Andrew Jackson

Great Generals Series

By: Robert V. Remini

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The newest addition to Palgrave's Great Generals series focuses on Andrew Jackson's career, including his time as a general in Tennessee and his rise up the Army ranks.

Jackson's effective use of spies in wartime and of martial law in peacetime sparked a debate about the curtailing of civil liberties in the name of national security that continues to this day. Most of all, Jackson was a great motivator who could, with a few carefully selected words and by his own brave example, turn around starved, deserting troops, convincing them to fight.

With dramatic scenes of fierce battles and victories, Remini reveals here why Jackson's bold leadership as a general led to his election as president of the United States in 1828.

Listen to more in the Great Generals series.

©2008 Robert V. Remini (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Robert Remini, the dean of historians of Andrew Jackson, has done it again. This is an essential book for anyone interested in one of the greatest and most controversial military leaders in American history. And on top of all that, it is a sprightly, entertaining read." (Jon Meacham, Editor, Newsweek)

Good listen but a bit superficial

A Cliff Notesesque review of his pre presidential years. Not outstanding but decent. Glad it was included.

To brief to do him justice.

Andrew Jackson was a polarizing figure in our country. He helped achieve things that contributed to our countries greatness. But often he ac Bieber his desires with an egotistical and authoritarian manner that reflected the best and worst traits of our country. If you like what he did you might think him great but, he was so self righteous you should recognize that our trust in him was playing with fire since his opinion is all he relied on and that trumped the law, any limitations on his authority, or the rights of others when he thoughts those rights obstructed his goals.

Almost a good book

Much of the book was interesting, relating many interesting facts about the man. I do feel that I understand Jackson better now.

The three-star rating was necessary because of how the book fell apart at the end. In the final portion, the author turns blatantly partisan, revealing overwrought anti-religious and anti-Republic sentiment. That part was simply completely unnecessary.

Insert Title Here...

By the looks of it, not many have read/listened to this book...part of the great generals series. As the reader would expect, it covers the military part of Jackson's life. It begins with his volunteer service during the American Revolution, discusses the heroic and lucky (for him) battle of New Orleans that made him famous and ends with the "First" Seminole War in 1818. The latter annexed Florida to the growing US. The battle of New Orleans made him a "rockstar" and settled once and for all, US independence from England. Jackson is the main, and really only, character in the book; other float through. Not even his wife gets much play. Upon completion, the reader understands why Jackson was the next American hero, after Washington.

Leader of Men

A leader of men. Bold, decisive. lucky as noted. Where will the next Andrew Jackson come from...and when? The only Pres to pay off the national debt. Oh how I wish a like minded leader would emerge in this day and age. But no, easier to print more money than take a responsible approach to spending. But back to the book. I enjoyed it. Didn't know much about him do I learned from the work. I thought the delivery was too quick and stilted at times.

Very informative.

I enjoyed learning more about this great man of character. Although some of his tactics were controversial he absolutely deserves respect and his entire existence and what he accomplished should be taken into account rather than just little cherry picked snippets.

Great book!

Everything about the beginning and rise of Jackson was excellent. I would have liked to hear more about the rise to presidency and details about the presidency. However, overall the book was excellent.