This hardcover reproduction, originally published in 1850, of
a biography of our seventh president retains a vintage feel with
its old-fashioned font and deckled pages. Its 395 pages cover the
entire life of Andrew Jackson in 13 chapters. Each chapter conveniently
begins with a short synopsis comprising a sentence summation of
each of the chapter's paragraphs. Beginning and ending years for
the time period the chapter are also included.
The first chapter covers Jackson's birth and childhood, and chapter
two covers his marriage and early career. The bulk of the book,
chapters three through nine cover Jackson's generalship in the
War of 1812 in detail. Chapter ten covers the end of the war and
the early post-war years, chapter eleven covers his presidency,
and chapter twelve covers his last years and his legacy. The thirteenth
chapter is made up of 12 original speeches and documents, including
Jackson's Inaugural Address, his Farewell Address, and his last
will and testament.
As you might guess, this is not a quick, easy read, but the writing
is beautiful. Here is a description of Andrew Jackson's mother: "She
possessed many excellent qualities, both of head and heart; and
her children were, early in life, deeply imbued with the straight
forward resoluteness of purpose, and Spartan heroism of character,
for which she was distinguished." If you have the time, this would
be an excellent addition to your early American studies. I would
wish for an index so you could turn to specific events at will.
This is largely a book for upper grades or adults to read on their
own or a book for mothers or fathers to read to their children.
I have a romantic image of a large family gathered around the fireplace
on winter evenings, listening to Mother read this tome. The prose
lends itself beautifully to being read aloud.
War buffs would like this book, and it would make a lovely gift
for a high school graduate pursuing a degree in history, political
science, or law. Three other books in the series are biographies
of Luther, Washington, and John Knox.
Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
LLC, June 2011
|
