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A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New YorkTimes bestselling author Lynne Cheney
This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.
Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states—so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers—helped shape the country Americans live in today.
Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the country’s history—the Democratic Republicans. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, 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—and remain a republic still.
“With this compelling, elegant, original biography, Lynne Cheney brings the great, elusive James Madison back to life. . . .”
—Michael Beschloss, author of The Conquerors and Presidential Courage
“Lucidly written . . . this is probably the best single volume bio of Madison that we now have.”
—Gordon Wood, New York Times Book Review
“Graceful and balanced . . . Cheney makes clear that Madison was a practical politician . . . principled but pragmatic, sincere but complex. His world was complicated. So is ours, and it [could] use more people like him.”
—H. W. Brands, The Washington Post
“A lovingly researched tribute to an often underestimated man. It does not explicitly refer to modern controversies. But present-day politics intrudes.”
—The Economist
“[In this] meticulously researched, richly detailed look at the life and times of Madison, former Second Lady Cheney fleshes out the achievements and struggles of this American founding father. . . . Authoritative, conversational, certainly confident in its analysis.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Written with subtlety and grace, [James Madison] is as groundbreaking as it is fresh, as enthralling as it is compulsively readable. It is nothing short of a masterpiece. . . .”
—Jay Wink, author of April 1865 and The Great Upheaval
“A nuanced study on its own and a thoughtful presentation by one of today’s prominent public intellectuals.”
—Library Journal
“[Lynne Cheney’s] writing is both fluid and polished; the tone is measured and judicious. Her treatment of Madison . . . is informed by a sophisticated knowledge of politics, without in any way being presentist.”
—David B. Mattern, senior associate editor, Papers of James Madison, University of Virginia
“[Cheney] offers a lucid, well-paced, wonderfully written, and authoritative history. Very well worth your time.”
—National Review
“This is the James Madison we always should have known about. Thanks to Lynne Cheney’s well-researched book, it’s the James Madison we will now always know.”
—The Washington Times
“The Constitution remains Madison's greatest legacy. Cheney's detailed biography helps renew appreciation for the man behind it.”
—Pittsburgh Tribune Review
“Lynne Cheney has written what may be the most authoritative and comprehensive book ever on the life of Founding Father and President James Madison. It offers a fascinating perspective into how brilliant Madison truly was.”
—Intellectual Conservative
Lynne Cheney is the author or coauthor of twelve books, including six bestselling books about American history for children. Her most recent book is We the People: The Story of Our Constitution. The wife of former vice president Dick Cheney, she lives in McLean, Virginia, and Wilson, Wyoming.
Anonymous
Posted Thu May 08 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
Lynne Cheney is a very gifted writer. I love her books. In her newest one, James Madison: A Life Reconsidered she provides a vivid look into the life of one of the Founding Fathers. Prior to reading this book, I had no idea of the extent of Madison’s accomplishments and contributions to the USA. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put the book down. Great book!
16 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ManoloMV
Posted Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Very succinct explanation of the events leading to the enactment of the Constitution and the compromises required to secure its approval and the role of Madison in the process.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat May 31 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I read the first 267 pages and enjoyed reading them, then the "link" kicked in for the future chapters which were other historical accounts .Had I knowm this format, I would not have bought the book. I have lost interest and have not read further.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Jul 17 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Realy guys.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Jul 17 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Aye
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CalabashJoe
Posted Thu Jul 10 00:00:00 EDT 2014
A fantastic must read for all Americans who would like to be more than "low information voters." Cheney does a wonderful job of enabeling us to understand what our country was meant to and should be about and be like.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Jul 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I really enjoyed this book as it fleshed out the details of the life and times of one of founders of our country. Wish we had a man like Madison in the government today.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Jun 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Had no idea of the wide ranging impact he had in establishing our Republic; FASINATING!!! It well written and well documented.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon May 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Bit.ch. kills drakes
0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Overview
A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New YorkTimes bestselling author Lynne Cheney
This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.
Outwardly reserved, Madison was ...