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A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons Audiobook
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(3.02) - 228 listener ratings
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Paul Jennings was born into slavery on the plantation of James and Dolley Madison in Virginia, later becoming part of the Madison household staff at the White House. Once finally emancipated by Senator Daniel Webster later in life, he would give an aged and impoverished Dolley Madison, his former owner, money from his own pocket, write the first White House memoir, and see his sons fight with the Union Army in the Civil War.
Based on correspondence, legal documents, and journal entries rarely seen before, this amazing portrait reveals the mores and attitudes toward slavery in the nineteenth century, and sheds new light on famous characters such as James Madison, French General Lafayette, Dolley Madison, and many other long-forgotten slaves, abolitionists, and civil rights activists.
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"What I appreciated most about this book was it's in-depth research and the author's mastery of of the material. The author weaves a story of a man who was born as property, property of our fourth president, Paul Jennings. The detail on the man's life, much of it from the letters of James and Dolley Madison, is amazing. The book is more scholarly than narrative in its approach but the subject matter is fascinating. Who knew that a former slave wrote the first White House memoir? I definitely didn't and I am glad that I now know and that I have read a great biography on the man as well as his memoir (which is included as an appendix to this book). Definitely give this one a read."
— Dan (4 out of 5 stars)
A Slave in the White House Listener Reviews
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" Well-researched but not captivating. Necessary read yo understand a bit on how some families failed and thrived in antebellum DC. "
— Alisa, 2/16/2014 -
" Very interesting -a good insight into race relations in Wash DC in the early 1800s. Writing is a bit laborious with footnotes, but it is a fascinating look at the history during Madiso's presidency. "
— Susan, 2/13/2014 -
" Found this book to be very interesting but I love books about this time period. Learned some intesting facts about the Madison's and was impressed how Paul Jenning's was able to succeed and to take care of his family. "
— Janet, 2/13/2014 -
" I did not finish the book because it started to bore me. After 91 pages, I was tired of the mass jumble of names and the plodding style of the writing. "
— Gail, 2/3/2014 -
" Elizabeth Dowling Taylor succeeds at bringing not only Paul Jennings to life, but also the earliest days of Washington City. Muddy streets, cows, and all! Paul, and so many accomplished men like him, have long deserved a moment in the sun. Now, thanks to Elizabeth Dowling Taylor, he has it. "
— Joanne, 1/23/2014 -
" a narrative of facts & details but ultimately don't really gain insight into the relationship (as with Washington & Billy Lee, Jefferson & James-- so perhaps inevitable & thus, unfair criticism) "
— marcali, 1/10/2014 -
" Reads like a term paper. Very anti-climactic and is more about chronicalling relatives and insignificant daily social events than about the actual life of a Slave in the House House (Paul Jennings). Boring. "
— Jennifer, 12/28/2013 -
" This is a well written and researched book. The first half was more about Madison and Jefferson, with supposition of Jennings early life. By the time Jennings married and president Madison died the book begins to flow with the page turning intensity of a great novel you do not want to end. "
— Linda, 12/18/2013 -
" Way too dry. I just don't care what the first lady had for breakfast. "
— Ann, 9/26/2013 -
" A great historical novel providing the view of behind the scenes of the Madison years. "
— Mary, 6/22/2013 -
" Eye opening, thought provoking. A book that reveals the hypocrisy of politicians and the courage and perseverance of a smart and determined man. We've come a long way but not far enough. "
— June, 5/28/2013 -
" This book was awesome. I highly recommend. Wonderfully researched. "
— Maeve, 1/8/2013 -
" A remarkable story that offers fascinating insight into slavery from the perspectives of Paul Jennings, the enslaved, and his enslavers, the Madisons. "
— Edward, 11/4/2012 -
" Amazing true story of a man born into slavery who was President James Madison's servant/slave in the White House. Jennings journey, and that of his contemporaries and family should dispel many of the stereotypes of those held in bondage and black people. "
— Amatullah, 5/14/2012 -
" Great insights into slavery and the Founding Fathers--particularly Madison. Also great insights into living as a freed slave in DC up to and just past the Civil War. Good book. "
— Jeremy, 4/24/2012
About the Narrators
Gilbert Morris was a pastor before becoming an English professor and earning a PhD at the University of Arkansas. Gilbert has been a consistent bestselling author in the Christian market for many years. He and his wife live in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Kevin Kenerly, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, earned a BA at Olivet College. A longtime member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, he has acted in more than twenty seasons, playing dozens of roles.