National Book Award Winner Speaks on Andrew Jackson

Chestertown, MD — Ever the controversial figure, Andrew Jackson's success as a military leader of the Battle of New Orleans will be the subject of a lecture by Robert Remini, distinguished professor of history emeritus at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The lecture takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday March 22 in the Hynson Lounge at Washington College. Beginning at 4 p.m., preceding the lecture, Remini will sign his latest book, "The Battle of New Orleans."

Remini, who has been called "an historian in love with his subject," says that the Battle of New Orleans, fought after a peace treaty ending the War of 1812 had been ratified by Britain and the United States, "was one of the great turning points in American history" because it "produced a President and an enduring belief in the military ability of free people to protect and preserve their society and their way of life." Carlo D'Este, writing in "The New York Times Book Review," calls Remini's latest work, "an exceptional book that combines impressive scholarship with a riveting narrative." The book has also received rave reviews from readers.

Remini's three-volume biography, "Andrew Jackson," won the National Book Award and was reissued in 1998 as a Main Selection of the History Book Club. He is also the author of biographies of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.

"Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans" is sponsored by the Washington College History Department. Washington College Phi Beta Kappa Associates, theCampus Events and Visitors Committee and the Robert Julian Emory Lecture Fund. It is free and open to the public.