Jon Meacham Books

Jon Meacham is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of numerous best sellers, including Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power and Franklin and Wilson. In addition to writing, he teaches at Vanderbilt University and the University of the South.

  1. 1American Lion

    American Lion

    Jon Meacham

    Andrew Jackson in the White House

    4.8 (46 ratings)

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    What's American Lion about?

    American Lion (2008) tells the story of Andrew Jackson, America’s seventh president. These blinks describe Jackson’s rise from poverty to the White House, and how he transformed the presidency from a relatively symbolic position into a powerful vehicle for representing the interests of the people.

    Who should read American Lion?

    • Historians and students of history
    • Anyone interested in American politics
    • Fans of a good biography
  2. 2The Soul of America

    The Soul of America

    Jon Meacham

    The Battle for Our Better Angels

    4.2 (70 ratings)

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    What's The Soul of America about?

    The Soul of America (2018) takes readers on an enlightening tour of America’s tumultuous past. From the final moments of the Civil War to the long overdue civil rights and voting legislation of the 1960s, the book reveals the United States for what it has always been: a nation of deep and lasting conflict. By looking to America’s past, we can see both where today’s political divides stem from and why the nation will likely be able to persevere.

    Who should read The Soul of America?

    • Readers eager for perspective on current events
    • Students of history and politics
    • Fans of historical insight
  3. 3Songs of America

    Songs of America

    Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw

    Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation

    4.1 (32 ratings)

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    What's Songs of America about?

    Songs of America (2019) explores the music that has shaped American History. From African American spirituals to Elvis Presley’s rock and roll, these blinks shine a light on the music that has defined the progress, defeats and protests of Americans from all walks of life, over the last three centuries. 

    Who should read Songs of America?

    • History buffs looking for a fresh perspective
    • Music geeks seeking a deeper understanding of song in America’s political struggles
    • Social justice warriors hoping for inspiration
  4. 4Impeachment

    Impeachment

    Jeffrey A. Engel, Jon Meacham, Timothy Naftali and Peter Baker

    An American History

    4.2 (40 ratings)

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    What's Impeachment about?

    Impeachment (2018) details how the Framers of the US Constitution envisioned the process of removing a president, and how the three impeachment proceedings prior to Trump’s have played out. Spanning the years right after the American Revolution to the late twentieth century, Impeachment looks at how the Framers imagined impeachment as a safety valve for democracy, as well as how Congress used impeachment to sanction Presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton. 

    Who should read Impeachment?

    • News junkies who’ve read every think piece about the Trump impeachment
    • History hounds obsessed with the American experiment 
    • Anyone looking for a better grasp on current US affairs
  5. 5His Truth Is Marching On

    His Truth Is Marching On

    Jon Meacham and John Lewis

    John Lewis and the Power of Hope

    4.3 (30 ratings)

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    What's His Truth Is Marching On about?

    His Truth Is Marching On (2020) tells the extraordinary life story of the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, interweaving his personal journey with the larger arc of American history.

    Who should read His Truth Is Marching On?

    • History buffs intrigued by the personalities behind the civil rights movement
    • Political junkies interested in the life of a powerful leader
    • Anyone who’s been inspired by John Lewis
  6. 6And There Was Light

    And There Was Light

    Jon Meacham

    Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

    4.6 (82 ratings)

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    What's And There Was Light about?

    And There Was Light (2022) is a biography of Abraham Lincoln that takes a nuanced look at a complex leader. Focusing especially on Lincoln’s evolving views on and actions around slavery, it’s a picture of a man who wrestled with his moral convictions while attempting to hold together a divided nation. Echoes of that struggle still ring out today, making it essential to keep Lincoln’s story at the forefront of American consciousness.

    Who should read And There Was Light?

    • American history enthusiasts
    • People interested in controversial historical figures
    • Budding political pundits looking to add to their historical knowledge
  7. What's Franklin and Winston about?

    Franklin and Winston by Jon Meacham is a compelling dual biography that delves into the unique friendship and partnership between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during World War II. Through extensive research and captivating storytelling, Meacham offers a deep insight into the personal and political dynamics that shaped the course of history.

    Who should read Franklin and Winston?

    • History enthusiasts who want to understand the dynamics of the World War II era
    • People interested in leadership and diplomacy during a time of global crisis
    • Readers who enjoy biographies of influential figures and their relationships
  8. 8Destiny and Power

    What's Destiny and Power about?

    Destiny and Power by Jon Meacham is a comprehensive biography of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. Through extensive research and interviews with Bush himself, Meacham provides an insightful look into his life, political career, and the impact he had on shaping American history.

    Who should read Destiny and Power?

    • Readers interested in the life and presidency of George H.W. Bush
    • History enthusiasts looking for insights into modern American politics
    • Individuals curious about the personal and professional challenges of a U.S. president