Andrew Jackson

His Life and Times

By: H.W. Brands

Narrated by: John H. Mayer

Length: 25 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The extraordinary story of Andrew Jackson—the colorful, dynamic, and forceful president who ushered in the Age of Democracy and set a still young America on its path to greatness—told by the bestselling author of The First American.

The most famous American of his time, Andrew Jackson is a seminal figure in American history. The first “common man” to rise to the presidency, Jackson embodied the spirit and the vision of the emerging American nation; the term “Jacksonian democracy” is embedded in our national lexicon.

With the sweep, passion, and attention to detail that made The First American a Pulitzer Prize finalist and a national bestseller, historian H.W. Brands shapes a historical narrative that’s as fast-paced and compelling as the best fiction. He follows Andrew Jackson from his days as rebellious youth, risking execution to free the Carolinas of the British during the Revolutionary War, to his years as a young lawyer and congressman from the newly settled frontier state of Tennessee. As general of the Tennessee militia, he put down a massive Indian uprising in the South, securing the safety of American settlers, and his famous rout of the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 made him a national hero.

But it is Jackson’s contributions as president, however, that won him a place in the pantheon of America’s greatest leaders. A man of the people, without formal education or the family lineage of the Founding Fathers, he sought as president to make the country a genuine democracy, governed by and for the people. Jackson, although respectful of states’ rights, devoted himself to the preservation of the Union, whose future in that age was still very much in question. When South Carolina, his home state, threatened to secede over the issue of slavery, Jackson promised to march down with 100,000 federal soldiers should it dare.

In the bestselling tradition of Founding Brothers and His Excellency by Joseph Ellis and of John Adams by David McCullough, Andrew Jackson is the first single-volume, full-length biography of Jackson in decades. This magisterial portrait of one of our greatest leaders promises to reshape our understanding of both the man and his era and is sure to be greeted with enthusiasm and acclaim.

Look for H.W. Brands's other biographies: THE FIRST AMERICAN (Benjamin Franklin), THE MAN WHO SAVED THE UNION (Ulysses S. Grant), TRAITOR TO HIS CLASS (Franklin Roosevelt) and REAGAN.

©2005 H.W. Brands (P)2005 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Illuminating both the mettle of a fascinating leader and the crucible in which American democracy was forged....[Brands'] effort is intensely engaging....A bracing, human portrait of both a remarkable man and of American democracy as it was transformed from a 'government of the people' into a 'government by the people'." (Publishers Weekly)

"This complete and completely enveloping biography indelibly establishes Jackson's abiding sense of duty in serving democracy....A distinguished treatment certain to be the most authoritative and comprehensive account for some time." (Booklist)

Brings the western US colonial era in sync with eastern story

Most of early American history I’ve read seems to focus on the eastern or original colonies. Not only is this a brilliant book about Andrew Jackson, it also serves well to bring the action and activities west of the Appalachian mountains in sync with set of the original colonies. Having just finished a book on General James Wilkinson and in the war of 1812I this book on Andrew Jackson fits right in. It’s also my first clear understanding of the transitioning of our original federalist and Republican parties into the Republican and Democrat parties and post Civil War end of today. It’s interesting that Lee Jacksonians as a splinter group helped in the transition. And I see it much of the same today as Trump supporters create a new party apart from the historic republican party of business into trade compared to fair trade and the working and middle class.

I must also complement the reader. I’ve experienced hundreds of hours of audible books over the last year and his work is as good as it gets. You can close your eyes as his reading style allows the words on the page to seem as if a movie.

Excellent Book

Describes Andrew Jackson’s life and story in a detailed but concise book.
The author does not let his biases creep in often, I am overly sensitive to that when reading history

Brilliantly researched; minimal presidential focus

Would you try another book from H.W. Brands and/or John H. Mayer?

Impeccably researched, beautifully narrated, yet minimally focused on his presidential years. Wanting in that regard.

Great book, worth your time...

What made the experience of listening to Andrew Jackson the most enjoyable?

I had no idea what AJ went through to be president. Great book.

What did you like best about this story?

AJ total devotion to his principles.

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

Steady.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he became President.

Very Thorough

I came into the book not knowing anything about Andrew Jackson. Now I feel like I lived along side him. The book is very thorough and the narrator is excellent. The story line kept me interest even through the political debates.

The author seems to go off on tangents while the reader wonders why. Then, all the information is nicely woven together.

Second only to Trump

Andrew Jackson exudes the Patriotism, Strength, and Wisdom that has been lacking in our country’s leadership until very recently. MAGA

Great Book

Well presented read of a great book about a great man! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American history.

Well researched, exquisitely presented

Incredibly detailed look at the extent of President Jackson's entire life, from youth, through his law career and military service, and beyond to presidency and death. This is a wonderful depiction of historical context, revealing obscure details about a genuinely passionate American patriot and the ever-present struggles he endured, which shaped his personal leadership style as well as his indignant defiance to opposition. Before this book, I had very little knowledge of Old Hickory. Because of this book, I now regard him as one of my personal heroes. Outstanding work!

Andrew

I'm new to the audio style. The audio kept me in there as I do enjoy reading. I knew this was going to be a good story.

Highly Recommend

I loved this book. Takes you through Andrew Jackson's full life giving you a picture of the man. It was an easy listen that kept me engaged the whole way!!!