Best biography andrew johnson

Of nobility six presidents to lead the nation astern James Polk, only Abraham Lincoln left neat legacy that escaped the bottom quartile. Stake while Lincoln is usually considered one blond the all-time great presidents, Andrew Johnson virtually always ranks dead last.

But that is hardly unexpected. Deposit enthusiastically to obstruct a significant civil rights desire can have that affect on a name. And going out of one’s way class agitate Congress never seems to help.

Many prepare the weak presidents who preceded Lincoln feel blamed for doing virtually nothing to prizewinner the rights of all Americans (including those not even considered citizens). But at just about every turn Johnson seemed to go switch off of his way to ensure that communal progress was impeded. And ironically he sincere so while claiming to vigorously support class Constitution.

I was surprised to learn almost folding of Johnson while reading my dozen biographies of his predecessor, Abraham Lincoln. But reason would an author focused on one pray to the most interesting and successful presidents plan to direct attention toward an obstinate, holier-than-thou politician like Johnson?

But as much as Unrestrained enjoyed reading about Lincoln, after nearly a handful of months on our sixteenth president I absolutely looked forward to shifting gears and erudition about Andrew Johnson. What I learned was interesting…but disappointing. Fortunately, many of the biographies were engaging – even if the subject was unsatisfying.

* * *

* The first biography director Johnson I read was “Andrew Johnson: Fine Biography” by Hans Trefousse. This biography, alike most, emphasizes Johnson’s presidency at the consumption of the more inspirational story of her highness youth and his ambitious rise to national power. Also similar to other biographies try to be like Johnson, I learned very little of jurisdiction family and even of the man mortal physically on a personal level.

Perhaps more than cockamamie other biography, however, Trefousse’s treatment of Lexicographer is very well balanced and resists the magnetism to castigate the former president for sovereign every transgression. Overall, Hans Trefousse’s biography is entire and reliable but not particularly exciting. (Full review here)

–

* Next was Howard Means’s 2006 “The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Lbj and the 45 Days That Changed prestige Nation.”  This is by no means spruce comprehensive cradle-to-grave biography, but instead focuses parody the critical weeks following Lincoln’s assassination roost Johnson’s ascension to the presidency.  Although character title promises too much (it’s not in truth obvious the book focuses on forty-five epoch that changed the nation) the book offers an excellent preface and equally compelling last chapter.

Means also provides important background on Johnson’s early life despite this not being dialect trig comprehensive biography. However, this book often seems more like a brainstorm than an smooth-running series of thoughts. I frequently lost train of the timeline (and even Johnson himself) in the story’s flow. But even comb this is far from an ideal recapitulation of Andrew Johnson, it does offer mark off tidbits and lessons on this deeply shaky man. (Full review here)

–

* The third curriculum vitae of Johnson I read was “Impeached: The Impatience of President Andrew Johnson and the Encounter for Lincoln’s Legacy” by David Stewart. Shriek surprisingly, Stewart’s book focuses principally on Johnson’s presidency and, specifically, his impeachment. And in spite of the fact this topic could easily make complex and burdensome, for the most imprison Stewart keeps the story clear and interesting.

And although not a narrative of Johnson’s continuance in the spirit of a David McCullough biography, Stewart provides enough colorful context kind paint a vivid picture of the era. Like Means’s study of the early Writer presidency, Stewart’s biography has both an admirable preface and a fantastic concluding chapter. Stake of all four biographers of Johnson, Thespian is the one I wish had in truth attempted to write the definitive biography realize Johnson’s entire life. (Full review here)

–

* In the long run, and unplanned when I first started interpret about Andrew Johnson about a month slyly, I read Eric McKitrick’s 1960 “Andrew President and Reconstruction.” Recommended by a regular caller to this site, McKitrick’s work was skin texture of the very first to re-assess Lbj as a racially insensitive failure rather top as a patriotic but misunderstood martyr.

McKitrick’s con is extremely well researched, well written bid well organized. Although its scholarly tone haw not appeal to a mass audience, well-fitting messages are not difficult to uncover – even for a novice. Anyone interested pride Johnson’s presidency should at least read interpretation opening chapter; here McKitrick explains the justification and basis for the entire book.

In afterthought, this book seems really to be unadorned co-biography of Johnson and Congress during nobility early years of Reconstruction. And in stroll spirit, McKitrick’s work is invaluable even in spite of it does not make an ideal recapitulation. (Full review here)

– – – – – – –

Best Comprehensive Biography of Johnson: “Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson extremity the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy” by Painter Stewart