American Lion

Andrew Jackson in the White House

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: John H. Mayer

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The definitive biography of Andrew Jackson, a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever

“Marvelously readable . . . brings alive a profoundly flawed but dazzlingly charismatic American original.”—USA Today

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. 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 draws on newly discovered family letters and papers, detailing 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.

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.

Jackson was the most contradictory of men. 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 Random House Audio; ©2008 Jon Meacham

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

Excellent, if you are interested...

Jon Meacham is a master narrative historian who has proven time and again that he can tell a story with depth and make it accessible to a broad public. He continues this in American Lion, where he writes about one of the more colorful personalities who resided in the White House. I give this four stars only because the subject matter can sound dry at parts, and I think that it is purely subjective if others would agree with me. I personally was not looking for as much background information on the era, a time which I do not find terribly interesting. I was looking for a personal look at the man himself, which I certainly got. This is highly recommended for anyone interested in American history, and with the proviso that it may help to be interested in the time period, I believe this is a book any lover of history would enjoy.

Nullificatio

This book is a great read. It prompted me to read The Nullification Proclamation. Now it is time to reassert the Proclamation as it applies to individuals. Those who do not accept the Supreme Court decisions can protest, object, organize and vote. But should not think the laws can be disregarded.
Don B.

Now you know why he’s on the $20

While I always thought I paid attention in history class and read American history, this period was always a bit lacking as it didn’t have the thrill of the revolution nor the drama for the immediate lead up to the Civil War and its consequences.

It seems that everyone wants to bash Jackson for the Indian Removal, fair enough. But that simplifies things…. Any president in that same situation would have done the same. Had they not, the Union wouldn’t have existed much longer as the Indians would have been continually stirred up by English, Spanish, and perhaps even the French.

Good but not great

The author skipped over many important details about Jackson's life and contributions yet spent a bit too much time on intra family personal drama. Liked the boom regardless and learned quite a bit.

Great American History

I learned much about this President that was not previously known He has many of the same Texas Trump