American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

There are numerous books on the seventh president, but this one is distinguished by its particularly fluid presentation. As the subtitle indicates, it has special appeal for those readers who may be uninterested in a complete cradle-to-grave treatment but are looking for a particular focus on the Jackson presidency. The evolution of presidential power is the basic theme around which Meacham constructs his riveting account of the freshness Jackson brought to the White House meaning, before his advent into the chief executive office, political power was considered to be best left in the hands of the landed elite, but Jackson believed in the primacy of the will of the common people, and during his administration, democracy was making its stand. This was a difficult time for the American republic; the issue of slavery was developing into a major political issue, and with that, the rise of southern questioning of just how strong the union of states was and what rights individual states possessed to safeguard regional interests. But Jackson administered the ship of state with good instincts and wisdom.--Hooper, Brad Copyright 2008 Booklist

Newsweek editor and bestselling author Meacham (Franklin and Winston) offers a lively take on the seventh president's White House years. We get the Indian fighter and hero of New Orleans facing down South Carolina radicals' efforts to nullify federal laws they found unacceptable, speaking the words of democracy even if his banking and other policies strengthened local oligarchies, and doing nothing to protect southern Indians from their land-hungry white neighbors. For the first time, with Jackson, demagoguery became presidential, and his Democratic Party deepened its identification with Southern slavery. Relying on the huge mound of previous Jackson studies, Meacham can add little to this well-known story, save for the few tidbits he's unearthed in private collections rarely consulted before. What he does bring is a writer's flair and the ability to relate his story without the incrustations of ideology and position taking that often disfigure more scholarly studies of Jackson. Nevertheless, a gifted writer like Meacham might better turn his attention to tales less often told and subjects a bit tougher to enliven. 32 pages of b&w photos. (Nov. 11) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Newsweek editor Meacham (Franklin and Winston) presents in this elegantly written and fascinating biography the life story of the President credited with the first major expansion of executive power. It is a work made all the more compelling by Richard McGonagle's (www.richardmcgonagle.com) strong narration. Recommended for all general collections. [Audio clip available through library.booksontape.com; the Random hc, published in November 2008, was a New York Times best seller.-Ed.]-R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Newsweek editor Meacham makes a solid case that the war-hero president was largely responsible for expanding the power of the executive branch. The fiercely independent Jackson was a tough customer, to be sure, and never one to back down from a fight. He challenged at least 13 men to duels during his lifetime, killing one of them, and he attacked his political enemies with equal fervor. During his presidency (18291837), he waged a crusade against the national bank, which he felt wielded too much power, and promised military action against South Carolina when the state threatened secession over federal tariffs. More than any chief executive before him, Jackson went out of his way to assert his presidential authority, all the while crafting a public image as a valiant defender of the people against the powerful. As a result, he often clashed with members of his own cabinet, including Vice President John C. Calhoun. Five cabinet members were replaced during Jackson's first term alone, and Meacham ably portrays the aggressive behind-the-scenes politicking and power plays. Though the author is clearly captivated by his subject's drive and ambition, he avoids hagiography, and is clear-eyed about Jackson's flaws. He particularly condemns the president's unwavering support for the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, which led to the infamous Trail of Tears. Meacham dwells a bit too much on Jackson's rather ordinary views on religion, perhaps because his previous book, American Gospel (2006, etc.), focused almost exclusively on how religion influenced the Founding Fathers. Those occasional lapses aside, he provides a surprisingly detailed portrait of a complicated president, especially considering that this fast-moving text is aimed at the casual reader. Succinct, engaging portrait of Jackson, his circle and his influence. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

There are numerous books on the seventh president, but this one is distinguished by its particularly fluid presentation. As the subtitle indicates, it has special appeal for those readers who may be uninterested in a complete cradle-to-grave treatment but are looking for a particular focus on the Jackson presidency. The "evolution of presidential power" is the basic theme around which Meacham constructs his riveting account of the freshness Jackson brought to the White House—meaning, before his advent into the chief executive office, political power was considered to be best left in the hands of the landed elite, but Jackson believed in the "primacy of the will of the common people," and during his administration, "democracy was making its stand." This was a difficult time for the American republic; the issue of slavery was developing into a major political issue, and with that, the rise of southern questioning of just how strong the union of states was and what rights individual states possessed to safeguard regional interests. But Jackson administered the ship of state with good instincts and wisdom. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

From Newsweek's editor. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Newsweek editor and bestselling author Meacham (Franklin and Winston ) offers a lively take on the seventh president's White House years. We get the Indian fighter and hero of New Orleans facing down South Carolina radicals' efforts to nullify federal laws they found unacceptable, speaking the words of democracy even if his banking and other policies strengthened local oligarchies, and doing nothing to protect southern Indians from their land-hungry white neighbors. For the first time, with Jackson, demagoguery became presidential, and his Democratic Party deepened its identification with Southern slavery. Relying on the huge mound of previous Jackson studies, Meacham can add little to this well-known story, save for the few tidbits he's unearthed in private collections rarely consulted before. What he does bring is a writer's flair and the ability to relate his story without the incrustations of ideology and position taking that often disfigure more scholarly studies of Jackson. Nevertheless, a gifted writer like Meacham might better turn his attention to tales less often told and subjects a bit tougher to enliven. 32 pages of b&w photos. (Nov. 11)