Life of Andrew Jackson Edited by John S. Jenkins, A.M.

As a blogger for New Leaf Press, it was a suprise to recieve a copy of  Life of Andrew Jackson edited by John S. Jenkins, A.M.- which I did not request- (along with a book I did request) published by Attic Books.   This book appears to be an authentic looking reprint of the original 1850 publication by Geo H. Derby and Co complete with its authentic replica of the cover, the reproduction of the original illustrations as well as the type writer styled  font.  This legthy 390 page book, with its small font- is more of a reference work,  appropiate for a library or institution rather than a personal library. Furthermore, it makes quite an attractive addition to any bookshelf for anyone interested in classic books.

 If you can understand and appreciate that "it rarely falls to the happy lot of a statesman to recieve such unanimous applause from the heart of a nation.  Duty to the dead demands that, on this occasion, the course of measures should not pass unnoticed, in the progress of which his vigor of character most clearly appeared, and his conflict with opposing parties was most violent and protracted"  (page 212)- then this book will be sure to capture your interest.  Otherwise, for most modern readers, this work makes for some dry, yet rather informative reading- providing the reader with all the authentic details of the less than politically correct, controversial life of the historical figure Andrew Jackson.  Unless you are a scholar on Andrew Jackson, or find that you must do a term paper on Andrew Jackson for your American History class, you might not want to read this book.  But, if you do find yourself in the position of needing to write a research paper on Andrew Jackson, then this book would make a perfect authentic source.

Personally, I am unsure of the intended market for this particular book.  I feel it is most appropriate for the reference section of an instiution or a library rather than for personal reading.  For the casual reader I could not, and would not reccomend this book..  The most appropriate target audience, for this book would possibly be an historian in American history or a college student who needed to write a dissertation or term paper.  As a blogger I recieved this book for the purpose of writing a review and the opinion expressed is my own.