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The President's Lady
In this acclaimed biographical novel, Irving Stone brings to life the tender and poignant love story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson. "Beyond any doubt one of the great romances of all time." -- The Saturday Review of Literature
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
About the author
Irving Stone
154 books1,261 followersIn 1923, Stone received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1960s, Stone received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Southern California, where he had previously earned a Masters Degree from the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
When at home, Stone relied upon the research facilities and expertise made available to him by Esther Euler, head research librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles, to whom he dedicated and thanked, in addition to many others, in several of his works.
Stone enjoyed a long marriage to his wife and editor on many of his works, Jean Stone. The Stones lived primarily in Los Angeles, California. During their lifetime, Stone and his wife funded a foundation to support charitable causes they believed in.
Stone's main source for Lust for Life, as noted in the afterword, were Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo. It seems probable that Vincent's letters to and from his own brother Theo provided a foundation for Adversary in the House. Stone additionally did much of his research "in the field". For example, he spent many years living in Italy while working on The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Italian government lauded Stone with several honorary awards during this period for his cultural achievements highlighting Italian history.
From Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
October 30, 2020
Irving Stone wrote books under the genre Biographical Fiction which is wholly based on real characters without made up characters to move the plot along.
I did find the history of the new community of Nashville, TN from its beginning very informative and interesting since I'm a native of Tennessee. Rachel Donelson's parents were the first settlers to the Nashville area and were well respected by the community.
Rachel is soon smitten with the handsome and charming Lewis Robards and they are quickly married. Sadly, Robards was an extremely jealous man and emotionally abusive to his beautiful wife.
After many attempts at reconciliation Rachel moves back to her parents home where she falls in love with Andrew Jackson a newly arrived lawyer who boards with her parents.
Rachel Jackson married the future 7th President of the USA, Andrew Jackson, while still married to her abusive first husband, Lewis Robards, although she was not aware at the time that her divorce had not been granted after all.
Rachel is soon ostracized by the community as a 'fallen woman' once Robards divorces her for adultery, ruining Rachel's reputation even though Jackson's political career was not affected.
Stone relates the tale of Rachel's humiliation in excruciating detail and I have to say this is one of the most depressing books I've ever read.
If you're interested in learning the history and settlement of this area this book is well researched and should prove enjoyable.
Stone's relating of Rachel's downward decline into misery and death is not for the faint of heart.
I did find the history of the new community of Nashville, TN from its beginning very informative and interesting since I'm a native of Tennessee. Rachel Donelson's parents were the first settlers to the Nashville area and were well respected by the community.
Rachel is soon smitten with the handsome and charming Lewis Robards and they are quickly married. Sadly, Robards was an extremely jealous man and emotionally abusive to his beautiful wife.
After many attempts at reconciliation Rachel moves back to her parents home where she falls in love with Andrew Jackson a newly arrived lawyer who boards with her parents.
Rachel Jackson married the future 7th President of the USA, Andrew Jackson, while still married to her abusive first husband, Lewis Robards, although she was not aware at the time that her divorce had not been granted after all.
Rachel is soon ostracized by the community as a 'fallen woman' once Robards divorces her for adultery, ruining Rachel's reputation even though Jackson's political career was not affected.
Stone relates the tale of Rachel's humiliation in excruciating detail and I have to say this is one of the most depressing books I've ever read.
If you're interested in learning the history and settlement of this area this book is well researched and should prove enjoyable.
Stone's relating of Rachel's downward decline into misery and death is not for the faint of heart.
Want to read
May 9, 2008I would love to learn more about Andrew Jackson.
When I was in 4th grade, I hung out with a couple girls who swore a lot, and I wanted to be cool and fit in. Not only did I swear too (everywhere except in front of my mother), but I told them once that I had a boyfriend who lived in California next to my grandma. (Age before I actually had a boyfriend: 19.)
So anyways, sweary girl #1 said "What's his name?" And I thought "oh crap crap crap I never made up a name for him" (except, obviously I was saying a word worse than "crap" in my head), and so I blurted out, "Uh...Andrew Jackson." It was just the first name that came to my head.
As soon as I said that name, I also thought, "Oh, crap! That is the name of a president!" Somehow, I figured that my swearing girlfriends would also know this and figure out that I was lying. Looking back, I am pretty positive they were not aware of the names of any presidents, including the current one in office.
So real quick, and trying to appear casual, I said immediately after revealing his name, "Yeah, his name it the same name as the president Andrew Jackson. I totally tease him about it all the time." Phew! I was saved! Not only did I acknowledge the fact that his name was unique, but I pointed out that it is a topic of our long distant relationship conversations, making it way less likely to sound like a lie. Also, it showed how mature and loving our relationship was, in that we teased each other so comfortably about things like our names. And, we do it "all the time".
My sister is the only person on earth who knew this story until now. Now it is on the internet and millions can laugh at my strange childhood.
So anyways, I don't know zilch about my 4th grade boyfriend, Andrew Jackson. I should probably read a book like this. It sounds interesting.
When I was in 4th grade, I hung out with a couple girls who swore a lot, and I wanted to be cool and fit in. Not only did I swear too (everywhere except in front of my mother), but I told them once that I had a boyfriend who lived in California next to my grandma. (Age before I actually had a boyfriend: 19.)
So anyways, sweary girl #1 said "What's his name?" And I thought "oh crap crap crap I never made up a name for him" (except, obviously I was saying a word worse than "crap" in my head), and so I blurted out, "Uh...Andrew Jackson." It was just the first name that came to my head.
As soon as I said that name, I also thought, "Oh, crap! That is the name of a president!" Somehow, I figured that my swearing girlfriends would also know this and figure out that I was lying. Looking back, I am pretty positive they were not aware of the names of any presidents, including the current one in office.
So real quick, and trying to appear casual, I said immediately after revealing his name, "Yeah, his name it the same name as the president Andrew Jackson. I totally tease him about it all the time." Phew! I was saved! Not only did I acknowledge the fact that his name was unique, but I pointed out that it is a topic of our long distant relationship conversations, making it way less likely to sound like a lie. Also, it showed how mature and loving our relationship was, in that we teased each other so comfortably about things like our names. And, we do it "all the time".
My sister is the only person on earth who knew this story until now. Now it is on the internet and millions can laugh at my strange childhood.
So anyways, I don't know zilch about my 4th grade boyfriend, Andrew Jackson. I should probably read a book like this. It sounds interesting.
June 14, 2021
4.5 stars
Great book about President Andrew Jackson’s courtship and marriage to Rachel Donelson! Took me way too long to finish reading this, as you may know they had many challenges to overcome and at times the sadness was too much for me to read so I had to take breaks. It’s honestly not too sad, just the state of mind I was in I didn’t need anything else to bring me down, if you know what I mean. It was such a well written book and I learned so much. I’m sure I will read it again in the future. We went the Jackson’s Hermitage over spring break and I purchased the book there where I became interested in their story. Definitely recommend if you have any interest in learning more about either of them.
Great book about President Andrew Jackson’s courtship and marriage to Rachel Donelson! Took me way too long to finish reading this, as you may know they had many challenges to overcome and at times the sadness was too much for me to read so I had to take breaks. It’s honestly not too sad, just the state of mind I was in I didn’t need anything else to bring me down, if you know what I mean. It was such a well written book and I learned so much. I’m sure I will read it again in the future. We went the Jackson’s Hermitage over spring break and I purchased the book there where I became interested in their story. Definitely recommend if you have any interest in learning more about either of them.
February 28, 2016
Stone wrote this as a biographical novel which he informs us is a story told with only actual people, rather than a historical novel which may introduce fictional characters into the story even though it is written of a real person. This is the love story between Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel, beginning when they are in their early 20s and she is the young wife of another man and ending when he is a new president serving in 'Washington City' and he has recently buried his most beloved wife. In the interim theirs is a story of innuendo and of frequent struggles - financially, politically, and most definitely socially. Often their past comes back to haunt them even though it seemed to be caused by a most innocent misunderstanding of facts and a failure of miscommunication. Jackson seemed to be a dichotomy of personalities - at once gentle, yet combative. And his successes often came at personal expense both to his finances and to his family relationships.
I found this to be a story well told and quite intriguing as it was well known in history, but was told with an understanding of circumstances which at times in the lives of these characters spiraled somewhat out of their control. A very good read for those who love historical fiction.
I found this to be a story well told and quite intriguing as it was well known in history, but was told with an understanding of circumstances which at times in the lives of these characters spiraled somewhat out of their control. A very good read for those who love historical fiction.
July 2, 2023
The President's Lady is a historical novel about the life and marriage Rachel and Andrew Jackson.
One of the big takeaways I have after reading this is America’s love/hate relationship with Andrew Jackson. His popularity in the country waxed and waned throughout his life, finally solidified during his leadership during the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.
Always hovering over Jackson’s political life and aspirations was the controversy surrounding his marriage to Rachel. The unclear circumstances of her divorce from her first husband, Lewis Robards, became ammunition for his enemies. It was brought back up constantly - she was labeled an adulteress (and worse) and the Jackson’s marriage was called a sham. Andrew always stood by her and defended her honor throughout all the years of vicious personal attacks.
I visited The Hermitage on a vacation trip a few years ago and was turned on to this book by an older gentleman tour guide working there during the mansion tour right outside of Jackson’s library before they guide the visitors upstairs. The President's Lady is definitely worthwhile. A bit slow moving in parts but Andrew and Rachel Jackson’s marriage and partnership is pretty fascinating.
4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of the big takeaways I have after reading this is America’s love/hate relationship with Andrew Jackson. His popularity in the country waxed and waned throughout his life, finally solidified during his leadership during the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans.
Always hovering over Jackson’s political life and aspirations was the controversy surrounding his marriage to Rachel. The unclear circumstances of her divorce from her first husband, Lewis Robards, became ammunition for his enemies. It was brought back up constantly - she was labeled an adulteress (and worse) and the Jackson’s marriage was called a sham. Andrew always stood by her and defended her honor throughout all the years of vicious personal attacks.
I visited The Hermitage on a vacation trip a few years ago and was turned on to this book by an older gentleman tour guide working there during the mansion tour right outside of Jackson’s library before they guide the visitors upstairs. The President's Lady is definitely worthwhile. A bit slow moving in parts but Andrew and Rachel Jackson’s marriage and partnership is pretty fascinating.
4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 4, 2008
I know that Andrew Jackson is not always the most beloved president (he is responsible for the Cherokee Trail of Tears), but this historical novel about his youth and marriage really sheds light on his character and the things that he struggled with. The love of his life was Rachel, he never married again, and she died just as he was elected to the presidency. A sweet, gentle, intelligent woman, she actually nearly cost him the presidency, and many of his famous brawls and duels came about because someone had insulted her. Rachel had been married young, to a scoundrel who later divorced her. Or so she thought. Shortly after her marriage to Jackson, it came to light that the divorce was not finalized, and she was charged with bigamy. The issues that they faced are heartbreaking, but through it all they truly loved each other. Meticulously researched, I simply could not put this book down.
July 30, 2017
Even though this was historical fiction, it helped me to put into context the facts that I've read about both Rachel and Andrew Jackson's lives. I was able to picture what it was like for Rachel to raise two children that weren't her own. It was also heartbreaking to see the damage that false gossip can do to people's lives.
August 10, 2020
3.5 stars.
I found the life of Rachel Donelson Jackson to be very interesting. I can imagine how scandalous her situation would have been in her times. The book sheds a light on women's rights in the late 1700's, early 1800's, where a woman wasn't allowed in a courtroom to defend herself. The book also demonstrates that not much has changed in politics.
I found the life of Rachel Donelson Jackson to be very interesting. I can imagine how scandalous her situation would have been in her times. The book sheds a light on women's rights in the late 1700's, early 1800's, where a woman wasn't allowed in a courtroom to defend herself. The book also demonstrates that not much has changed in politics.
January 4, 2018
Interesting and informative.
Read
January 18, 2018I can't rate this because I generally don't like romances, nor have I read enough of them to rate it compared to others.
January 7, 2014
I loved this book! Irving Stone continues to be one of my most favorite authors. I love his books because they are called historical novels, not historical fiction. All the characters in his books are real and his bibliography for this book is over 100 sources used in compiling the story. I have so much respect for Rachel Jackson, and my heart breaks for her. The opinions of the public are so fickle and violent. I learned so much about the history and culture of the nation during the early 1800's. Amazing people and amazing times!
January 14, 2020
"Bad as the Creeks and Cherokees have behaved, they can't hold a candle to us. The history of this country can be told in terms of the white man moving onto the Indian's lands, killing off his game, cutting down his forests and tilling his fields. We have bribed them, corrupted them and broken practically every treaty."
When I read this book 50 years ago, I was more interested in the romance than the history. I learned a lot about Andrew Jackson and the process he went through to become president of the United States. I can't say that much has changed.
When I read this book 50 years ago, I was more interested in the romance than the history. I learned a lot about Andrew Jackson and the process he went through to become president of the United States. I can't say that much has changed.
April 8, 2021
“The President’s Lady” is self-described as a biographical novel, as opposed to an historical novel. It introduces no fictional characters but tells its story through historical ones. It follows the intertwined lives of Rachel and Andrew Jackson from their first contacts at the Donelson boarding house through to Rachel’s death.
I generally do not like novels but I did enjoy this one for two reasons. Having the form of a novel it is able to put historic events into real life situations. I learned things about Andrew and Rachel that I had not picked up from biographies of Andrew. From these pages one gains an appreciation for the reasons that Andrew went into and out of politics and why he fought the duels that he did and his relationships with the actors with which he shared the stage. I did not realize how close Andrew came to missing the command that sent him to New Orleans. The comment about European powers using Indians against Americans adds additional reasons for his policy of Indian removal. The passage of personal IOU notes illustrates the absence of banks in much of Jackson’s America and illustrates how their scarcity hampered commercial transactions. The extent of side betting on horse races and other chances is amazing. The repeated references to their irregular marriage bring to life the controversies and Andrew’s reaction to them.
Another reason I enjoyed this novel is that, unlike many more modern works, it does not attempt to put twenty-first century standards into the mouths of figures from earlier eras.
The writing style tells a story in terms that engage and hold the readers’ interest. Descriptive words paint pictures in the readers’ minds “Andrew stripped off the long leather coat which he wore over a buckskin shirt and spread it on the snow, lifting the lamb onto its thick warmth” and plays with our imagination “like heaven; the air is so soft you feel you can reach out and take a handful, as though it were silk, and sew yourself a gown.”
I read this in preparation for a book club. The reactions of others varied. Some liked it, at least one did not, although the latter may have been driven by extensive knowledge of the Jacksons against which the novel could not match up. One described it as a young adult book in which opportunities to develop characters were not pursued. Some details were confirmed as historically accurate while others were not within the ken of any participants. This tome did generate an extensive and thought-provoking discussion. It is a good choice for a book club.
I recommend “The President’s Lady” for anyone with an interest in Andrew and Rachel’s lives together, the history of their time or just a great love story.
I generally do not like novels but I did enjoy this one for two reasons. Having the form of a novel it is able to put historic events into real life situations. I learned things about Andrew and Rachel that I had not picked up from biographies of Andrew. From these pages one gains an appreciation for the reasons that Andrew went into and out of politics and why he fought the duels that he did and his relationships with the actors with which he shared the stage. I did not realize how close Andrew came to missing the command that sent him to New Orleans. The comment about European powers using Indians against Americans adds additional reasons for his policy of Indian removal. The passage of personal IOU notes illustrates the absence of banks in much of Jackson’s America and illustrates how their scarcity hampered commercial transactions. The extent of side betting on horse races and other chances is amazing. The repeated references to their irregular marriage bring to life the controversies and Andrew’s reaction to them.
Another reason I enjoyed this novel is that, unlike many more modern works, it does not attempt to put twenty-first century standards into the mouths of figures from earlier eras.
The writing style tells a story in terms that engage and hold the readers’ interest. Descriptive words paint pictures in the readers’ minds “Andrew stripped off the long leather coat which he wore over a buckskin shirt and spread it on the snow, lifting the lamb onto its thick warmth” and plays with our imagination “like heaven; the air is so soft you feel you can reach out and take a handful, as though it were silk, and sew yourself a gown.”
I read this in preparation for a book club. The reactions of others varied. Some liked it, at least one did not, although the latter may have been driven by extensive knowledge of the Jacksons against which the novel could not match up. One described it as a young adult book in which opportunities to develop characters were not pursued. Some details were confirmed as historically accurate while others were not within the ken of any participants. This tome did generate an extensive and thought-provoking discussion. It is a good choice for a book club.
I recommend “The President’s Lady” for anyone with an interest in Andrew and Rachel’s lives together, the history of their time or just a great love story.
February 11, 2017
The President's Lady is the second novel in my library by Irving Stone. The first is Clarence Darrow for the Defence. I bought it and read it because I had a wonderful experience with tge first one. I think that the present book is also well written.
President Andrew Jackson lived during the reign of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. He married Rachel Jackson in Clumberland. There marriage was celebrated in isolation without most of his family members and friends present. There relationship was blessed with so much love between them. This was Rachel's second marriage.
Rachel was first married to Lewis Robbards, a man who was insanely jealous. Mr. Lewis could not stand to see his wife with another man. This was a soar point in there marriage. During this tumultuous years, Rachel met Andrew Jackson, a man he considered to be affectionate and loving like her father. Though fearful of one another, their love grew and was watered by encouraging friends and family.
Their opportunity to love was born after Lewis' plan to attack Rachel and take his wife by force. Rachel was forced to flee her home in order to escape her husband's mad adventure. By his side was the more gentle Andrew Jackson.
At the time it was impossible for Rachel to marry in Virginia due to her first marriage to Lewis. This would be considered adultery which at the time was punished under the offence of bigamy. There marriage abroad was also a nullity in Virginia. However, good news through Jackson's friend John, reached them in Cumberland. He misinformed the Jacksons that Lewis had secured a divorce through the Virginia legislature. It turned out later that this was not entirely true. What was grantef was an enabling Act which gave Lewis the right to obtain a divorce through the local courts. Since adultery was a serious immorality at the time, the news of Jackson's behavior became the talk of the town. He was despised together with his wife. He would fight and kill in order to avenge himself of the slander which followed his name. He would forever remain fighting for himself and his family's good name.
President Andrew Jackson lived during the reign of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. He married Rachel Jackson in Clumberland. There marriage was celebrated in isolation without most of his family members and friends present. There relationship was blessed with so much love between them. This was Rachel's second marriage.
Rachel was first married to Lewis Robbards, a man who was insanely jealous. Mr. Lewis could not stand to see his wife with another man. This was a soar point in there marriage. During this tumultuous years, Rachel met Andrew Jackson, a man he considered to be affectionate and loving like her father. Though fearful of one another, their love grew and was watered by encouraging friends and family.
Their opportunity to love was born after Lewis' plan to attack Rachel and take his wife by force. Rachel was forced to flee her home in order to escape her husband's mad adventure. By his side was the more gentle Andrew Jackson.
At the time it was impossible for Rachel to marry in Virginia due to her first marriage to Lewis. This would be considered adultery which at the time was punished under the offence of bigamy. There marriage abroad was also a nullity in Virginia. However, good news through Jackson's friend John, reached them in Cumberland. He misinformed the Jacksons that Lewis had secured a divorce through the Virginia legislature. It turned out later that this was not entirely true. What was grantef was an enabling Act which gave Lewis the right to obtain a divorce through the local courts. Since adultery was a serious immorality at the time, the news of Jackson's behavior became the talk of the town. He was despised together with his wife. He would fight and kill in order to avenge himself of the slander which followed his name. He would forever remain fighting for himself and his family's good name.
October 29, 2016
3.5 The story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson's marriage. Very interesting to read of the history of the US in the early 1800's. Her family helped found Nashville and settle Tennessee. She married a man who abused her and was terribly jealous. In order to be divorced it had to be degreed by the legislature. Throughout their lives the Jackson's had to fight his enemies claiming Rachel to be a whore. Jackson took on the world head on sometimes failing mightily and other times with great victory. Rachel was left to run and keep them above water for months at a time while Andrew was slaying dragons but their love prevailed. Politics has never been a easy road it appears.
April 1, 2016
Really a 2.5 stars--I really liked the first half, but not so much the second half. It dragged on, because it's impossible to cover 40 years of marriage without getting a little too long. I feel like he should have just covered their courtship and first few years of marriage, because that's where all the interesting stuff was.
July 31, 2019
Written in 1951, this book follows the relationship of Rachel and Andrew Jackson through their 34-year marriage (some would say 36 years). It was truly a grand love story in that Rachel went along with everything Andrew asked of her--in short, she worked hard, gave up a lot, and was left at home for many months at a time while Andrew was out trying to make his fortune.
However, there was a sub-plot that I was hoping to find in this story and I found it; although it was most succinctly summed up in an article I'd read previously.
(It was Steve Bannon who suggested to Trump that Andrew Jackson's portrait would be perfect for the Oval Office. The irony was not lost on Bannon much less anyone else who was a history buff. The "US News and World Reports" featured an article entitled "The New Old Hickory." There are striking similarities and that's cause for serious concern:
"Like Trump, Jackson was brash, abrasive, defensive and quick-tempered and both were described as vulgar and unfit to govern. Jackson was also thin-skinned and felt the world was against him and that the ruling elites looked down on him. Both expressed extreme loyalty to controversial advisers [Putin and Aaron Burr] and elevated them to powerful positions in their administrations with disastrous effect. Both were called tyrants and bullies and like Trump, Jackson professed to always put American interests first and inveighed against "alien enemies." Trump addresses his critics and enemies in media appearances, speeches, and tweets, while Jackson engaged in duels, even killing one of his opponents. Both are considered populists, although it can be argued Trump's is a faux populism ginned up to win support from people with which he has nothing in common. Jackson truly did come from humble origins and was a self-made man, although his fortune was made largely through the ownership of slaves and by speculating on Indian lands which he later seized for himself and the United States. Like Trump, Jackson reportedly spoke to the people using vivid, accessible language. Jackson, . . . like Trump railed against the corruption of the Washington elites. But both men after taking office installed their own supporters, wealthy friends and family members as advisers and cabinet members, which for Jackson often proved disastrous. Jackson, the first president from the Democratic Party, viewed political equality for all (white men) as central to the nation's founding principles. In Trump's slogan to "Make America Great Again," there is a hint of Jackson's frequent harkening back to the founding principles. Both men took office at a time of social and economic upheaval. In Jackson's case, the United States was at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution when the manufacturing sector, commercial agriculture, and a market economy were being created along with changes in transportation and communication. Just as there are today, there were big economic winners in Jackson's age who were able to take advantage of these changes and many others who were left behind. Jackson's policies, like those of Trump, were designed to appeal to those who felt threatened by economic change. But the most striking commonality between Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson is their use of race to divide the nation and unite their supporters and their seeming disdain for the rule of law. The concept of Herrenvolk (master race) democracy is the idea of oppressing one or more racial groups while promoting the idea of equality among the white oppressors. For Trump, this involves Muslims and Mexicans who have become scapegoats for our national security threats and manufacturing job losses. In Jackson's case, the most egregious example was his removal of Native Americans from Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama to Oklahoma in the Trail of Tears in which 4,000 Indians died on the journey. Jackson was unapologetic in asserting that he was recovering the land for white American settlement. Jackson ignored the law and the Constitution when he considered the nation to be threatened, defied a Supreme Court decision in his removal of the Indians and asserted that his authority to determine what was constitutional was equal to the court. In the Trump administration's temporary ban on refugees and the subsequent court decisions to block parts of the order, we may be headed for a similar showdown over perceived security threats versus the Constitution. In Jackson's biggest fight against the Bank of the United States and his veto of its congressionally approved charter, he asserted that his overwhelming re-election in 1832 gave him the mandate to challenge Congress and to express the will of the people. His "bank war" was also a proxy for the battles Jackson was waging against wealthy elites, foreigners and the economic changes that were happening in the country and is not dissimilar from the kind of misdirection Trump also practices. When Jackson was censured by the Senate for his actions involving the Bank of the United States, he asserted that he was "the direct representative of the people" and attacking him was like attacking democracy. One can certainly imagine President Trump using a similar line of argument after his first major disagreement with Congress." [Thanks to Linda J. Killian, Opinion Contributor.]
There are similarities between Melania Trump and Rachel Jackson as well. Rachel was married to Lewis Robards when she met Jackson; however, the marriage had soured and Robards sought a divorce. When Rachel and Jackson married, she was not legally divorced from her first husband even though she thought she was. When the Jacksons realized this error two years later, they had a second wedding. Then when Jackson was running for president his detractors discovered the fact that there was no record of them having been married the first time even though they lived as man and wife; so, of course, it was reported in the newspapers of the day. Aside from the fact that Jackson was a gambler, spent most of his life in bankruptcy or deeply in debt, he stole his wife from another man.
From "The President's Lady": "If the president be a married man, his wife must share the distinction of the station he occupies. Her qualifications for the station, her character, and standing, her personal defects, . . . must all be all drawn out, and made subjects of remark, and will be commended, caricatured or ridiculed, as they may furnish occasion. If she be weak and vulgar she cannot escape becoming a theme for ridicule, . . . and its consequent contempt . . . . We must see a degraded female placed at the head of the female society of the nation, or we must proclaim and urge the fact as a ground for excluding her husband. Mrs. Robards [Jackson] was guilty of adultery. Ought a convicted adulteress, and her paramour husband, to be placed in the highest office?" "Mrs. Jackson was unfaithful to her marriage with Robards. When they assumed the open relationship of husband and wife, it was an illegal and criminal act. Mrs. Robards [Jackson] should be convicted of desertion and adultery."
While Mrs. Jackson was accused of adultery, Mrs. Trump was involved in pornography and accused of being an escort. Therein lies the similarities more or less. Except that Mrs. Jackson, unable to handle the stress of the accusations, died of a heart attack before she made it to the White House.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Andrew Jackson.
However, there was a sub-plot that I was hoping to find in this story and I found it; although it was most succinctly summed up in an article I'd read previously.
(It was Steve Bannon who suggested to Trump that Andrew Jackson's portrait would be perfect for the Oval Office. The irony was not lost on Bannon much less anyone else who was a history buff. The "US News and World Reports" featured an article entitled "The New Old Hickory." There are striking similarities and that's cause for serious concern:
"Like Trump, Jackson was brash, abrasive, defensive and quick-tempered and both were described as vulgar and unfit to govern. Jackson was also thin-skinned and felt the world was against him and that the ruling elites looked down on him. Both expressed extreme loyalty to controversial advisers [Putin and Aaron Burr] and elevated them to powerful positions in their administrations with disastrous effect. Both were called tyrants and bullies and like Trump, Jackson professed to always put American interests first and inveighed against "alien enemies." Trump addresses his critics and enemies in media appearances, speeches, and tweets, while Jackson engaged in duels, even killing one of his opponents. Both are considered populists, although it can be argued Trump's is a faux populism ginned up to win support from people with which he has nothing in common. Jackson truly did come from humble origins and was a self-made man, although his fortune was made largely through the ownership of slaves and by speculating on Indian lands which he later seized for himself and the United States. Like Trump, Jackson reportedly spoke to the people using vivid, accessible language. Jackson, . . . like Trump railed against the corruption of the Washington elites. But both men after taking office installed their own supporters, wealthy friends and family members as advisers and cabinet members, which for Jackson often proved disastrous. Jackson, the first president from the Democratic Party, viewed political equality for all (white men) as central to the nation's founding principles. In Trump's slogan to "Make America Great Again," there is a hint of Jackson's frequent harkening back to the founding principles. Both men took office at a time of social and economic upheaval. In Jackson's case, the United States was at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution when the manufacturing sector, commercial agriculture, and a market economy were being created along with changes in transportation and communication. Just as there are today, there were big economic winners in Jackson's age who were able to take advantage of these changes and many others who were left behind. Jackson's policies, like those of Trump, were designed to appeal to those who felt threatened by economic change. But the most striking commonality between Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson is their use of race to divide the nation and unite their supporters and their seeming disdain for the rule of law. The concept of Herrenvolk (master race) democracy is the idea of oppressing one or more racial groups while promoting the idea of equality among the white oppressors. For Trump, this involves Muslims and Mexicans who have become scapegoats for our national security threats and manufacturing job losses. In Jackson's case, the most egregious example was his removal of Native Americans from Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama to Oklahoma in the Trail of Tears in which 4,000 Indians died on the journey. Jackson was unapologetic in asserting that he was recovering the land for white American settlement. Jackson ignored the law and the Constitution when he considered the nation to be threatened, defied a Supreme Court decision in his removal of the Indians and asserted that his authority to determine what was constitutional was equal to the court. In the Trump administration's temporary ban on refugees and the subsequent court decisions to block parts of the order, we may be headed for a similar showdown over perceived security threats versus the Constitution. In Jackson's biggest fight against the Bank of the United States and his veto of its congressionally approved charter, he asserted that his overwhelming re-election in 1832 gave him the mandate to challenge Congress and to express the will of the people. His "bank war" was also a proxy for the battles Jackson was waging against wealthy elites, foreigners and the economic changes that were happening in the country and is not dissimilar from the kind of misdirection Trump also practices. When Jackson was censured by the Senate for his actions involving the Bank of the United States, he asserted that he was "the direct representative of the people" and attacking him was like attacking democracy. One can certainly imagine President Trump using a similar line of argument after his first major disagreement with Congress." [Thanks to Linda J. Killian, Opinion Contributor.]
There are similarities between Melania Trump and Rachel Jackson as well. Rachel was married to Lewis Robards when she met Jackson; however, the marriage had soured and Robards sought a divorce. When Rachel and Jackson married, she was not legally divorced from her first husband even though she thought she was. When the Jacksons realized this error two years later, they had a second wedding. Then when Jackson was running for president his detractors discovered the fact that there was no record of them having been married the first time even though they lived as man and wife; so, of course, it was reported in the newspapers of the day. Aside from the fact that Jackson was a gambler, spent most of his life in bankruptcy or deeply in debt, he stole his wife from another man.
From "The President's Lady": "If the president be a married man, his wife must share the distinction of the station he occupies. Her qualifications for the station, her character, and standing, her personal defects, . . . must all be all drawn out, and made subjects of remark, and will be commended, caricatured or ridiculed, as they may furnish occasion. If she be weak and vulgar she cannot escape becoming a theme for ridicule, . . . and its consequent contempt . . . . We must see a degraded female placed at the head of the female society of the nation, or we must proclaim and urge the fact as a ground for excluding her husband. Mrs. Robards [Jackson] was guilty of adultery. Ought a convicted adulteress, and her paramour husband, to be placed in the highest office?" "Mrs. Jackson was unfaithful to her marriage with Robards. When they assumed the open relationship of husband and wife, it was an illegal and criminal act. Mrs. Robards [Jackson] should be convicted of desertion and adultery."
While Mrs. Jackson was accused of adultery, Mrs. Trump was involved in pornography and accused of being an escort. Therein lies the similarities more or less. Except that Mrs. Jackson, unable to handle the stress of the accusations, died of a heart attack before she made it to the White House.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Andrew Jackson.
January 13, 2008
Stone isn't my favorite, but he sure is amazing at bringing history to life. I learned so much about Jackson and his wife, Rachel. It's a quite a sad story but good.
January 7, 2016
Historical fiction about the wife of general and president Andrew Jackson, and their passionate love for each other.
May 25, 2024
I have been a fan of Irving Stoe since high school when I read Agony and Ecstasy. I have been holding this in reserve, for no particular reason but the time is now. Recently, after reading Truman by David McCullough I decided I NEEDED to visit the Presidential Libraries. I grew up in the Hudson Valley so of course,I knew Hyde Park and had been to the home before, but not visited the Library. A West Point reunion for my husband, combined with the delivery of a comissioned piece of furniture my husband made saw us heading north to Boston. Steve is a historian as well as a furniture and was asked to do an interview of a famous woodworker who made a copy of the Oval Office desk for the JFK Library. What a perfect week we had! We just recently took an 8 state car trip for another West Point reunio with friends in Georgia while also driving to Texas to visit our son. So naturally, we had a chance to stop in Little Rock for the Clinton library for Carter and while in Texas had time for the George HW Bush in College Station. While driving in Tennessee we had time to visit The Hermitage (home but not a Library) of Andrew Jackson and in Georgia we visited The Little White House (where FDR passed). We have lived in Virginia but believe it or not, we have never done a White House tour! I collect the Christmas ornaments and have been to the National Archives and Library of Congress.
Anyway, I knew little of the Jacksons and very little of Trail of Tears or War of 1812. Been to the homes of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. On our trip to Boston the Adams Farm was closed for renovations so I do see another visit. I tend to be a bit obsessed with John and Abigail!
I will need to do more reading of the history of the Jackson years - Nonfiction at this point!
Anyway, I knew little of the Jacksons and very little of Trail of Tears or War of 1812. Been to the homes of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. On our trip to Boston the Adams Farm was closed for renovations so I do see another visit. I tend to be a bit obsessed with John and Abigail!
I will need to do more reading of the history of the Jackson years - Nonfiction at this point!
July 14, 2023
Andrew Jackson was my great, great, great uncle. My grandmother, Rachel, was named after her great aunt Rachel Donelson Jackson. The first time I read this book, I was about nine. When one of my daughters recently did ancestry DNA testing this family history came up. I noticed a Kindle version was available so I decided to read it again sixty seven years later.
With all the craziness going on these days, it was fascinating to read about our founding fathers and their various points of view. Politics was pretty much as ugly then as it is now, but the scandals were different. Women were "in their place" and for many men, merely property or society mavens with no voting power. My great, great, great aunt was tormented throughout her life for marrying a man who mistreated her then divorced her.
The story doesn't sugar coat slavery or the horrific treatment of Native Indians, but reveals the perspective of those who were the abusers.
I found it most interesting to relive Andrew Jackson's lifetime preparation for strategy of war which gained him the nickname "Old Hickory" and against incredible odds, lead the Battle of New Orleans in the war of 1812 where he only lost six men and decidedly defeated the British Army.
With all the craziness going on these days, it was fascinating to read about our founding fathers and their various points of view. Politics was pretty much as ugly then as it is now, but the scandals were different. Women were "in their place" and for many men, merely property or society mavens with no voting power. My great, great, great aunt was tormented throughout her life for marrying a man who mistreated her then divorced her.
The story doesn't sugar coat slavery or the horrific treatment of Native Indians, but reveals the perspective of those who were the abusers.
I found it most interesting to relive Andrew Jackson's lifetime preparation for strategy of war which gained him the nickname "Old Hickory" and against incredible odds, lead the Battle of New Orleans in the war of 1812 where he only lost six men and decidedly defeated the British Army.
April 15, 2018
This is a novel about the life of Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson.
Life was not easy in the late 1700's, especially if you were a woman stuck in an awful marriage.
Rachel Jackson was married and her life was stormy and basically awful. There was no divorce, but she left her husband and moved back into her parents home. Eventually she meets Andrew Jackson and falls in love. She hears her husband has gone to the state legislature and gets a divorce. She marries Andrew.
For the rest of her life she pays for this as the story she heard about her husband getting a divorce was false. People call her bad names and say awful things. Seems like all this dies down only to be brought up again each time Andrew goes to war or in politics. Rachel works hard physically and is emotionally challenged all of her life.
Andrew was honored as a war hero and then people called him a traitor over and over. Reminds us that politics has never easy in this country.
Life was not easy in the late 1700's, especially if you were a woman stuck in an awful marriage.
Rachel Jackson was married and her life was stormy and basically awful. There was no divorce, but she left her husband and moved back into her parents home. Eventually she meets Andrew Jackson and falls in love. She hears her husband has gone to the state legislature and gets a divorce. She marries Andrew.
For the rest of her life she pays for this as the story she heard about her husband getting a divorce was false. People call her bad names and say awful things. Seems like all this dies down only to be brought up again each time Andrew goes to war or in politics. Rachel works hard physically and is emotionally challenged all of her life.
Andrew was honored as a war hero and then people called him a traitor over and over. Reminds us that politics has never easy in this country.
July 21, 2024
I did not know much about Andrew and Rachel Jackson. What a detailed book!
Andrew Jackson was a man of great ideas and energy. He was truly an American Patriot. He held many offices before becoming President of the United States. I admire him so much.
His marriage to Rachel Donnelson was a wonderful love story. Oh, how they loved each other! The only thing that troubled them was that Rachel's first marriage was stormy even though Rachel tried her best to save the marriage.
When she met Andrew Jackson, there was attraction on both sides. They married after hearing that her first husband granted her a divorce. This was not true and for years people talked behind Rachel's back about her being unfaithful. The rumors even caused much anxiety and problems for Andrew's political ambitions. Through it all, Rachel and Andrew's love for each other was strong.
I would like many to read this book because it is a great way to learn about America's history.
Andrew Jackson was a man of great ideas and energy. He was truly an American Patriot. He held many offices before becoming President of the United States. I admire him so much.
His marriage to Rachel Donnelson was a wonderful love story. Oh, how they loved each other! The only thing that troubled them was that Rachel's first marriage was stormy even though Rachel tried her best to save the marriage.
When she met Andrew Jackson, there was attraction on both sides. They married after hearing that her first husband granted her a divorce. This was not true and for years people talked behind Rachel's back about her being unfaithful. The rumors even caused much anxiety and problems for Andrew's political ambitions. Through it all, Rachel and Andrew's love for each other was strong.
I would like many to read this book because it is a great way to learn about America's history.
May 11, 2021
I found Mr. Stone's book most informative, I agree with most of his assessments of the "President's Lady. the story was told much as I think middle Tennessee was at that time. I have family that served in the 1812 war, under Jackson and Carroll.
The only thing I wish he had source for is the relationship he and Rachel had with the Bowen Family, who lived just across the river in what is now Mansker State Park. William Bowen built the first brick house in the Nashville area in 1787, and when it comes to the letters of character, Mary Russell Bowen wrote a wonderful letter upholding Rachel's Character. They must have been close friends as there were letters, speaking of the visits between the families. My wife is a 5th great granddaughter of William Bowen.
Still, it is an excellent book.
The only thing I wish he had source for is the relationship he and Rachel had with the Bowen Family, who lived just across the river in what is now Mansker State Park. William Bowen built the first brick house in the Nashville area in 1787, and when it comes to the letters of character, Mary Russell Bowen wrote a wonderful letter upholding Rachel's Character. They must have been close friends as there were letters, speaking of the visits between the families. My wife is a 5th great granddaughter of William Bowen.
Still, it is an excellent book.
September 5, 2017
Irving Stone is always one of my favorite authors. I especially enjoyed learning more about Rachel and Andrew Jackson and their tumultuous life together against the background of a time when history was being made. It was especially eye opening to see how difficult life was for women who were facing abusive situations. It was also interesting to see how many failures Andrew Jackson had in his lifetime before he was elected to the presidency. It was not an easy time for anyone. Irving Stone has given us enough historical facts, interwoven with the story line, to make it a very interesting read.
July 4, 2020
It was okay. The first half was better than the second half. First half had the trials and tribulations of Andrew and Rachel Jackson, including the accusation that she committed adultery because her idiot asshole of a first husband didn't bother actually getting the divorce he said he'd get. The second half dragged quite a bit and I skipped a lot of the political details because they were rather dryly written. Stone compressed quite a bit of the later years of the Jackson marriage and because of that, it felt incomplete because some major plot points were merely mentioned and then disregarded instead of being explored.
April 7, 2019
This is a very nice biography of the married lives of Rachel and Andrew Jackson. What is revelatory about this historical novel is how tied by love and marriage Andrew and Rachel were. Rachel built and maintained the homes that Andrew laid out and used as a wellspring for his dynamic life. Seldom to we find a presidential biography that spends so much time on the spouse, and this book shows us how much a person can depend upon their spouse.
We frequently lament the nastiness of today's politics and long for a return to a more genteel time. This book demonstrates for us that the first 40 years under our constitution were far from genteel, in fact maybe drove Rachel Jackson to her death. The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War shows us that the next 50 years were equally mean and dangerous.
Rachel Jackson was an amazing, strong, industrious, and resilient woman who built a frontier home in the Cumberland Valley, founding modern Nashville.
We frequently lament the nastiness of today's politics and long for a return to a more genteel time. This book demonstrates for us that the first 40 years under our constitution were far from genteel, in fact maybe drove Rachel Jackson to her death. The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War shows us that the next 50 years were equally mean and dangerous.
Rachel Jackson was an amazing, strong, industrious, and resilient woman who built a frontier home in the Cumberland Valley, founding modern Nashville.
February 25, 2022
©1951
The story of Rachel Jackson is, by necessity, also a story of Andrew Jackson, who eventually becomes President. Their marriage is affected by the fact that divorce is not recognized/easily obtained in their time, so Rachel's first marriage casts a shadow over their marriage, as well as the fact that she never bears children. Andrew is also prone to duels, rushing headlong into ventures, the War of 1812, the treaties with Native Americans. Their love for each other never falters, however.
The story of Rachel Jackson is, by necessity, also a story of Andrew Jackson, who eventually becomes President. Their marriage is affected by the fact that divorce is not recognized/easily obtained in their time, so Rachel's first marriage casts a shadow over their marriage, as well as the fact that she never bears children. Andrew is also prone to duels, rushing headlong into ventures, the War of 1812, the treaties with Native Americans. Their love for each other never falters, however.
August 25, 2017
I really liked the first half of the book. But then it veered to everything about General Jackson and his exploits in the War of 1812 and thereafter. It got pretty dry at the second half of the book, which is disappointing because I really enjoyed the first half of the book. There were no mention of the numerous foster kids that they mentored, other than the one they adopted. It is disappointing in that regards.
I am glad that I read this though.
I am glad that I read this though.
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