This week, I submitted the index for Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Democrats, which will be published in March 2015. I was asked to write this book by the series editor, Randall Miller, while I was completing Andrew Jackson, Southerner. It was an easy transition from one book to the next, since most … Continue reading Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Democrats to be Published in Spring 2015
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Books for Spring 2015
On the schedule for the Spring 2015 semester are two sections of the U.S. survey (1865-present) and the Old South course. As usual, I've switched up the books. I also assign articles to supplement the book readings. History of the U.S. II Beth L. Bailey, From Front Porch to Back Seat: Courtship in Twentieth-Century America … Continue reading Books for Spring 2015
The 100 Most Influential Americans
A friend recently posted The Atlantic's 2006 list of the 100 most influential Americans. Not surprisingly, 5 of the top 10 Americans were presidents, with several more in the top 20, including Andrew Jackson (#18). Lists like this are intended to generate conversation, and there were certainly some questionable placements, Ben Franklin at #6 being one … Continue reading The 100 Most Influential Americans
In Memoriam: Donald B. Cole
Earlier this week, in the course of contacting historians about a new project, I learned that Donald B. Cole passed away last year. Unlike the death of Robert Remini, which garnered significant attention in the profession and the mainstream media, Don's death passed largely unnoticed by the profession. That is unfortunate, because Don's scholarship was … Continue reading In Memoriam: Donald B. Cole
Biographies of Pivotal Tennesseans at the 2014 Southern Festival of Books
I have the distinct privilege of participating in this year's Southern Festival of Books, which will be held this weekend in Nashville. I will be part of a session, entitled "From the State of Franklin to TVA: Biographies of Pivotal Tennesseans," with Gordon Belt, Traci Nichols-Belt, and Aaron D. Purcell. Our session will be held Saturday, October 11, … Continue reading Biographies of Pivotal Tennesseans at the 2014 Southern Festival of Books
Tennessee Republicans Attack APUSH
Two Tennessee Republicans, Dolores Gresham and Mike Bell, want the state to review the direction taken with the new AP U.S. History (APUSH) framework and exam. According to the Tennessean, Gresham is arguing that "[t]here are many concerns with the new APUSH framework, not the least of which is that it pushes a revisionist interpretation of historical … Continue reading Tennessee Republicans Attack APUSH
Beloit Mindset List for Class of 2018
The new Beloit Mindset List is out, as is the new Beloit Mindlessness List. I happen to agree with the latter: the original Beloit List for this year is not very interesting. I remember the mid-1990s as a much more exciting and revolutionary time, but maybe that's just me.
Summer 2014 Research
Last year, I said that the summer was one of the coolest and wettest I'd ever seen in Tennessee. It hasn't been as wet this year, but it's been unseasonably cool until this week. This summer, I focused on three research projects. The first was completing Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Democrats, which … Continue reading Summer 2014 Research
Book Signing at the Wilson County Fair
The Wilson County Fair is the largest fair in the state of Tennessee. I'll be joining a number of authors there next Sunday, Aug. 17, to sign books. All of the authors will be located in the Fiddlers Grove Historic Village Pavilion from 2:00-6:00 P.M. Come see us if you have the opportunity.
Celebrating Four Years at Jacksonian America
I started this blog four years ago today. It's been quieter than normal the past few months, as I've been wrapped up in speaking about Andrew Jackson, Southerner and focused on writing on several new projects. Despite my infrequent posting, this year witnessed a huge spike in views. This was largely due to a post … Continue reading Celebrating Four Years at Jacksonian America
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 