American Lion - Jon Meacham

The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever

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. To tell the saga of Jackson's presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes
inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers,
he details 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.

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-from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman-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.