American Lion

Andrew Jackson in the White House

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: Richard McGonagle

The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever

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. To tell the saga of Jackson’s presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers, he details the human drama–the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers– that shaped Jackson’s private world through years of storm and victory.

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–from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman–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.©2008 Jon Meacham; (P)2008 Random House

Critic reviews

“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

“Jon Meacham's splendid book on Andrew Jackson shrewdly places presidential politics in the context of Jackson's family life—and vice versa. With an abundance of gripping stories, and with admirable fairness, Meacham offers a fresh portrait of one of the most controversial and consequential men ever to occupy the White House.”—Sean Wilentz, Princeton University, author of The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln

“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, author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

“In magnificent prose, 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, National Book Award-winning historian and biographer of Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster

“Finally, a book that explains our nation’s most enigmatic hero, a man who was revered and reviled and little understood. It's a vivid, fascinating human drama, and Meacham shows how the personal was interwoven with the political. Jackson presided over the birth of modern politics, and this book’s brew of patriotism and religion and populism tastes very familiar.”—Walter Isaacson, author of Elon Musk

“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, author of Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America 1789-1989

“An admiring, vividly composed portrait, full of colorful anecdotes and sentimental personal detail. Andrew Jackson's presidency remains controversial; but even those who, like myself, prefer John Quincy Adams's statesmanship to that of Old Hickory will find themselves engaged by Jon Meacham's skillful narrative.”—Daniel Walker Howe, author of What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History

Good Book

I started this book with negative impression of Jackson. While not sugar coating the rough edges the author clearly illustrates his actions and motivations. It was also very interesting to explore the perpetual debate over our form of government and its divisions of power. It shows that there is nothing new under the sun.

Meacham delivers yet again.

Definitely with listening to more than once. Meacham has become my personal favorite for historical figure biographies. The narrator keeps your attention and gives the language of Jackson the weight it deserves.

Good, but long

This is a scholarly and comprehensive relating of Andrew Jackson, but more than I ever wanted to know about him.

Lion indeed!

What did you like best about American Lion? What did you like least?

A great overall portrait of the man Jackson. Meacham tells a great story about the inter-workings of Jackson rise to power and his immense impact on the the Presidency itself that I had no idea about. Jackson was neither a tyrant or a saint but a man who loved the country and its people more than almost anything. We need more men like him today.
I would have liked more inspired writing making parallels to modern society and politics.

Would you recommend American Lion to your friends? Why or why not?

Fore sure.

Which character – as performed by Richard McGonagle – was your favorite?

Jackson. Loved McGonagles voice I will be listening to more of his work.

Could you see American Lion being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Great idea! no idea

Any additional comments?

Favorite new word learned, Despot! Such a great and funny use of the word in the book. God save us from despotic people in the white house currently and any to come. "Vigilance is the eternal price of Liberty"

Changed my View

Wonderful book, it changed my view of #7. He truly was a great American leader. The negative part, trail of tears, taught in my schooling is bad but there is so much more about the General. His ability to keep our country together was totally new to me.

top notch in all it is good.I like it.very good

loved it to the very end. it inspires me to
emulate him even now!

Excellent Jackson Biography

A wonderfully written biography of President Jackson. Prior to reading this biography I knew very little about America’s seventh President. In fact, most of what I knew of him was rather negative. However, reading this book allowed me to learn of Jackson’s deep devotion to his family and country and I learned that despite his flaws he was a great man and president. I came away really appreciating what he did for the country and how well he served. This book greatly informed me about the extraordinary life he led. The biography is well written and extremely enjoyable to listen to. I highly recommend.

Excellent

I loved every word of this phenomenal book. I couldn’t put it down so full of historical cinema and fax. Superb I just loved it.

All (Too Much) in the Family

Overall an interesting portrait of a president I was ready to dislike. The story provided a sketch of the man and his times, but dwelt overmuch on intimate personal scenes and familial correspondence.
Good narration.

Poor narration

An excellent book and a subpar audiobook. The narrator has a brassy baritone, but it's monotonous. There's no shift in tone when there's a shift in subject; all of a sudden you'll realize you're listening to Pirates attacking the USS Friendship but still thinking about the collapse of the second bank of the United States. He also puts emphasis on random words as opposed to words that have actual meaning to the sentence he's reading. It's incredibly distracting and very hard to get through. Eventually, I gave up and just continued reading instead of listening.