and his budget and tax proposals follow the precedents he set for himself as a businessman: borrow a lot, push the debt onto someone else, and then take off with the profits and glory.
We know that most economists believe debt is a necessary evil, helping the nation deal with downturns and wars and strengthening the nation with wise investments. We also know that we will never retire our national debt and probably will never again "balance the budget" as Bill Clinton did. But if we look at the personal values and political priorities of Jackson and Trump, we see opposites.
The idea that Trump is some kind of populist because he channels the little guy's anger into his pocket is absurd. Jackson deservedly fell in stature during the Civil Rights period in the '60s, but as misguided and cruel as he was, he was attempting to secure and build the nation, a man of his times. If Trump, too, is a man of his times, that speaks ill of us all and has nothing to do with Andrew Jackson.
It's a good book. Some of the writing is stiff, but Remini is a master of explaining and analyzing military operations. The fundamental Jackson comes through loud and clear.
Jackson was an ambitious, iron-willed, self-disciplined and, by his lights, highly moral man. He had no formal military training and made mistakes, but he learned from them. Contrary to popular belief, he did not win the battle of New Orleans after peace was concluded; the treaty had been signed but not ratified. The battle itself, which made him a national hero, did more than stop the British attempt to control the Mississippi. It sent the world a message that the U.S. could match the world's greatest military power in a head-on collision of forces, outfighting and outthinking the British. It also, because Jackson commanded troops from many states, did a great deal to nurture the idea that the United States was more than a federation of states, each proud and sovereign. In the early 19th century, that wasn't a commonplace concept. (Of course it was Lincoln who saw the U.S. through to the ultimate meaning of "one nation.")
Given that Trump went to a military prep school and never served in the military, there is no comparison between the two men. Jackson's generalship entailed victories in major campaigns. His physical sacrifices and education in the brutality of war, as well as in leadership, made him the towering figure of his day.
Jackson's obsession as a military leader was securing the U.S. from indigenous peoples and foreign powers. His thought was that the south could only be safe if the indigenous peoples were confined to smaller spaces--where they would become agriculturalists as opposed to hunter/gatherers--preferably across the Mississippi. He fought and defeated the Creeks and Seminoles in pursuit of this goal, rationalizing these wars as good for the indigenous people because they would be safer somewhere else, far from white settlers. Here we have a species of nationalism that is somewhat Trump-like, although Trump's anti-immigrant stance completely flips the coin Jackson first pried off the table, meaning Trump wants to make America safe for immigrants (most of us) against anyone else who wants to live in the U.S. whereas Jackson was obsessed with displacing people already in the U.S. so that immigrants (most of us) could take over. Eventually, Jackson pushed the indigenous peoples across the Mississippi, following the "Trail of Tears," when he was president. Trump's idea is a kind of metal Mississippi, his border wall.
One of the things that irks Trump the most is how far short he falls of true popularity. Jackson was a feted hero; his armies loved, respected, and feared him. He put his life on the line repeatedly. So he had a charisma the billionaire Trump could never attain, much as he wants to be loved for having won the presidency with 3 million votes fewer than his opponent.
The issue of populism extends far beyond popularity, of course. Generally speaking, populism entails empowering the little guy, disentangling him from a too-powerful central authority. Here we see a colossal misfit of Trump in the Jacksonian mold. Skipping over his authoritarian, me-me-me concept of rule, one huge issue stands out. Jackson is the only president to have eliminated the national debt. At no other time did the U.S. owe zero to creditors. His reasoning was commonsensical but far reaching: it's better not to have a central government that imposes itself on the nation with financial burdens that stretch endlessly into the future. Trump has styled himself "the King of Debt" and his budget and tax proposals follow the precedents he set for himself as a businessman: borrow a lot, push the debt onto someone else, and then take off with the profits and glory.
We know that most economists believe debt is a necessary evil, helping the nation deal with downturns and wars and strengthening the nation with wise investments. We also know that we will never retire our national debt and probably will never again "balance the budget" as Bill Clinton did. But if we look at the personal values and political priorities of Jackson and Trump, we see opposites.
The idea that Trump is some kind of populist because he channels the little guy's anger into his pocket is absurd. Jackson deservedly fell in stature during the Civil Rights period in the '60s, but as misguided and cruel as he was, he was attempting to secure and build the nation, a man of his times. If Trump, too, is a man of his times, that speaks ill of us all and has nothing to do with Andrew Jackson.
March 7, 2019
I waffled back and forth between two and three stars. I wasn't sure if some of my dislike was just that my prejudices against Jackson are so deeply rooted that there was no way for me to enjoy the book, or if it was the book itself. I gave Remini the benefit of the doubt and went with three.
Remini was quoted in one of the history textbooks I have taught out of, so when I was looking for a good biography on Jackson, I figured this would be a good place to start. What I didn't realize until I went to enter this as a "to-read" on Goodreads, is that Remini has two versions and I had the shorter one. (The one that wasn't quoted in the book.) I don't know if the longer book would have made a difference.
There were a few things that I read that I found really interesting, but other things that served to further my conviction that Jackson was just a bully. While Remini was realistic enough to admit that Jackson did make some mistakes, I felt like he is just too much in love with Jackson to be objective. For one thing, throughout the book, instead of using Jackson's name, he frequently referred to him as "the Hero". To someone who sees Jackson as anything BUT a hero, this was really annoying. I was also frustrated by the fact that he didn't give the Indian Removal more attention. He just glossed over it. He would also talk about something that Jackson had done that proved he was an astute politician, but never (at least in my mind), clearly defined what he did that made him so great.
The book might be good for someone who already likes Jackson, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
Remini was quoted in one of the history textbooks I have taught out of, so when I was looking for a good biography on Jackson, I figured this would be a good place to start. What I didn't realize until I went to enter this as a "to-read" on Goodreads, is that Remini has two versions and I had the shorter one. (The one that wasn't quoted in the book.) I don't know if the longer book would have made a difference.
There were a few things that I read that I found really interesting, but other things that served to further my conviction that Jackson was just a bully. While Remini was realistic enough to admit that Jackson did make some mistakes, I felt like he is just too much in love with Jackson to be objective. For one thing, throughout the book, instead of using Jackson's name, he frequently referred to him as "the Hero". To someone who sees Jackson as anything BUT a hero, this was really annoying. I was also frustrated by the fact that he didn't give the Indian Removal more attention. He just glossed over it. He would also talk about something that Jackson had done that proved he was an astute politician, but never (at least in my mind), clearly defined what he did that made him so great.
The book might be good for someone who already likes Jackson, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
October 26, 2014
This book is the story of Andrew Jackson from childhood to death and everything in-between. I have read various biographies and books about Jackson, but this one is my favorite. Not only is Jackson an intensely interesting man, but the authors enthusiasm and love for history and Andrew Jackson is woven into every page of this book. It is almost impossible to not get excited when reading this book. In my opinion, this book was far to short. While it is obvious that the author was a Jacksonian he does acknowledge the terrible things that were done throughout Jacksons life. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history, but particularly someone who is just getting into biographies. The enthusiasm and love for history and the subject practically bursts from that page and you can't help but love it. It doesn't hurt that Jackson was a fascinating man either. For someone who wants a more detailed and comprehensive account of Jacksons life and the Jacksonian era, I would recommend the three part biography by the same author.
June 2, 2018
The late historian Robert Remini did a good job at writing about the history of the early American republic and in particular the career of Andrew Jackson [1], and this book is certainly a good one albeit a short work of only about 200 pages or so and a book with a narrow focus on the military career of Andrew Jackson. I found the work to be an interesting and worthwhile one, especially because as a historian myself I have a strong interest in the history of the 19th century and this definitely fits the bill of being a worthwhile text within that context. Any time I can find a work that provides a thoughtful examination of military history and the skills of a general that can be learned from, I am generally an appreciative reader and that is certainly the case here. Remini, moreover, manages to praise Jackson as an inspirational leader without glossing over his faults and flaws as a leader within the republican context of American military history and that is an admirable work in terms of its honesty as well even if this work has some unsettling implications.
This short work is divided into six chapters. Before these begin there is a foreword by General Wesley Clark and an introduction by the the author that places Jackson's military service in the context of his harrowing Revolutionary War experience where he was orphaned and deeply wounded by the British. After that the author discusses Jackson's initial rise to prominence in the political and military world of early 19th century Tennessee as an Indian fighter in that brutal combat over the expansion of settlers into native hunting grounds (1). This leads quite naturally to Jackson's generally exemplary work as a leader in the Creek War (2), which led to the massive rise of settlement in the old southwest due to draconian peace terms. A lengthy chapter quite properly addresses Jackson's success at the Battle of New Orleans (3), placing that battle in its proper context by showing how a defensive victory on favorable terrain was the result of a long and wide-ranging campaign. The author then spends some time examining Jackson's controversial efforts in the First Seminal War (4) and the end of military service as he accepted the office of territorial governor of Florida (5), which is an area of his career that not many people are aware of. The author then closes with a look at Jackson's legacy (6) as a leader who inspired his troops and focused on the placing of overwhelming force against one's opponents to ensure victory.
Overall, this is an excellent work in that it demonstrates the importance of ambition to Jackson's military career. Seemingly a born leader, Jackson viewed the military as a way to defend his beloved country and to rise up in the world and receive the respect and honor of others. His care for and concern for his men and his willingness to share in their sufferings led him to develop a strong concern for logistics and his autocratic and sharply honed sense of conviction in the rightness of his position made him an occasionally insubordinate officer who bristled at the occasionally incompetent and unwise demands of civilian superiors. Likewise, this book demonstrates how Jackson's military prowess and political prowess fed into each other and how despite his very modest educational background, his intuitive understanding of the longings and desires of the American people at large gave him a lasting and successful political career that included two terms as president of the United States of America as well as a starring role in the expansion of American settlement and plantation slavery over the area of Mississippi, Alabama, parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
This short work is divided into six chapters. Before these begin there is a foreword by General Wesley Clark and an introduction by the the author that places Jackson's military service in the context of his harrowing Revolutionary War experience where he was orphaned and deeply wounded by the British. After that the author discusses Jackson's initial rise to prominence in the political and military world of early 19th century Tennessee as an Indian fighter in that brutal combat over the expansion of settlers into native hunting grounds (1). This leads quite naturally to Jackson's generally exemplary work as a leader in the Creek War (2), which led to the massive rise of settlement in the old southwest due to draconian peace terms. A lengthy chapter quite properly addresses Jackson's success at the Battle of New Orleans (3), placing that battle in its proper context by showing how a defensive victory on favorable terrain was the result of a long and wide-ranging campaign. The author then spends some time examining Jackson's controversial efforts in the First Seminal War (4) and the end of military service as he accepted the office of territorial governor of Florida (5), which is an area of his career that not many people are aware of. The author then closes with a look at Jackson's legacy (6) as a leader who inspired his troops and focused on the placing of overwhelming force against one's opponents to ensure victory.
Overall, this is an excellent work in that it demonstrates the importance of ambition to Jackson's military career. Seemingly a born leader, Jackson viewed the military as a way to defend his beloved country and to rise up in the world and receive the respect and honor of others. His care for and concern for his men and his willingness to share in their sufferings led him to develop a strong concern for logistics and his autocratic and sharply honed sense of conviction in the rightness of his position made him an occasionally insubordinate officer who bristled at the occasionally incompetent and unwise demands of civilian superiors. Likewise, this book demonstrates how Jackson's military prowess and political prowess fed into each other and how despite his very modest educational background, his intuitive understanding of the longings and desires of the American people at large gave him a lasting and successful political career that included two terms as president of the United States of America as well as a starring role in the expansion of American settlement and plantation slavery over the area of Mississippi, Alabama, parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
June 23, 2021
Robert Remini has spent his career on Andrew Jackson and is a preeminent scholar of the 7th President. This little book here exams Jackson as a military man with his involvement in Indian wars, the War of 1812, then his invasion of Florida.
Jackson according to the author somewhat created the definition of self made man. Much of this comes from Jackson's ambition for glory, his military ambition. Unlike many others who seek military glory Jackson cared for his soldiers. Sacrificing with them to the point at times I felt like he was trying to show he was a greater, more of a man, than others. Jackson is not a tactical genius and used the same encircling gambit in just about all his battles. His victories over the native Americans helped pave the path for Anglo settlement of the deep south. Jackson would turn on allies when he felt justified in peace negotiations as he did after the Creek war, forcing his own Creek allies to cede land to the United States. We see glimpses of who Jackson really is here.
Jackson's earned trust of his men by sharing the sacrifice, giving his subordinates leeway - not micromanaging, and being sure he always outnumbered his enemies. Basics ideals of any commander. Remini gives Jackson a lot of credit here. Jackson's native opposition is not as organized nor well supplied, something Jackson wisely takes full advantage of.
Of course Jackson's crowning achievement is his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. This was the USA's first clear battlefield victory in their history as the British were forced to retreat. The battle itself can be said to have been won by numerous British mistakes. Yet at one of the crucial moments Jackson showed restraint and kept the results one sided in America's favor. If he followed his aggressive instincts, many more Americans would have died and for no good reason or gain. Sometimes restraint in battle is just as important as aggressiveness. It worked at New Orleans and Midway in 1942.
This book is a look at Jackson's military leadership. Remini is more of a fan of Jackson than I will ever be, but he makes some good points about Jackson's abilities and made a pretty good argument for Jackson learning and evolving as a commander. This later is a true test of leadership to me, to learn and adjust as one gains experience and responsibility. In that point Andrew Jackson clearly grew.
Jackson according to the author somewhat created the definition of self made man. Much of this comes from Jackson's ambition for glory, his military ambition. Unlike many others who seek military glory Jackson cared for his soldiers. Sacrificing with them to the point at times I felt like he was trying to show he was a greater, more of a man, than others. Jackson is not a tactical genius and used the same encircling gambit in just about all his battles. His victories over the native Americans helped pave the path for Anglo settlement of the deep south. Jackson would turn on allies when he felt justified in peace negotiations as he did after the Creek war, forcing his own Creek allies to cede land to the United States. We see glimpses of who Jackson really is here.
Jackson's earned trust of his men by sharing the sacrifice, giving his subordinates leeway - not micromanaging, and being sure he always outnumbered his enemies. Basics ideals of any commander. Remini gives Jackson a lot of credit here. Jackson's native opposition is not as organized nor well supplied, something Jackson wisely takes full advantage of.
Of course Jackson's crowning achievement is his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. This was the USA's first clear battlefield victory in their history as the British were forced to retreat. The battle itself can be said to have been won by numerous British mistakes. Yet at one of the crucial moments Jackson showed restraint and kept the results one sided in America's favor. If he followed his aggressive instincts, many more Americans would have died and for no good reason or gain. Sometimes restraint in battle is just as important as aggressiveness. It worked at New Orleans and Midway in 1942.
This book is a look at Jackson's military leadership. Remini is more of a fan of Jackson than I will ever be, but he makes some good points about Jackson's abilities and made a pretty good argument for Jackson learning and evolving as a commander. This later is a true test of leadership to me, to learn and adjust as one gains experience and responsibility. In that point Andrew Jackson clearly grew.
March 21, 2019
Remini is widely recognized as THE Andrew Jackson biographer. He wrote more than half-a-dozen volumes that examined nearly every known aspect of Old Hickory’s life (and occasionally took a bit too much poetic license in filling in the blanks).
His slight (225 page) 1966 biography simply entitled “Andrew Jackson,” is one of his earliest book-length works on the seventh President. Given its length, it is remarkably comprehensive and it does an excellent job of connecting Jackson’s personal history with his political world view. This is also a remarkable book in providing insight into how politics as we know them came to be!
Someone reading this book in 2019 will likely find it to be callous and insensitive to the Native American populations that were so thoroughly abused, and in some instances, eradicated by Jackson’s direct action, inaction, or policy decisions. There is a troubling sense of acceptance and an inevitability of the decimation of tribal cultures that is clearly evident. Having recently read Remini’s later (1988 - The Life if Andrew Jackson) single-volume abridgment of his three-volume work, I sensed that Remini himself may have personally come to see some of Jackson’s acts in a different light.
If you’re looking for a quick overview of Jackson, this is a good place to start although I’d suggest that devoting slightly more time to a reading of the 1988 biography is worth the effort.
His slight (225 page) 1966 biography simply entitled “Andrew Jackson,” is one of his earliest book-length works on the seventh President. Given its length, it is remarkably comprehensive and it does an excellent job of connecting Jackson’s personal history with his political world view. This is also a remarkable book in providing insight into how politics as we know them came to be!
Someone reading this book in 2019 will likely find it to be callous and insensitive to the Native American populations that were so thoroughly abused, and in some instances, eradicated by Jackson’s direct action, inaction, or policy decisions. There is a troubling sense of acceptance and an inevitability of the decimation of tribal cultures that is clearly evident. Having recently read Remini’s later (1988 - The Life if Andrew Jackson) single-volume abridgment of his three-volume work, I sensed that Remini himself may have personally come to see some of Jackson’s acts in a different light.
If you’re looking for a quick overview of Jackson, this is a good place to start although I’d suggest that devoting slightly more time to a reading of the 1988 biography is worth the effort.
December 23, 2020
I read the original 1966 version. I found it does a great job of explaining the details of the major events of AJ's life. Everything from the Battle of New Orleans to the Bank War. Remini knew AJ probably better than any modern historian having written several books on him and the contemporaries he opposed in his political life. While Remini does point out some failures and missteps, overall he explains most issues from AJ's point of view. It cannot go unnoticed that often Remini substitutes "the Hero" for AJ's name which leads me to question the author's ability to offer unbiased interpretations of events and situations. I suggest the book as a good source to know the defining moments and events of AJ's life and presidency which changed the office forever.
My favorite line in the book comes early on where Remini writes, " Since he was not especially given to books he was a badly-informed man all of his life." We should all avoid this fate.
My favorite line in the book comes early on where Remini writes, " Since he was not especially given to books he was a badly-informed man all of his life." We should all avoid this fate.
March 1, 2018
Everything you would want to know about one of America's presidents, Andrew Jackson. The book shows a little bias to comfort the fact that he had his legacy connected to the Trail of Tears but in the book it showed his past life as a general and when he was little Indians were the scare for the settlers. To my surprise he spared brave Indians that went into American camp to confront Jackson. Jackson spared and let go the Indian that so bravely confronted him. The pace of the book could be considered boring to the normal reader but for someone that holds and interest it was at times a little slow to read. Overall was a good book and gave some background on his infamous legacy Trail of Tears
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
Primarily a military history of Jackson, this biography fleshed out its subject to the degree that I felt more nuance and understanding of his mindset for (to us) unconscionable treatment of Native Americans. It also to make me shudder at his authoritarian and dictatorial impulses as an executive.
Looking forward to reading further biographies of Jackson, especially ones that encompass his political arc.
Looking forward to reading further biographies of Jackson, especially ones that encompass his political arc.
March 3, 2022
The book emphasizes on Jackson's pre-presidency career and only touches upon the key moments of his presidency. Remini argues that Andrew Jackson is not a hot-head person as most people assumed, but a shrew, calculating politician with great instincts. Great intro to Jackson if you don't know much about him.
July 16, 2020
Very interesting read. I learned a number of new things. The flow of the book was excellent. It was easy to get into the book as it was well written.
February 3, 2022
This has completely altered the lens through which I view Andrew Jackson. Very good and illuminating.
April 19, 2022
Tough sledding through this one. Reads like a college textbook. I did learn plenty about a national baking system since that's the largest chapter in the book.
December 27, 2025
This book was very informative about the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson.
January 18, 2016
The life of Andrew Jackson (“Old Hickory”) is also the story of the life and maturation of a young American nation. Andrew Jackson, hailing from Tennessee, was often seen as a volatile man who dueled for his wife’s honor, and warred for maintaining his nation’s independence. He was also known for his opposition to the National Bank and the stabilization of our financial institutions and systems (the only American president with no federal debt!). Unfortunately, as a visit to Jackson's home will attest (The Hermitage outside of Nashville Tennessee), Jackson was the owner of a large number of slaves. As much as many want to proclaim that Jackson was merely a "man of his times," I prefer to state bluntly what historian Bobby Lovett of Tennessee State University was quoted as saying in a recent LA Times article (March 21, 2008): "To enslave another human being, you can't be a good person. You have to be a pretty tough, vicious, mean person to hold another person or another 140 people in slavery for all of their lives." Was Jackson truly a “tough, vicious, mean person?” In regards to slavery, yes. However I also remember biographer Robert Remini’s description of Andrew Jackson as being a very loyal husband to his wife Rachel who became more dependent on her Christian faith to sustain her during her latter years; both Jackson and his wife remained devout Presbyterians. The following are Jackson’s recorded last words before his death, “I am in the hands of a merciful God. I have full confidence in his goodness and mercy . . . The Bible is true . . . I have tried to conform to its spirit as near as possible. Upon that sacred volume I rest my hope for eternal salvation, through the merits and blood of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Later Remini records, “The hero of New Orleans, the terror of Indians, Spaniards, British soldiers, politicians, and other assorted ‘villains,’ lay on his deathbed praying with fervor and deep conviction.”
June 21, 2007
This 1966 work is a short biography from the author of the extensive three volume biography of Andrew Jackson that won the 1984 National Book Award. I actually thought I was reading the one-volume abridgment of that set, until I found The Life of Andrew Jackson listed in an author search.
I’m happy to have read the wrong book because this smaller volume has done nothing but pique my desire to read more of a president about whom I’d previously known nothing. Here Jackson is presented as a fast-learning politician, adept at using public support to propel his agenda past a divided Congress (and a perennially jealous Henry Clay). Remini tells of how Jackson used his temper craftily to simultaneously inspire and shame soldiers and congressmen alike, and how Jackson was a steady defender of women friends who had been wronged in a hyper-political press. Remini writes only briefly here about the forced migration of Indians from their native Florida, and his slave ownership, but these items are explored in detail within books previously mentioned.
I’m still not sure what I think of Andrew Jackson, but the presentation of his persona through this book has pretty much guaranteed I’ll be turning to Remini for more.
I’m happy to have read the wrong book because this smaller volume has done nothing but pique my desire to read more of a president about whom I’d previously known nothing. Here Jackson is presented as a fast-learning politician, adept at using public support to propel his agenda past a divided Congress (and a perennially jealous Henry Clay). Remini tells of how Jackson used his temper craftily to simultaneously inspire and shame soldiers and congressmen alike, and how Jackson was a steady defender of women friends who had been wronged in a hyper-political press. Remini writes only briefly here about the forced migration of Indians from their native Florida, and his slave ownership, but these items are explored in detail within books previously mentioned.
I’m still not sure what I think of Andrew Jackson, but the presentation of his persona through this book has pretty much guaranteed I’ll be turning to Remini for more.
February 25, 2011
An all too brief biography of one of America's greatest leaders this short biography of Andrew Jackson gives a quick overview of his life. Beginning with his youth and the experiences he had during the American Revolutionary War, this book takes the reader on a journey through Jackson's early career as a lawyer, his successful and legendary military career as an Indian fighter as well as his heroic victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, his part that he played in the purchasing of Florida from Spain for the United States through his political career as a governor of Florida to the President of the United States.
Also included is an informative chapter on Jackson's war with the Second Bank of the United States.
Robert V. Remini is a masterful teller of history. His writing style is far from dry and always kept my attention. This book piqued my interest (although I've always admired Old Hickory) enough to eagerly wish to read the three volume biography on Jackson by the same author. His depiction of Jackson shows a tough, cunning, intelligent man with an iron will who played a central role in shaping the history of America.
Also included is an informative chapter on Jackson's war with the Second Bank of the United States.
Robert V. Remini is a masterful teller of history. His writing style is far from dry and always kept my attention. This book piqued my interest (although I've always admired Old Hickory) enough to eagerly wish to read the three volume biography on Jackson by the same author. His depiction of Jackson shows a tough, cunning, intelligent man with an iron will who played a central role in shaping the history of America.
March 27, 2015
This bio focuses on Andrew Jackson as a General. Essentially, the Battle of New Orleans ratified or confirmed American Independence. For the forty years prior, there was no guarantee that the American experiment would last. He also said a couple of things about Jackson's presidency: He was the first president to use the veto for bills he didn't like; not just bills he didn't think were constitutional; thus expanding the power of the presidency. Also, Remini said that while Jackson's Indian removal policy resulted in the Trail of Tears, it did guarantee that Creek, Cherokee, Seminole etc culture survived and they didn't suffer the same fate as the Mohawks or Pequots. I won't comment further other than saying I think Remini had a huge Jackson mancrush and the narrator could have done a better job. His delivery was crisp, but he rarely paused to take a breath or let the book sink in with the listener. Listening to it was like reading this review. It was all one paragraph.
November 19, 2008
This book needs to be in a pile of "I would never have touched it if I hadn't needed to for school, but I am SO glad I did!" I really liked this book. I learned a whole lot about history that I never really got before. The style was surprisingly entertaining. Reading it straight though helped, though.
The neatest thing I got out of this book is the idea that Andrew Jackson was not your typical man. I think if we met him today (and I think we meet this type a lot) we might not have a good impression of him. A little hot headed. A little vain. Quick to fight. Disobedient to orders. But this was a man who had so much to give, and if he had not done all of those things, he probably wouldn't have amounted to all that much. My oldest son is kind of like this. What a great leader he could be some day.
The neatest thing I got out of this book is the idea that Andrew Jackson was not your typical man. I think if we met him today (and I think we meet this type a lot) we might not have a good impression of him. A little hot headed. A little vain. Quick to fight. Disobedient to orders. But this was a man who had so much to give, and if he had not done all of those things, he probably wouldn't have amounted to all that much. My oldest son is kind of like this. What a great leader he could be some day.
January 6, 2014
This book pretty much sums up the life of Andrew Jackson.It brings up many different topics such as his childhood, his military career,running for president, during his presidency, after his presidency and some other little details like the Battle of New Orleans and how he got the nickname old hickory.He met many people like Martin Van Buren who would be vice president under Jackson and would later take over as president when he retired.this book does a great job of telling the life story of General Andrew Jackson.
This book is a good idea if you want to know more about our seventh president.Although, I did get bored after reading for a while and I felt like at some parts I got really confused and felt like I missed something. All in all, this book, while it has it's flaws, is still a great source of information.
This book is a good idea if you want to know more about our seventh president.Although, I did get bored after reading for a while and I felt like at some parts I got really confused and felt like I missed something. All in all, this book, while it has it's flaws, is still a great source of information.
May 2, 2008
Not exquisitely written, but a great overview of the seventh U.S. president's life, and not sprawling like most presidential biographies. Talks about his war triumphs, his duels, his political battles, his aggressive use of the veto. "Old Hickory" was ill-tempered and belligerent at times, and yes, he was a Mason, but he was also an eloquent speaker and a brilliant strategist. Also interesting to see the ideals of the Democratic Party being molded during his two terms (way back in the 1830s). Down with the Whig Party!
March 23, 2009
I had a hard time staying focused on this book, and I frequently found myself falling asleep. I did learn some new things about Andrew Jackson that I never knew, so that was good. It was a very thorough and accurate account of his life.
July 29, 2016
This book is a mercifully short biography (why do biographies have to be over 500 pages long?) that covers the main events of Jackson's life and tangentially the birth of the Democratic Party. Remini is clearly an admirer as opposed to a critic of Jackson and his populist Jacksonian Democracy.
October 14, 2008
Lots of interesting stuff I didn't know about Jackson, but presented in a pretty dry way. Also, it made a few big assertions without explaining them.
February 9, 2009
Meh, Mr. Remini idolizes Jackson; not a very unbiased account of his presidency. He calls him "the Hero" and "The General" throughout.
March 12, 2009
I really like this book, and intend to read all in this series!
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