Andrew Jackson: A Biography Vs. Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life

Hannah Lemoine

History 201

15 March 2017

Andrew Jackson: A Biography vs. Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life

        Robert V. Remini’s Andrew Jackson and Laurence Bergreen’s Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life both execute biographies of quality about each influential man. Their descriptions of the men are believable in that they are supported by concrete facts drawn from historical analyzations. Both Andrew Jackson and Louis Armstrong exhibited superior qualities which influenced the culture and society of a multitude of places; New Orleans being one example. Through the attributes of each man, the historical novels are similar.

        As previously stated, one trait that overlaps throughout each novel is the description of each man and details of events throughout their lifetime. The characteristics of Jackson and Armstrong hint important details of who they are as people. Jackson started from the bottom and managed to become one of the most influential Presidents, serving from 1829 to 1837. Andrew Jackson’s presidency sparked the rise of the “common man,” which is who he was raised as. His support to the average people initiated his popularity. Louis Armstrong started life rough as well. He was born unto a poor family and spent much of his youth dealing with poverty and battling personal issues such as both parents abandoning him and his younger sister. He was determined to not let these struggles define him, which is how he ended up being known as one of the most influential artists in jazz. Armstrong’s life sparked the interest for the jazz genre. His story was an inspiration for jazz artists everywhere. Through each man’s persistence, the world was made a better place. Societies, governments, and cultures changed to fit the popularity of these important and persuasive men.

        As with all things in existence, some differences are viewed. Not all novels can be identical, because that would result in less interest of each subject. The differences between the novels assist in making each work unique. Some differences between Remini’s Andrew Jackson and Bergreen’s Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life include examples such as how they are presented.

        One of the most obvious differences between the two is that they are about different men. Andrew Jackson by Robert V. Remini is a biography about a politician who turned into a President. Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life is a biography about Louis Armstrong, one of the best jazz players in history. His influence on jazz created a spark for the genre. Each man had a significant about of influence on people of their times, but it was done in different ways.