Andrew Jackson: The Course of American Freedom, 1822-1832 (Volume 2) (Paperback)

~ Robert V. Remini (Author) "HOWEVER BATTERED AND WORN the outer shell of the man appeared to his friends and neighbors upon his return to the Hermitage in 1821, the..." (more)
Key Phrases: Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Available in paperback for the first time, these three volumes represent the definitive biography of Andrew Jackson. Volume One covers the role Jackson played in America's territorial expansion, bringing to life a complex character who has often been seen simply as a rough-hewn country general. Volume Two traces Jackson's senatorial career, his presidential campaigns, and his first administration as President. The third volume covers Jackson's reelection to the presidency and the weighty issues with which he was faced: the nullification crisis, the tragic removal of the Indians beyond the Mississippi River, the mounting violence throughout the country over slavery, and the tortuous efforts to win the annexation of Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (March 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801859123
• ISBN-13: 978-0801859120
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #482,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jackson and the Presidency, April 25, 2000

By A Customer

The second of a three volume history of Jackson's life as a frontier lawyer and land speculator, politician and patriot, and president and populist, this volume reviews in brilliant detail Jackson's first term in office. With clarity and wonderful prose, Remini discusses the role Jackson played in both expanding the powers of the presidency and in greatly fostering a democratic movement which came to adopt his name. Like Arthur Schlesinger's brilliant work "The Age of Jackson, Remini advances the idea that Jackson came to recognize that "Hamiltonian means would be necessary to pursue Jeffersonian ends"; that as society had become more complex, a powerful president would be necessary to protect those ideals articulated by Jefferson and the founding fathers'. Further, Remini discusses the important contribution that the age of Jackson played in the facilitation of the labor movement, particuliarly the widespread support Jackson recieved from the working class in New York and the northeast. Excellant scholarly research and first rate history.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent second volume., July 18, 2001

By	James Yanni (Bellefontaine Neighbors, Mo. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the second volume of a three volume biography of Andrew Jackson. The first volume took us from Jackson's birth through his tenure as territorial Govorner of Florida; this volume takes us from there through his first term a president and his successful bid for re-election. Volume three runs from the beginning of his second term to his death.

The marvellous thing about this book, as with the first volume in the set, is that Remini provides the reader with sufficient information that it is possible, with nothing but the information he provides, for the reader to disagree with his apparent opinion of his subject. There are times when I feel that he gives Jackson too much credit, and others when it seems to me that he is too harsh in his judgement, but the important thing is, he gives me enough information to MAKE those judgements.

Excellent for anyone interested in a very in-depth and well-balanced look at a very complex and interesting figure in American history.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed and in-depth examination, September 30, 2003

By	Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This is the second book in Remini's trilogy and it's an extremely detailed, well-researched book. So many biographers bury their subject and forget that most readers what to know who their subject *was*, not merely what they *did.* Remini doesn't fall into this trap. He gives the reader a well-grounded and detailed look at Andrew Jackson as a man: his foibles, passions and prejudices, as well as his extreme ambition and vacillating brilliance.

Remini strikes a beautiful balance when examining Jackson's private life and military/political life. His examination of Jackson's personal life is exceptional, and he weaves Jackson in and out of the narrative with rare poise and skill. The reader can actually picture Jackson in the midst of his political battles, feel his emotions and understand the decisions he made. When a biographer can paint such a vivid picture, the reader will always be rewarded.

This is an excellent book for the entire spectrum of people interested in Jackson. Whether you are a neophyte or an established Jacksonian historian, there is much to enjoy, as well as new material. The footnotes and bibliography are excellent resources and lead to additional sources for the reader. Highly recommended.