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James Madison was a true genius of the early republic, the leader who did more than any other to create the nation we know today. This majestic new biography tells his story.
Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution. His visionary political philosophy—eloquently presented in the Federalist Papers—was a crucial factor behind the Constitution’s ratification, and his political savvy was of major importance in getting the new government underway. As secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence while remaining true to its young constitution.
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Creators
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Awards
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Release date
May 6, 2014 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780147519801
- File size: 536339 KB
- Duration: 18:37:22
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Starred review from March 17, 2014
In a meticulously researched, richly detailed look at the life and times of Madison, former Second Lady Cheney (We the People) fleshes out the achievements and struggles of this American Founding Father. As much a biography of the statesman, intellectual, and politician who rose to become President as a history of the country’s tumultuous post-Revolutionary War growth, the work covers a lot of ground. Authoritative, conversational, certainly confident in its analysis, the book paints Madison as a man of great accomplishments; one who struggled against setbacks, political opponents, and health problems. Cheney does veer uncomfortably close to hero worship: “Madison’s time of extraordinary achievement came after years of intense focus, deep concentration, and nearly obsessive effort, behavior that describes most lives of genius, from Sir Isaac Newton’s to Mozart’s to Einstein’s.” However, she does show his impressive influence in helping to forge a nation out of chaos through constant debate and begrudging compromise. Cheney conclusively demonstrates through the historical record that Madison, in word and deed, was a primary figure in shaping early American development and successfully establishes “a deeper understanding of the man who did more than any other to conceive and establish the nation we know.” Agent: Robert Barnett, Williams & Connolly. -
With heartfelt enthusiasm, narrator Eliza Foss captures Lynne Cheney's admiration for James Madison, the U.S. president who led the nation through the War of 1812, and husband of Dolly Madison. Foss excels at making clear the archaic language of laws and political discourse of the time period. Her narration reflects a firm style as she tells the story of Madison's part in developing the Bill of Rights. She squarely hits home the sarcasm and bombast of his political opponents. Overall, Foss helps make the book a strong reminder of Madison's role in American history. It's also a refresher on many of the arguments behind the Constitution. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine -
Starred review from September 1, 2014
Former Second Lady Cheney’s meticulously researched biography peels away the myths and legends surrounding Madison, one of America’s Founding Fathers, to reveal a brilliant, driven, complex, and flawed human being. The book follows Madison from his youth, through the Revolutionary War, to the courtship of his darling wife Dolly, to the presidency, and beyond. Foss presents this rigorous history with smooth eloquence. Her pleasant voice and straightforward delivery complements Cheney’s authoritative yet conversational prose. Foss’s steady pacing enhances Cheney’s analysis, never allowing the audiobook edition to fall into monotony despite its large scope. A Viking hardcover.
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