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Loading... The Life of Andrew Jackson (1938)by Marquis James
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.  gmillar | Feb 10, 2024 |   The work is very detailed and very interesting, offering everything from a picture of life in the pre-Revolution frontier country of the Carolinas and Tennessee to the events of the Revolution itself in those territories (Jackson, still in his middle teens, served as a courier in the Revolutionary forces), to Jackson's ascension to military command (primarily against Indians in Tennessee and Florida) to a fascinating account of Jackson's generalship in the Battle of New Orleans and then on to his political career and, obviously, his presidency. I learned a lot about the issues of the day, and Jackson in James' hands certainly comes off as a figure of strength and integrity. That's the good part. Unfortunately, to a modern-day reader, Jackson's attitude about and treatment of Indians is essentially brushed over. In particular, his support before and during his presidency for the Indian Removal Act that violated previous treaties and led ultimately directly to the infamous, horrifying and tragic Trail of Tears is pretty much shrugged off. The Trail of Tears is not mentioned specifically, nor even the huge mortality rate of the people forced to walk from Florida to present-day Oklahoma. Also, James, himself a Missourian born in 1891, actually presents a short but jaw-dropping defense of slavery! Jackson was a life-long slaveholder, though James goes out of his way to present his subject as benign and compassionate to his slaves. That's all fine, but by 1938 to still be defending the institution as beneficial to its victims sort of boggles the mind. Nevertheless, it is instructive to know that in 1938 such an opinion (and, again, this is an opinion presented by James himself, not offered as the opinion of the historical figures he's portraying) would not keep an author from such a prestigious prize as the Pulitzer. That's one of the reasons I enjoy reading histories sometimes that are decades old if not more (this one was published, by now, 80 years ago!). I don't like the fact that a distinguished biographer would be presenting those opinions, but it's instruction and important to know it. (  ) rocketjk | Feb 3, 2019 |  laplantelibrary | Feb 15, 2023 | no reviews | add a review
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A Riveting Medieval Parallel to the Bible Good and evil clash. Leinad and Cedric are determined to not only survive, but claim hope and victory! In "Kingdom's Dawn," Leinad and Tess, along with all the king's people, must escape slavery by the powerful Lord Fairos. "Kingdom's Hope" finds them free and arriving in the Chessington Valley . But when they forget the king, will Kergon and the Kessons capture them for good? After many years, "Kingdom's Edge" finds Cedric living a hopeless life until a stranger appears with powerful words of a new kingdom and a grand army. Finally, "Kingdom's Reign" marches you through the danger of earth's last days as the evil dark knight threatens to defeat the prince once and for all. Swords, knights, and battles define these captivating tales that parallel biblical events from Genesis to Revelation! "Fierce castle lords hold the kingdom hostage. " "But a champion is coming... " Fairos thought he had sentenced Leinad to death in the Banteen desert. But he was wrong. Leinad survived. Now, trained by the King himself, Leinad returns--a true Knight of the King. His skill with the sword is unmatched this side of the Great Sea; his resolve is unshakeable. He is determined to fulfill the mission given him by the King and to free the people from their bondage to Lord Fairos. Leinad's quest takes him from the chains of slavery, near the jaws of dragons, and close to the arms of love. And when the rest of the kingdom turns away from the King and the Code, Leinad turns to his most faithful ally, Tess. With her help, Leinad struggles to conquer his own doubt. But he must do so soon, for the King's archenemy, the Dark Knight, is about to unleash his entire evil force, and only Leinad can stop them... Journey to Arrethtrae, where the King and His Son implement a bold plan to save their kingdom; where courage, faith, and loyalty stand tall in the face of opposition; where good will not bow to evil; where the future of the kingdom is at the threshold of either victory or defeat--and one man holds the key. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDED Story Behind the Book "When my six kids' eyes glossed over during a reading from the Bible, I paused to explain the significance of redemption to a sin-sick soul. I was rewarded with patronizing elephant nods and more blank stares. Shortly thereafter, I awoke in the middle of the night with a medieval story enveloping my mind. I wrote it down and later read it to my children. Their waning attention transformed into complete anticipation. I was amazed and disappointed. Why did it take a fictional story, not a Bible passage, to get that response? Then I realized--that is how Jesus taught! Parables are powerful! I penned the Kingdom series to help young people get excited about the supremely significant story of Jesus Christ and His mission to save mankind." --Chuck Black "From the Trade Paperback edition." No library descriptions found. |
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)973.5History and Geography North America United States 1809-1845LC ClassificationRatingAverage: (3.29)
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A Pulitzer Prize Winning Biography. (