A Pulitzer Prize winning biography of one of the most controversial presidents in our nation’s history. Loved or hated by his contemporaries, and even still today, he turned the office of the Presidency into an active, powerful position of advocacy and one that would help save the Union in the decades to come. This book glorifies a complex and apparently hypocritical figure and gets a bit tedious in spots, especially in descriptions of Washington social life. But you will be left with a much better understanding of this highly influential figure, regardless of your personal opinions of the man. ( )

I liked the way it focused on his relationships and how they shaped his presidency ( )

(2008)NF -Very good biography that concentrates on Jackson's 8 years in the White House and revealed to me that he was at least the 2nd most if not 1st most important president behind Lincoln. A man of many flaws and strenghths, he held this country together thru several crises that could have divided the Union.?What passes for political drama today pales in the reading of Jon Meacham's vividly-told story of our seventh president. The rip-roaring two-fisted man of the people, duelist, passionate lover, gambler and war hero, was also a prime creator of the presidency as the fulcrum of executive power to defend democracyMeacham argues that Jackson should be in the pantheon with Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln for this and for his role in preserving the Union and rescuing democracy from elitism. He makes the historian's case with wit and scholarship but Meacham also has the novelist's art of enthralling the general reader much as David McCullough did for the lesser figure of John Adams. Reading ?American Lion? one is no longer able to look on the gaunt, craggy face on the $20 bill without hearing the tumult of America in the making.?--Tina Brown?In magnificent prose, enriched by the author's discovery of new research materials, Jon Meacham has written an engrossing and original study of the life of Andrew Jackson. He provides new insights into Jackson's emotional and intellectual character and personality, and describes life in the White House in a unique and compelling way. Scrupulously researched and vividly written, this book is certain to attract a large and diverse reading public.?--Robert V. Remini"Every so often a terrific biography comes along that shines a new light on a familiar figure in American history. So it was with David McCullough and John Adams, so it was with Walter Isaacson and Benjamin Franklin, so it is with Jon Meacham and Andrew Jackson. A master storyteller, Meacham interweaves the lives of Jackson and the members of his inner circle to create a highly original book."--Doris Kearns Goodwin

Informative and readable. I started to glaze over towards the last 75 pages or so but I'm glad I read it. More like 3.5 stars but that isn't an option. Lots of interesting things I didn't know about the seventh US President and what was going on during the 1820's and 30's.
Interesting to learn more about D. Trump's "favorite" President. Jackson was a populist and it's easy to see how Trump somehow patterned himself after Jackson though clearly deluded about the reality of himself and his presidency.
Not too long (about 365 pages without notes etc) timely and worth a look IMHO. ( )

Let's be clear. On balance I liked the book and do recommend reading it. If I didn't I would have put it down before finishing. The book offers a broad panorama of heroes and knaves for much of the early period of American history. It was a gripping page turner.

Why only three stars? It was on the border of being a hagiography. Andrew Jackson was a flawed man and an imperfect president. Some of the black marks are well-known; his blind, unquestioning approval of Negro slavery and his mistreatment of Native Americans. While those who know me know that I am far from an unquestioning progressive, even in his era the dehumanization of downtrodden groups was already an issue. Andrew Jackson had no curiosity or interest. His mad crusade against the Bank of the United States was a large part of the cause of the Panic of 1837. His role rates barely a footnote. In addition, the chaotic management of his White House family rivals that of the current British royals.

The book well highlights Jackson's obvious and positive role in crafting a powerful presidency; one that, in short, led the country. While I give this book a "three", really borderline "four" this book is worth the read; Jackson's place on the currency is well earned. ( )