American Lion

Andrew Jackson in the White House

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: John H. Mayer

Andrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times are at the heart of this remarkable book about the man who rose from nothing to create the modern presidency.

Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad.

One of our most significant yet dimly recalled presidents, Jackson was a battle-hardened warrior, the founder of the Democratic Party, and the architect of the presidency as we know it. His story is one of violence, sex, courage, and tragedy.

With his powerful persona, his evident bravery, and his mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, articulating a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will or face his formidable wrath. The greatest of the presidents who have followed Jackson in the White House have found inspiration in his example, and virtue in his vision.

Jackson was the most contradictory of men. The architect of the removal of Indians from their native lands, he was warmly sentimental and risked everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind; and a man who fought a lifelong war to keep the republic safe, no matter what it took.

Jon Meacham, in American Lion, has delivered the definitive human portrait of a pivotal president who forever changed the American presidency and America itself.

©2008 Random House Audio; 2008 Jon Meacham

Critic reviews

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)
"American Lion is a spellbinding, brilliant and irresistible journey into the heart of Andrew Jackson and his unforgettable circle of friends and enemies." (Michael Beschloss)
"What passes for political drama today pales in the reading of Jon Meacham's vividly told story of our seventh president....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)

Now you know why he’s on the $20

While I always thought I paid attention in history class and read American history, this period was always a bit lacking as it didn’t have the thrill of the revolution nor the drama for the immediate lead up to the Civil War and its consequences.

It seems that everyone wants to bash Jackson for the Indian Removal, fair enough. But that simplifies things…. Any president in that same situation would have done the same. Had they not, the Union wouldn’t have existed much longer as the Indians would have been continually stirred up by English, Spanish, and perhaps even the French.

Excellent, if you are interested...

Jon Meacham is a master narrative historian who has proven time and again that he can tell a story with depth and make it accessible to a broad public. He continues this in American Lion, where he writes about one of the more colorful personalities who resided in the White House. I give this four stars only because the subject matter can sound dry at parts, and I think that it is purely subjective if others would agree with me. I personally was not looking for as much background information on the era, a time which I do not find terribly interesting. I was looking for a personal look at the man himself, which I certainly got. This is highly recommended for anyone interested in American history, and with the proviso that it may help to be interested in the time period, I believe this is a book any lover of history would enjoy.

Nullificatio

This book is a great read. It prompted me to read The Nullification Proclamation. Now it is time to reassert the Proclamation as it applies to individuals. Those who do not accept the Supreme Court decisions can protest, object, organize and vote. But should not think the laws can be disregarded.
Don B.

Good but not great

The author skipped over many important details about Jackson's life and contributions yet spent a bit too much time on intra family personal drama. Liked the boom regardless and learned quite a bit.

Great American History

I learned much about this President that was not previously known He has many of the same Texas Trump

Such a Good Biography

Would you consider the audio edition of American Lion to be better than the print version?

I've not read the print version yet, but based on the audio edition, I bought the book.

What did you like best about this story?

The details both social and political.

What about John H. Mayer’s performance did you like?

He sounded like a southerner, more Virginian than Tennessean but still, that Southern Gentleman voice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I couldn't.

A True Lion

Well researched and written. A remarkable account of a significant and major player in the struggle to keep the States United. Jackson was a leader by action and idea, defining the role of POTUS in the infancy of the USA, and demonstrating through thoughts and deeds the importance of a Executive branch that transcends politics and stands up for every American citizen.

Spectacular story about the unlikely rise of an American President.

A very interesting read on a polarizing figure in by American politics. Overcoming obstacles is just the beginning. A must read for anyone interested in how we got to today.

Man of his age.

Love him or hate him, he loved and protected the union over all else even his own kind.

Informative but didn't flow

An informative book but didn't flow for me. I like a book to keep me captivated, this one just didn't do that for me.