The Trial of Andrew Johnson: A Biography of the Reconstruction Era President

by Noel B. Gerson

On February 24, 1868, members of the United States House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson on thirteen separate charges of having committed high crimes and misdemeanors against the government and the people.

In this impressive biography, Noel B. Gerson examines how these extraordinary events came about, the circumstances leading up to it, and the aftermath of a trial that was unique in the history of the country.

Born into poverty and with no formal education, Johnson rose to prominence through perseverance and hard work. Entering politics, he became an adept stump speaker, championing the common man and vilifying the plantation aristocracy. Nominally a Democrat, who advocated free homesteads and education for all, he was soon to discover that not all agreed with his desire to see the nation reunited under the Constitution, as it had been before the Civil War.

Sworn in as seventeenth President of the United States following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, Johnson faced the enormous task of presiding over the tumultuous first years of Reconstruction, a task made harder by his enemies, notably radical Republicans Thaddeus Stevens, Charles Sumner and Edwin Stanton, who turned the tide of support against him and were instrumental in the campaign to disgrace Johnson and drive him from office.

By utilizing a wealth of primary sources, including quoted speeches, letters and press articles, Gerson masterfully portrays a sympathetic national figure devoted to his country and the Constitution, who escaped conviction by a single vote and went on to achieve a level of popularity he had never before known.

The Trial of Andrew Johnson is an ideal read for those who wish to find out more about the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson and his fight for vindication against the radical Republicans in the United States Congress.

Genres: Nonfiction, Historical, History, Biography

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 1977

About the author

Noel Bertram Gerson (1913-1988) was an American author who wrote 325 books, including several best sellers, among them two screenplay novelizations penned under the pseudonym Samuel Edwards, The Naked Maja, and 55 Days at Peking.

Aside from "Samuel Edwards", which would seem to have been his dedicated by-line for tie-in work, Gerson used the following nine pseudonyms in addition to his own name: Anne Marie Burgess; Michael Burgess; Nicholas Gorham; Paul Lewis; Leon Phillips; Donald Clayton Porter; Dana Fuller Ross; Philip Vail; and Carter A. Vaughan.

Reviews

[Diego Palomino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and informative

Fascinating topic on a true patriot. Succinct yet very informative. I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks once again to Sapere Books for allowing the readers at large to discover or rediscover the marvellous and very accessible books written by the late Noel Gerson. Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the Union and the first one to be impeached without being convicted. A very popular Southern politician and a great orator, this maverick from Tennessee became a US senator before the Civil War and remained faithful to the Union during the entire conflict. In 1864 he ran with Lincoln on the Republican ticket and was rewarded for his steadfast political support with the vice presidency. Following Lincoln's death the following year, he became US president but his repeated clashes with the Republican Congress over the reconstruction of the Southern States after the war led him to be tried and impeached in 1868. Jackson kept vetoing any legislation passed to protect the rights of those who had been recently freed from slavery. A major bone of contention that eventually brought impeachment upon his presidency. Fortunately for him, conviction was defeated by a sufficient minority that wanted to protect the constitutional balance of power and the presidency. Noel Gerson's numerous biographies and biographical novels about the United States are the perfect introduction to its great history. In my case they not only helped me to improve my skills in English, they also awakened a passion for American history ever since. Hopefully Sapere will keep offering more of Gerson's books in the future! Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful biography prior to its release date

[Chanover55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Andrew Johnson before this book but am now very impressed with him. A Democrat who wasn't a party man, he lead based on his interpretation of the Constitution and HOA best to heal the wounds of the civil war. Block at every turn by radical Republicans, for the most part he kept his cool and didn't lash out at his opponents. A good overview of that time in his life and the life of the nation.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Johnson

This is a brief book on Andrew Johnson and his impeachment trial in the Congress and his later election as a Tennessee Senator and his shutting down of Grant's hope to be elected to a third term as President. Really enjoyed this book and learning more about Johnson's impeachment trial.

[Celia Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very superficial look at Johnson

I would have preferred more details and analysis. This book left me wishing I had chosen a different biography of Johnson: I wanted to know more about post Civil War America and what exactly they were trying to impeach Johnson for

[Donald M. Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Johnson, 17th President

Excellent .. So much information we never get in primary school history/government classes. History appears to be repeating itself; the extreme members within our political system are acting in the same way as our ancestors.

[William Eichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnson, American Patriot

One of the most misunderstood Presidents. Driven from office by lies and conspirators. A man so honest his enemies had to makeup charges without proof to charge him. Thankfully the voters had faith in him.

[Chuck Beilstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect length.

[Burt Kamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

I was surprised how good he was. Not heard much good stuff about him. He defended the US constitution all his life.

[Lewis Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an advance read copy, I was surprised to find it had been released for nearly 40 years!

The book has great pacing, it gives a brief history of Andrew Johnson as a man before going into the civil war period and then his ascension to the office of President.

I was thoroughly pleased by this book, it had the right amount of information on a President I’m not particularly familiar with, I suspect the author has some
bias towards Johnson as it was very rarely speaking ill of him, something which other biographies I’ve read tend to do!

If you want a short informative read on Andrew Johnson then this is the book for you!