A major new biography of the fourth U.S. president, from New York Times–bestselling author Lynne Cheney 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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“In a 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. 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 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.”
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Publishers Weekly (starred review)