American Lion

Andrew Jackson in the White House

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: Richard McGonagle

Length: 17 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 2009

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 Jon Meacham (P)2008 Random House

Critic reviews

2009, Pulitzer Prize, Winner

"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)

Great story about a great president

Old Hickory is well described and honored in this book. A worthy audio book for anyone.

Excellent - highly recommend

I’m working my way through presidential biographies, in part because of Meachams’ book the Soul of America. Jackson’s life was interesting and complex, and Meacham and the performer brought that to life. Excellent book IMHO.

Great narrator

Great narration, but this narrative felt really heavy on persona/family drama. At first I really thought that was a weakness of this book, but maybe that’s just real life. Enjoyed learning more about the beginning of the Jacksonian era and will be reading more about subsequent years soon

I like biographies, this one is good

I havent read any other biographies of AJ & so cant tell you JM got it all right but it seemed to me as though the author (JM) grew a little bored with some of the parts of the narrative.
But fortunately AJ’s life had a lot of interesting parts. I especially liked at the end JM wove his presidency into the successors, esp Abe Lincoln. Self taught, veteran in the fight for America. I also like that AJ recognized the great American experiment was in danger & keeping it going was paramount. It was a worthwhile read.

Interesting, But Not Intriguing

Of the Presidential Biographies I've done so far (Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Quincy Adams) as well as historical events that tangentially cover Presidents, I'm overwhelmingly unimpressed with Andrew Jackson as a President and/or John Meacham as a historian. Had this been my first taste of a US President, I might have been more positive with this review. But comparing this book - against Ron Chernow's books on both Washington and Hamilton or the great David McCullough with John Adams - leaves me longing for a better telling.

Jon Meacham attempts to sell Jackson as the most powerful occupant of the White House up to that point (and he might have been), but the narrative is lackluster and I was left seeking more than he was willing to provide. The book begins with Jackson's wife's death just prior to him actually swearing into office and essentially ends (minus an epilogue) with the end of his second term and only a minor mentioning of his post-presidency life. Really everything prior to his election comes in small, unpalatable bites. Throughout the book I felt there was more attention given to the Donaldson's and the Eaton's than of Jackson himself. Although they were incredibly significant to a Jackson biography, I felt lost in a 'he said, she said' soap opera with President Jackson as only a minor character caught in the middle of it all.

I really didn't have any issues with the narration, but didn't really love it either. I listen at 3 x speed and had no problems with this narration. In reference to the title of this review, there were definitely points in the book I liked, but overall I didn't really look forward to listening every day the way I usually do with books.

I'll be looking for another biography on Jackson to either confirm or counter this review and I might listen to this one again in a year or two, but I'm not looking forward to either prospect right now.

Worst Narrator Ever

This was a brilliant work by Jon Meacham, but it was everything I could do to listen to it through to the end. This narrator definitely needs to find a better line of work. Terrible!

Interesting Insight into a man and time

Enjoyable biography but given the characters, the story could have been written with more suspense. Not the best I’ve experienced but still well worth it.

Appreciating Jackson

Andrew Jackson is an easy president to vilify. He was responsible for economic difficulties, Indian removal, and a multitude of conflict. Meacham’s work helps the reader to have a more nuanced view of Jackson. I have a better appreciation for his presidency having listened to this book.

Interesting Review of Jackson’s Life and Presidency

Engaging story that seemed a bit thin at times. The narrator’s style made dialogue sound rather wooden. Nevertheless, I learned a great deal and came away with a more nuanced understanding of Jackson.

Great story

One of Jackson’s slaves was asked if he thought Jackson would get into heaven. The slave answered “Who’s gonna stop him?”