ANDREW JOHNSON

by Edwin P. Hoyt ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 1965

This is the fifth title in this author's President Series. The first Presidential Johnson is coming into his own for juvenile coverage this year. Foster's recent, excellent Impeached (1964, p. 1018, J-332) was a full reading of the circumstances leading to Johnson's near ouster from office at the hands of his recalcitrant legislative branch. This biography is a full reading of the personal characteristics that seemed destined to lead Johnson to just such a dilemma. Mr. Hoyt's biographies have done particularly well in the explication of the political performances of his subjects. In this case, he makes clear the political ineptitude of a man who yet managed to become a successful politician. Johnson's inability to give his opponents any quarter or chance to save face when political necessity demanded their cooperation is the thread that runs through his whole career in local and national office. Mr. Hoyt accomplishes this without patronizing his readers and keeps the stories of the personal and the public lives consistently interesting down to the final grotesquerie of Johnson's burial -- wrapped in the flag and clutching a copy of the Constitution.

Pub Date: March 29, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Reilly & Lee

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION