Taken for what it is, a concise, well-written (though I did find a few typing mistakes), exciting account of the Battle of New Orleans, I would consider it a success. This is not a lengthy biography nor a detailed military history, but we do get a background story of Andrew Jackson, an impression of the United States during the War of 1812, and a fulfilling interpretation of the battle itself. If the British had plans to end the war with territory staying in the hands of those who held it, then Andrew Jackson's plaudits as a savior to the nation are well deserved. The Battle of New Orleans was a key victory, even coming, as it did, after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, and its merits should not be lost on us.

While I was glad to learn the glancing reference about the national anthem and how it arose from the war of 1812, there isn’t much in this book to recommend it. The author is more interested in hero worship and his political views than giving an accurate assessment of Andrew Jackson. There wasn’t a single negative thing or drawback mentioned about Andrew Jackson, and that made it difficult to believe anything that was written.

This was a very interesting and quick read

Old Hickory for Victory ✌

Focuses on the events near the Battle of New Orleans. Explains the "boiling pot" that was the population of New Orleans, encompassing many of the groups of people that would come to be known as Americans and how General Jackson provided for creating a defensive army out of this multitude. From pirates, to Native Americans, freed men, enslaved men, and even nuns. Jackson found ways to make these Americans stand united to defend their home. A good read.

I had no idea that we almost lost the country again in the War of 1812 and the battle of New Orleans. Of course it's been a very long time since I've been in school.

I found this book mostly an easy read. I tend to get lost in all the names, ranks, dates and all the places they were trying to keep the British from landing and taking over/getting to New Orleans through that way.

I will say I enjoyed the other books from Mr. Kilmeade more, regarding Jefferson and the Tripoli pirates and George Washington's Secret Six, but I am so glad I took the time to read this and find out just how close we came to losing this country again. It could have gone to Spain or Britain and we would have lost the Western Expansion.

Reading the story of how it all happened, it seems we won by the skin of our teeth, Jackson's excellent planning and follow through and a miracle from God.

I love history and this book was entertaining in addition to teaching me alot of this way I knew very little about.

Very quick read that focuses on the small part of the War of 1812 involving Andrew Jackson's move to the southern city of New Orleans, including his forays to Pensacola and Mobile. Kilmeade also discusses the problems that Jackson's army had with being supplied and that Jackson had in keeping his army together. What is remarkable is how quickly Jackson was able to endear himself with those around him and how he was able to cobble together such a diverse fighting force, using a deft hand to mold them into a fighting force. Kilmeade describes how Jackson fought a very surprising preemptive strike, the role that luck played, how the British overestimated their ability in the bayou and underestimated the desire of the men to defend their homes and Jackson's ability to command. While there isn't the amount of minor detail that something that is used in a scholarly setting would have, Kilmeade does a fine job of painting the broad strokes that show how the American Army, one that was very poorly supplied and trained, was able to soundly defeat what was then the greatest military power on the planet, with the final estimates being somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 casualties for the British and a mere twelve for the United States.

Very quick and easy read. It provides a good overview of the events of the battle. Not too in depth, but good overall picture and summary.