Publisher's Weekly Review
"Students of American history often neglect [James] Madison," writes historian and novelist Stewart (The Lincoln Deception) in an inauspicious start-it's a strange, and arguably inaccurate, generalization-to an otherwise solid work on the great constitutional thinker and fourth president of the U.S. Hitting a surer stride, Stewart examines the man from a fresh angle, looking at the ways in which Madison's associations with George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and his wife, Dolley, helped create the United States. It's a gimmick of sorts, for Stewart has to justify yet another book on Madison in a period that has seen an explosion of biographies and studies of this founding father-as well as an increase in the number of institutions with Madison in their names (mostly on the political right, where Alexander Hamilton used to prevail). Nevertheless, Stewart illuminates much about the history-making relationships among these celebrated figures that in other books might remain obscured. Readers of history are in good hands with this dependable guide, which approaches its subject with a smooth, easygoing style. Agent: Will Lippincott, Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A fond portrait of the mild-mannered Virginian and implacable advocate for the young American government.Historian and novelist Stewart (The Lincoln Deception, 2013, etc.) offers a pertinent lesson on Madison's ability to forge working bonds with other founding members of the new American government, even if they did not always see eye to eye. Discreet, generous and nonegotistical, unlike others who hammered out the documents that framed the new government, Madison refused to take credit, rather conceding the "work of many hands and many heads" in the forging of the Constitution. Small and soft-spoken, he was overshadowed by the more dynamic personalities of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and James Monroe, yet the complement of their respective qualities resulted in brilliant working relationships during the course of Madison's political career. Hamilton and Madison, both in their 30s, recognized that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate for managing the new nation and had to be replaced by a stronger national government. Their energy as "impatient young men" galvanized the other delegates in Philadelphia over "framing a system which we wish to last for ages," while their dozens of newspaper essays (written with John Jay) explaining the Constitutional structure became the incomparable work of political theory, The Federalist Papers. Madison cleverly used the power and prestige of Gen. Washington in consolidating attendance at the Convention and winning votes for the Bill of Rights, and the two largely struck the deal to build a new capital on the Potomac. In Jefferson, Madison found an intellectual kindred spirit and lifelong friend. Monroe served in Jefferson's and Madison's administrations and navigated the Louisiana Purchase and renewed hostility with Britain. Finally, the woman and helpmate Madison found late in life, Dolley, evolved into a winning "Lady Presidentess" and devoted caretaker in his dotage at Montpelier. Stewart's lively character sketches employ sprightly prose and impeccable research. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Compared to the other iconic figures of the generation that founded the U.S., James Madison must have seemed unlikely to reach the elevated status of a Founding Father. He was short, frail, and chronically plagued by a variety of physical ailments. He was also painfully shy and socially awkward, especially in the presence of women. However, as Stewart illustrates, Madison had special gifts. He was also brilliant, well-read, and blessed with a wonderful grasp of the possibilities, strengths, and weaknesses of republican governments from antiquity to his own time. According to Stewart, Madison was able to utilize these gifts by forming partnerships with other founders whose talents complemented his own. He worked with Washington and Hamilton to convene the Constitutional Convention and then to gain ratification. He worked with Jefferson to create a successful opposition to what they viewed as abuses of power by Federalists. Finally, Stewart asserts that his most successful partnership was with his wife, Dolly, whose vivacious charm and sound political instincts proved a great asset. This is a well-done effort to provide a different perspective on Madison's career.--Freeman, Jay Copyright 2014 Booklist
Choice Review
This biography of James Madison frames his public and private life within five crucial "partnerships" that, according to Stewart, defined Madison's life, work, and legacy. Some of these partnerships were finite and specific: Madison and Washington's relationship in their quest for independence and national sovereignty; Madison and Hamilton's work on The Federalist and ratifying the Constitution; and Madison's reliance on the military experience of James Monroe to help him during the war with Britain. The other two partnerships Stewart examines were longer: Madison and Jefferson as close allies shaping the Republican Party, and Madison and his wife Dolley--a steady and significant political influence on her husband and his public career. The "partnerships" trope is an interesting way to view Madison's life and career, though Stewart doesn't break any new scholarly ground. The book is well-grounded in primary sources but relies on only a handful of secondary works and ignores much of the recent scholarship on the early republic and its political culture. A well-written and pleasurable read, but students of the era won't find anything new here. Summing Up: Recommended. General and undergraduate readers; public libraries. --Kevin M. Gannon, Grand View University
Library Journal Review
The early years of the United States were marked with dysfunction, as the country's founding fathers worked to craft a new nation. A primary architect of the constitutional republic that emerged from that turbulent era was James Madison (1751-1836). Stewart (American Emperor) credits Madison's success in promoting his political ideas to his ability to form strategic partnerships in challenging times with George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and Dolley Madison. In making his case for the benefits to Madison of forming partnerships with others for the common good, especially as it pertained to the men, the author somewhat diminishes his subject's extraordinary intellectual gifts. For instance, the success of Madison's Virginia Plan as the model for the Constitution was not dependent on Washington. While Hamilton authored some of the "Federalist Papers," Madison was responsible for the majority and based his arguments on his views of Republicanism. VERDICT This eminently readable work is recommended for lay readers and should be considered alongside Lynne Cheney's James Madison. [See Prepub Alert, 8/22/14.]-John R. Burch, Campbellsville Univ. Lib., KY (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
