Well written biography, although Remini does excuse some of Jacksons behavior, he does appear to lay the facts out plainly, so you can certainly draw your own conclusions. Additionally, he does criticize Jackson on numerous occasions. It was a good read and I look forward to the rest of the series. Jackson certainly isnt a sympathetic figure in this book, no matter how much Remini likes Jackson. His conduct and actions are pretty despicable in numerous regards, but Remini does help us try to put Jacksons mindset into his actions to try and get us to see the world through Jacksons eyes. It doesnt lessen the tragedies that Jackson oversaw, but puts into context in history his actions and shows why we cannot go down this path that allows a Jackson to rise to happen again. ( )

Quite a character, both child soldier, orphan, lawyer, Indian killer, general, president. Probably not easy to be with, could be rash and manipulative. Scheming politician and demagogue. Did what suited his (sometimes idiosyncratic) interests. ( )

Changed my view of Old Hickory from a hot-headed Westerner to a calculating backwoods gentleman. ( )

Vol. 1: The Course of American Empire 1767-1821, 502 pages
Vol. 2: The Course of American Freedom 1822-1932, 469 pages
Vol. 3: The Course of American Democracy 1833-1845, 638 pages