Andrew Jackson & His America (Milton Meltzer Biographies) [Library Binding]

Milton Meltzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1993 | Series: Milton Meltzer Biographies

A look at the life and times of our seventh president.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10-A critical look at Jackson that traces his rise to military and political power and emphasizes his willingness to use force and domination to achieve his goals. Meltzer discusses his subject's presidency in some detail, describing his policies and their effects on the country. However, he fails to convey why the man has been so well regarded by historians and why he was important to the building of our nation. While Jackson's Indian removal policy and protection of slavery cannot and should not be defended, and his dismantling of the Bank of the United States was ill advised, he also had a positive impact on the country. Meltzer does not give him enough credit for his resolute defense of the Union during the nullification crisis, and fails to mention how his nationalism and his popularity with the average Americans who were just starting to take part in the political process was an important part in the building of a more cohesive country. As usual, Meltzer writes well, and this book is interesting and easy to understand. Well-chosen black-and-white illustrations, maps, and drawings add to the text.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-12. Meltzer's biographies always teach us as much about the history of the period as they do about his subject. His latest book is no exception. Readers will emerge with a multifaceted picture of Andrew Jackson--a wily land speculator but poor businessman, a politician who fought to preserve the Union but subverted the law when convenient, a gambler who loved horse racing, a doting husband, and a proponent of slavery. They will also come away with the understanding that Jackson was very much a product of his time and that he was willing to represent the people against the "rapacious moneyed aristocracy" as long as it suited his interests. Thoroughly covered are Jackson's role in and the conditions that led to such historic events as the Indian removal and the abolitionist movement, with Meltzer selecting and presenting all his information in a manner that is thoughtful, provocative, and very readable. Student researchers will appreciate Meltzer's source notes as well as his suggestions of other topics to explore. Chris Sherman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Library Binding: 208 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts; 1St Edition edition (September 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531111571
• ISBN-13: 978-0531111574
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,266,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars WHO IS THE OLD MAN ON THE $20 BILL?, January 28, 2000

By 

Eric H. Roth "English teacher/conversationali... (Venice Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Andrew Jackson & His America (Milton Meltzer Biographies) (Library Binding)

Written by a distinquished popular historian, this critical biography of the seventh United States President traces Jackson's dramatic rise to power from poverty. Hailed as the "greatest man of the age" by admirers and attacked as "King Andrew the First" by critics, Jackson dramatically expanded the presidency's powers and dominated American politics for two decades. After defeating the British at the Battle of New Orleans and conquering the Creek Indians, Major General Jackson became a national hero. Jackson soon organized what became the modern Democratic Party to become President, vigorously ruled as President, and wiped out the Federal debt. Synthesizing conflicting perspectives on this charismatic populist leader, this well-written book also examines promotion of slavery, the forced relocation of Indians against a Supreme Court decision, and expansionist policies. Excellent annotated source notes for people interested in further pursuing this fascinating era in American history.