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musicdeepdive's review
4.5
A great look at the man's psyche and a depiction of just how powerful a force Jackson was, as a politician and as a human being. That said, it's a tragedy that this force led to so many inhumane, cruel acts, and whether it was Brands' intent or not, this book ends up serving as a warning about anyone else who rides on the backs of populism to power.
(Yes yes, I know who you're about to mention, but I'm too exhausted to entertain this topic any further...read the damn book, H.W. Brands is terrific)
(Yes yes, I know who you're about to mention, but I'm too exhausted to entertain this topic any further...read the damn book, H.W. Brands is terrific)
readermeginco's review
4.0
This was a very lively biography, but then Andrew Jackson was quite a lively man. He has been considered by many to have been a terrible president and yet he appears to have been a effective military leader, albeit way to eager to join every fight he could both personally ("I demand satisfaction, Sir!") and professionally ("Mr. President, if you would but send me and my Tennessee Volunteers"). Brands did a great job of setting the scene of the turbulent political times and left me wanting to read more about this charismatic, fighting general cum President.
iluvmb96's review
4.0
Fantastically readable biography of the people's president. I already want to read the rest of the author's books, even though I was never terribly interested in the history of the gold rush.
jerihurd's review
4.0
Interesting and well written, if a bit lacking in rhetorical style. I mostly read it because of all the comparisons people are making between Jackson and Trump. I wanted to know more about-- and I have to say they are doing Jackson a huge disservice. He had some disastrous policies, but he was an earnest man with the good of the nation at heart. That is far, far more than can be said for Drumpf.
beckyg1016's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
As a new resident of Nashville, I felt obligated to learn about the man whose name is on everything here. I appreciated the history of TN presented in the book - however, I think this could have easily been two separate, shorter books: one on the history of TN and the West and one on Jackson. Yes, the two are closely related, but there are so many "contextual tangents" in this book that I, personally, didn't think were necessary.
That is, of course, just my opinion as someone who typically reads fiction - if you love history and biographies, you may relish all of the "extra" context.
The writing is good and I have no complaints about the overall flow or style. If you want to learn more about Jackson and TN (and FL, LA, TX), I recommend this as a good resource.
NOTE: Due to the time period, significant triggers on slavery, racism, and genocide. Jackson is a strongly opinionated character and those opinions, while not uncommon for his time, are likely to spark outrage or even trigger some readers today - be warned. You do not have to like or agree with any of his stances in order to learn and understand the role (for better or worse) that he played in American history.
That is, of course, just my opinion as someone who typically reads fiction - if you love history and biographies, you may relish all of the "extra" context.
The writing is good and I have no complaints about the overall flow or style. If you want to learn more about Jackson and TN (and FL, LA, TX), I recommend this as a good resource.
NOTE: Due to the time period, significant triggers on slavery, racism, and genocide. Jackson is a strongly opinionated character and those opinions, while not uncommon for his time, are likely to spark outrage or even trigger some readers today - be warned. You do not have to like or agree with any of his stances in order to learn and understand the role (for better or worse) that he played in American history.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Violence, War, Cultural appropriation, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Slavery
judyward's review
4.0
H.W. Brands captures the personality that lifted Andrew Jackson from his poverty-stricken childhood to his successful law practice in Tennessee, to his military career culminating with the victory in New Orleans, to his successful run for the presidency. A fascinating look at an extremely complex personality.
cstuart13's review
3.0
I don't know if I took so long to read this book because of me or the book lagged. Maybe a combination of both.
The subject was interesting, though Brands spent more pages and words on Jackson and his life pre-national politics, and I would have spent more words on Jackson's life at the entrance of national politics and beyond.
I can understand why some have compared President Andrew Jackson to President Donald Trump. There are similarities in what made them appealing to some in this country, though the former is more committed to the Union and the American cause than himself.
Jackson was the first of his kind, the first man of the people, non-politician, to become president, and it showed in the way he approached his job. This change of determining power was good and bad. The good, the election of a president became much more about the people's will. The bad, the election of a president became much more about the people's will. You can read and see what I mean.
Now on to my next presidential biography. Martin Van Buren.
The subject was interesting, though Brands spent more pages and words on Jackson and his life pre-national politics, and I would have spent more words on Jackson's life at the entrance of national politics and beyond.
I can understand why some have compared President Andrew Jackson to President Donald Trump. There are similarities in what made them appealing to some in this country, though the former is more committed to the Union and the American cause than himself.
Jackson was the first of his kind, the first man of the people, non-politician, to become president, and it showed in the way he approached his job. This change of determining power was good and bad. The good, the election of a president became much more about the people's will. The bad, the election of a president became much more about the people's will. You can read and see what I mean.
Now on to my next presidential biography. Martin Van Buren.
disasterchick's review against another edition
3.0
It took me nearly a year to read this book. It was easy to put down and forget. There were times I felt like Brands was beating a dead horse - enough already. I don’t think enough went into the bad side of Jackson. The Bank of the United States drama was drawn out but the Trail of Tears was here and gone. I have always like the name Andrew Jackson. I respect his struggle from childhood and his love for Rachel. His love for her was the best thing about him. I wish Brands had talked about the tree her planted in her honor at the White House which was recently removed because it had become a hazard. One of its offsprings has been replanted. I’m not a Jackson fan but I do want to visit the Hermitage.