Cheney Lynne V. - James Madison: a life reconsidered

Praise for James Madison

Lucidly written... This is probably the best single-volume bio of Madison that we now have.

Gordon Wood, The New York Times Book Review

With this compelling, elegant, original biography, Lynne Cheney brings the great, elusive James Madison back to life, reminding us of how powerfully this brilliant founders political and intellectual leadership has shaped the course of American history. In this era in which Madison is too often eclipsed by more histrionic founders, Cheney shows us his crucial, fascinating relationships with Dolley, Thomas Jefferson, and an all-star cast, and lets us witness the growth of a world-changing political philosopher. Her book demonstrates why Madison deserves to stand near the center of our early American firmament.

Michael Beschloss, author of The Conquerors and Presidential Courage

The book is a lovingly researched tribute to an often-underestimated man. It does not explicitly refer to modern controversies. But present-day politics intrude.

The Economist

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.... Authoritative, conversational, certainly confident in its analysis.

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

James Madison did as much to put his stamp on the nation as any of the founders, yet too rarely is he given his due in the pantheon of Americas statesmen. In this stunning, brilliant work, Lynne Cheney rectifies this glaring oversight and brings Madison to life as never before. Written with subtlety and grace, the book is as groundbreaking as it is fresh, as enthralling as it is compulsively readable. It is nothing short of a masterpiece that deserves to be in the bookshelf of every history buff!

Jay Winik, author of April 1865 and The Great Upheaval

A nuanced study on its own and a thoughtful presentation by one of todays prominent public intellectuals.

Library Journal

Cheney might have written a book that made Madison a prop in todays political battles. She did not, which is greatly to her credit and true to the life of the man.

The Washington Post

After more than twenty-five years working on the Madison Papers, its not often that I read something about him that is fresh and engaging, and discovers new aspects of his life and character. Cheneys exploration of Madisons health issues, not only as a young man, but throughout his career, is imaginative and groundbreaking. Her writing is both fluid and polished; the tone is measured and judicious; there isnt a strident note in the whole book. And, an added plus, her treatment of Madison as a political actor is informed by a sophisticated knowledge of politics, without in any way being presentist.

David B. Mattern, research professor and senior associate editor, Papers of James Madison, University of Virginia

A lucid, well-paced, wonderfully written, and authoritative history. Very well worth your time.

National Review

The Constitution remains Madisons greatest legacy. Cheneys 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

This is the James Madison we always should have known about. Thanks to Lynne Cheneys well-researched book, its the James Madison we will now always know.

The Washington Times

PENGUIN BOOKS

JAMES MADISON

Lynne Cheney is the author and coauthor of twelve books, including six bestsellers about American history for children. The wife of former vice president Dick Cheney, she lives in McLean, Virginia, and Wilson, Wyoming.

Also by Lynne Cheney

We the People

Blue Skies, No Fences

Our 50 States

A Time for Freedom

When Washington Crossed the Delaware

A Is for Abigail

America: A Patriotic Primer

Telling the Truth

PENGUIN BOOKS

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First published in the United States of America by Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, 2014

Published in Penguin Books 2015

Copyright 2014 by Lynne Cheney

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

Image credits appear .

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS HAS CATALOGED THE HARDCOVER EDITION AS FOLLOWS:

Cheney, Lynne V.

James Madison : a life reconsidered / Lynne Cheney.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-698-16345-4

1. Madison, James, 17511836. 2. United StatesPolitics and government18091817. 3. United StatesPolitics and government17891815. 4. PresidentsUnited StatesBiography. 5. StatesmenUnited StatesBiography. I. Title.

E342.C48 2014

973.5'1092dc23

[B]

2013047837

Cover image: Portrait of James Madison by Gilbert Stuart. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Gift of Mrs. George S. Robbins.

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To my grandchildren
Kate, Elizabeth, Grace, Philip, Richard, Sam, and Sarah Lynne