YOUNG HICKORY
The Making of Andrew Jackson
Hendrik Booraem

Character and personality are shaped, it is generally believed, almost entirely in the early years. When the poet William Wordsworth says, "the child is father of the man" he echoes an earlier poet, John Milton, who said, "childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day."

In this excellent biography by Hendrik Booraem we learn of the time, the events and the people that bent the twig that would grow into Old Hickory, the seventh president of the United States -- Andrew Jackson.

Old Hickory is but one of the many nicknames that adhered to President Jackson. It is a wonderfully appropriate name. The quality of hickory is strength and endurance; it is the perfect handle for any striking tool that delivers great force and will not break on impact. He was also called the Hero of New Orleans, Duel Fighter and Sharp Knife. It will probably never be known just how many duels Jackson fought, or even how many men he killed in the process. As president, Jackson was feared for his rages. They seemed uncontrollable, yet it is believed he used his anger as a precision tool to intimidate and control others.

"Young Hickory" provides a fascinating account of Jackson's life up to age 21. Biographer, Hendrik Booraem is a noted historian; this is his third book focused on the adolescent years of an American President. I have not read his first, "The Road to Respectability" (1988) about President James A. Garfield. But, I have read and reread "The Provincial" (1994) Booraem's penetrating take on Calvin Coolidge. That careful and insightful book goes further to explain the character of the 30th president than does any other single book published in the last 50 years. In the case of Coolidge -- Booraem's research is exhaustive and painstaking. Often, he discovered neglected primary sources or assigned a new spin to an old story. I can only assume that the same quality is present in his book on Jackson. Where the record is not clear, and that is often the case, he provides you with the divergent accounts and his reasons for the one he chooses and the basis for his informed speculation.

The style of this book is literate and graceful; the words conduct you to the world of young Andy Jackson and make you glad you took the journey. Young Hickory was born on March 15, 1767. He grew up in South Carolina and considered himself a native of that state. There is some basis for the stoutly held contention that he was in fact born in North Carolina. As a boy, Jackson endured hardship and suffering. It is a wonder that he survived his youth. But, let's have Rik Booraem speak from his preface:

"The story of his early life, which unfolded during the American Revolution in the Carolinas, is highly dramatic. He nearly died of small pox after being wounded and imprisoned at the age of fourteen. The war destroyed his home and his immediate family. He constructed an entirely new identity to replace the one he had lost. After becoming a successful lawyer, he turned his attention toward the land west of the mountains."

Young Hickory carries you along like a boat in a spring flood. The story of the British campaign in the Carolinas is as well-told as I have ever read. Booraem is a fine story-teller and paints an unforgettable picture of those exciting times. -

This is the first book that really concentrates on the subject matter. Not only does Lesley give you information on the factory but she also gives wonderful accounts of the different designers and artists. It's not so much a picture book as it is a helpful and informative reference that we need more of. So if your looking to education yourself on the many glass artists, companies, and designers this is one book I would highly recommend.

I am a Certified Hospice Nurse and have spent most of my pre-adult and adult life caring for everyone that entered into my life. I have read a lot of self-help books and how to improve your life books over the years. This book was a pleasure to read from start to finish. Stephen Jackson is a very creative writer that uses wonderful symbolism and analogies describing techniques and concepts. He also has some wonderful relaxation techniques that are "user friendly" and appropriate for those of us that feel we are too busy and do not have enough time in our lives to relax. This book is a great first step on the road to taking better care of your emotional and spiritual self.

This book was written by Shirley Jackson whose spooky short story, "The Lottery", you might have had to read in High School.Originally published in 1963, it's back now with beautiful new illustrations filled with color and dreams from the lively imagination of childhood.
What if a magician with stars on his hat suddenly came up to you and gave you 9 wishes? Would you wish to live forever, or for world peace or for something much more wonderful like "a squirrel holding a nut that opens and inside is a Christmas tree." The wishes our lucky girl chooses are delightful and the illustrations of them are pure magic. The ending is the most beautiful part of a very special book. Read this one and find out.

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Walter Jackson Bate is famous for his biography of Johnson, but 20 years earlier he wrote this gem, which collects the major themes in Johnson's essays, and ties together the points Johnson made on them. It is not a quotation collection, it is Bate's analysis of the themes. There is a biographical chapter, but then about 150 pages of analysis. Those chapters are called:

1. The hunger of imagination
2. The treachery of the human heart and the strategems of defense
3. The stability of truth
4. Johnson as a critic: the form and function of literature

This is a great companion volume for readers of Johnson's essays and criticism.

Award winning authors, Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan introduce a whole new generation to the brillance of painter, Jackson Pollock as they focus on just two months in the artist's life, and the creation of one of his most famous paintings, No. 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist). Based on firsthand accounts from friends and family, and often using the painter's own words and quotes, this well researched and enlightening picture book biography lets the reader get into Pollock's head, hear his thoughts, feel his energy and joy as he works, and actually peek over his shoulder as he paints. "An athlete with a paintbrush, he uses his whole body to make the painting. Layers build with each gesture, new colors emerging, blending, and disappearing into the wet surface. He swoops and leaps like a dancer, paint trailing from a brush that doesn't touch the canvas..." Their eloquent and lyrical prose is engaging and complemented by Robert Andrew Parker's bold, bright, and busy watercolors. Together word and art paint a dazzling and evocative portrait of the artist, his work, and his times. "Some people will be shocked when they see what he has created. Some Angry. Some confused. Some excited. Some filled with a happiness they can hardly explain. But everyone will agree- Jackson Pollock is doing something original, painting in a way that no one has ever seen before..." Perfect for youngsters 7-11, Action Jackson includes a short biographical sketch at the end to augment the story and fascinating notes and sources about his life and paintings. This is non-fiction at its very best. Kudos to Greenberg, Jordan, and Parker

What an excellent reference book. The detailed information on every aspect of African American Education answers many questions regarding issues concerning African Americans and the education process. The in depth interviews bring to light the challenges and experiences African Americans face in education. The resources and references are fantastic. The HBCU focus opened my eyes to the many accomplishments and challenges they face.

This book is a wonderful addition to my library, expanding my knowledge of the African American Perspective and the history of African American Education.

If you have ever wanted to learn the trademark country guitar licks and riffs from Alan Jackson's Greatest Hits, then this is definitely the book for you. In this version it includes authentic note-for-note transcriptions to such great songs as Chattahoochee, Gone Country, Summertime Blues, Midnight In Montgomery, Wanted, Here In The Real World, Home, Don't Rock The Jukebox, Dallas, Who Says You Can't Have It All, and many others! They even tabed out the awesome guitar solos that you hear on Alan's "I Don't Even Know your Name"!!! The transcriptions are not simple, but they are very accurate. If you want to learn to play more than just the guitar chords and to play these songs the correct way, then you should definitely buy this book!!!

A wonderful book to gather ideas to use with Parks and Recreation groups! Tips and helpful information is included so there is nothing to have to guess. For anyone looking for arts and craft ideas it is a definite must.

Incredible moving poetry from one of the great contemporary poets in America. Using a vast knowledge of literature and experience from travels, Rick takes us on a journey using language. Sometimes sad, often moving, never disappointing.