Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire, 1767-1821

Well written biography, although Remini does excuse some of Jacksons behavior, he does appear to lay the facts out plainly, so you can certainly draw your own conclusions. Additionally, he does criticize Jackson on numerous occasions. It was a good read and I look forward to the rest of the series. Jackson certainly isnt a sympathetic figure in this book, no matter how much Remini likes Jackson. His conduct and actions are pretty despicable in numerous regards, but Remini does help us try to put Jacksons mindset into his actions to try and get us to see the world through Jacksons eyes. It doesnt lessen the tragedies that Jackson oversaw, but puts into context in history his actions and shows why we cannot go down this path that allows a show more Jackson to rise to happen again. show less

1478 Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Empire, 1767-1821, by Robert V. Remini (read 27 Jan 1978) This is the first book of Remini's monumental trilogy on Jackson. It is an excellent study, though it did not excite admiration for Jackson too much. I liked John Quincy Adams better. But the book has many good points--I must admit I had never really known the picture involved in the battle of New Orleans until I read this book. The book is really well-done. The second volume had not yet been published when I read this volume. [Those volumes are:
1868 Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Freedom, 1822-1832 Volume II, by Robert V. Remini (read 15 Sept 1984)
1869 Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845, by show more Robert V. Remini (read 27 Sept 1984) (National Book Award nonfiction prize for 1984)]
But this period of American history interests me a lot [and still does today]. show less