Andrew Jackson was the first "people's president." Son of a poor struggling Carolina farmer, he rose from obscurity and poverty by his wits, dueling pistols and fists, attained wealth and power and became the seventh President of the United States.

Andy's father died before he was born and he lost his mother and two older brothers during the Revolution. His mother had wanted him to be a preacher and taught him to read before he was nine years old but, after her death, there was no one to encourage or guide the lonely boy. His education was haphazard and he drifted from one thing to another until at last he decided to study law. After he was admitted to the Bar, Governor Martin of the Carolinas appointed him public prosecutor and sent him to keep law and order in the western part of the state where John Sevier was causing trouble. In the Tennessee country, Andy soon gained the respect and confidence of the pioneers who admired his personal bravery as well as his honest and fair administration of the law and, when Tennessee was admitted to the Union, Andy was elected first to the House of Representatives and later to the Senate.

When England declared War on the United States in 1812, Andy organized the Tennessee Militia and offered his services to the government. They not only refused him but ignored him. But, Andy to whom the Union meant everything, went ahead anyway and spread terror among the Indians who had joined the British against the Americans.

He quelled the great Tecumseh and the half-breed, Bill Weatherford; defeated the Spanish in Florida and became its first governor; but his most remarkable feat was the gallant defense of New Orleans when, with a mere handful of men, he smashed the great British fleet and brought glory to a conflict otherwise marked by national humiliation.

As the people's war hero, he was swept into the Presidency where he served for two terms, ruling with an iron hand but beloved by his followers.

Mrs. Nolan tells about Jackson, the first "self-made" man to become President, whose story marks one of the greatest turning points in American history. She also tells the story of the man who loved Rachel Robards with whom he found peace and tranquility; and of The Hermitage, Jackson's home, that constantly overflowed with his adopted children, for in his great turbulent heart there was always room for a lonely child.

From the dust jacket