Andrew Jackson Critique Essays - Second Party System, Andrew Jackson

Without prior knowledge of American History or politics, James C. Curtis biography, Andrew Jackson and the Search for Vindication may be a difficult read for some audiences. While the basis of the book is to inform of the events leading up to the birth, followed by childhood, adult life and career of Andrew Jackson; one may also be surprised to have a better understanding of the emotional man who was the United States seventh president. Below are both a negative and positive critique of the Curtis biography of Jackson. One primary reason the book may be a challenging read is due to Curtis choice of the how he chose to outline the book. A better read for many would have been to write out the details of Jacksons life year by year while including significant historical issues. Instead, Curtis chose to break the book down as a combination of political movements and the major events of Andrew Jacksons career. In doing so, the reader may find it rather problematic when Curtis ends a chapter in a certain time period then starts the next chapter in a different time period. This is when knowledge of American History plays a key role when reading this book, otherwise the reader may become lost. While the book may not be the most favorite among certain readers, there is no doubt one can appreciate Curtis attempt to make the reader recognize the emotional-driven man behind the nickname Old Hickory. One key theme throughout the book is how Curtis allows the readers to understand just how pivotal Andrew Jacksons early years played in all of his adult life. For example, on page 82 Curtis writes: Since his [Jackson] adolescent encounter with death, he had felt vulnerable to attack. When threatened, he responded by flying into destructive rage. Decisions, whether good or bad, that Jackson made as a governor, general, and president all stemmed from negative experiences from his past. Through each decision Jackson makes, Curtis takes the reader back to the younger Jackson which allows the reader to identify with the reasoning behind those decisions. What is very apparent throughout the book is how Curtis is able to illustrate the frustrating yet sympathetic emotions that a reader ma y feel towards some of those decisions made by Jackson. In conclusion, this book should be an enjoyable read for an expert or enthusiast in American History. For the amateur, this book is probably best read amongst a book club with a historian present to decipher all the history and political jargon found in the book which is ironic due to how far Andrew Jackson went in his career despite his lack of formal education. How the author was successful in keeping the readers attention through the psychological aspect of Andrew Jackson, is completely overshadowed by the amount of knowledge one needs to know in reading this material. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. James C. Curtis biography, Andrew Jackson and the Search for Vindication will definitely ignite a desire for learning what is not known prior to reading this book. At least, one hopes right?