American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

The authoritative account of a legendary president who broke conventions, split the country, and permanently altered Washington

This amazing novel is on Andrew Jackson, his close-knit group of friends, and his turbulent times—the man who came from nothing to establish the modern president. Andrew Jackson was an orphan who battled his way to the top of the political ladder and subjugated the country in the name of democracy. He was both adored and despised, revered and vilified. With Jackson's victory in 1828, American politics entered a new and enduring period when the people, not far-off elites, were in charge. Jackson gave voice to the aspirations and worries of a restless, evolving society facing difficult times at home and challenges abroad, and democracy made its stand during these years. Prominent author Jon Meacham enters the Jackson White House to recount the history of the Jackson administration. He describes the human drama—the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers—that defined Jackson's private life through years of storm and triumph, drawing on recently uncovered family letters and documents.

Jackson, the father of the Democratic Party, a war-hardened warrior, and the man who designed the modern presidency, is one of our most important but little-known presidents. His is a tale of bravery, sorrow, sex, and violence. Jackson articulated a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will—or face his formidable wrath—and moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action. He did this by using his powerful persona, his obvious bravery, and his mystical connection to the people. From Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman, the greatest leaders that have held office after Jackson have drawn strength and inspiration from his example and morality from his vision.

Of all the males, Jackson was the most inconsistent. Being the mastermind for the Indians' exodus from their ancestral lands, he was deeply emotional and would have done everything to provide common people more authority. To put it simply, he was much like his nation: he was a man who waged a lifetime battle to ensure the safety of the republic, no matter the cost, and he was also at times smart and blind.