Customer Reviews

Presidency of Andrew Johnson (American Presidency (Univ of Kansas Hardcover))

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This book in the American Presidency Series focuses not only on Andrew Johnson's presidency, but also expatiates the economic hardship that both the Union and the Confederacy faced during the Civil War, along with its political and economic repercussions. The author recognized that Johnson's battle with Congress over Reconstruction evolved into the most pivotal issue during his presidency. In fact, Albert Castel argues that Johnson lost his battle with Republicans over Reconstruction due to intransigence and impracticality with regards to African Americans. Also, this book mentions that Johnson's lack of a political base contributed to the Southerners' refusal to ratify the Fourteenth Amendment. Nonetheless, Johnson retained much of his institutional power of the presidency. Johnson's violation of the Tenure of Office Act did, however, lead to his impeachment and eventual acquittal. Nevertheless, Johnson achieved appropriations for the purchase of Alaska.

The last chapter reads: Johnson Before The Bar of History. This chapter gives a historiographical overview about Johnson's critics since his presidency until 1979. Unfortunately, Castel contradicts his own thesis when he maintains that Johnson used the presidency in a strong manner with integrity, but ultimately failed as president. Did he fail or did he represent a scapegoat for his political enemies? Nonetheless, this book elaborates on the relevant issues and explains why Johnson has been much maligned. Nevertheless, this book stimulated my interest in Johnson and provided me with a useful bibliographical essay.

After reading so many books about presidents I decided to read this biography about Andrew Johnson and I have to admit, it opened my eyes. I think most people rate him as one of the worst presidents in our history and this book does a great job of informing about the times he lived in. Yes, he was many of the bad things that people have stereotyped him with but could you imagine following up Abraham Lincoln and the huge effort rebuild the nation after the bloody civil war? The author does a great job of explaining the drama to remove Mr. Johnson from office too. Granted, Johnson's flip flopping of parties is questionable and I guess you can certainly call him a "slimmy politician" but it's good to know why instead of just going by the standard history books prejudice. In summary, this book is certainly worth your time to read.

Good book, but brief. About as much as I would want to know about Andrew Johnson.

This was for a gift and the person said that they really liked the book, it arrived in excellent condition.