James monroe biography book

James monroe biography book: The extraordinary life of

April 22, at am. Bill Wilson billwilsonretired gmail. January 28, at am. Just read an overview of the JES book, looks great but i dont think i have pages on Marshall in me. I only really read on my daily commute. Adams by McCullough took me like 4 months. Share this: Twitter Facebook Email Tumblr. Like Loading Steve said: July 13, at pm.

My wife was similarly surprised since Monroe who she knows a bit about since he grew up near where we live only has two books on my list while John Quincy Adams who she has heard next to nothing about has no fewer than four biographies currently sitting on the corner of my desk… Reply. Teacher in Tejas said: June 22, at am. Ben said: January 25, at pm.

Steve said: January 26, at am. Steve said: September 4, at am. Hannah said: March 8, at pm. Steve said: March 9, at am. Wish I could be more help, but do let me know which you choose and what you thought! Hannah said: March 21, at pm. Bill Wilson said: January 10, at am. Steve said: January 10, at am. Cole said: August 23, at am.

HBM said: August 23, at am. Bill Wilson said: August 24, at pm. Joe B said: January 23, at pm. Steve said: January 23, at pm. Joe Brandsdorfer said: January 27, at pm. Steve said: January 27, at pm. Bill Wilson said: April 22, at am. Joe B said: January 28, at am.

James monroe biography book: “James Monroe: A Life” by Tim

Monroe lived a life defined by revolutions. He was never one to back down from a fight, whether it be with Alexander Hamilton, with whom he nearly engaged in a duel prevented, ironically, by Aaron Burror George Washington, his hero turned political opponent. Decorated by George Washington for his exploits as a soldier, Monroe became a congressman, a senator, U.

From the battlefields of the War for Independence, to his ambassadorship in Paris in the days of the guillotine, to his own role in the creation of Congress's partisan divide, he was a man who embodied the restless spirit of the age. He was never one to back down from a fight, whether it be with Alexander Hamilton, with whom he nearly engaged in a duel prevented, ironically, by Aaron Burror George Washington, his hero turned political opponent.

James monroe biography book: A biography of James Monroe

At first glance, James Monroe seems an unlikely subject for McGrath — whose specialty is early American naval affairs. Nevertheless this biography appears well researched, contains copious footnotes and proves quite thorough. But while it proves commendable in many respects, it does not break away from the pack. McGrath views Monroe as an under-valued figure whose political evolution from sectarian during his early career to bipartisan statesman while president was extraordinarily uncommon.

This inclusive approach to politics, combined with a keen sense of judgment, allowed Monroe to revitalize his young but beleaguered nation as president. The former is relatively dense, dull, disjointed and disappointing while the latter proves far more engaging, insightful and enjoyable.

James monroe biography book: Tim McGrath's “James Monroe: A Life”

In the same spirit, there is relatively little connectivity with the broader arc of history. The early pace is also remarkably uneven. In some scenes the narrative slows dramatically to reveal much about a particular event while in other moments time passes with a remarkable frenzy. For instance, in just one paragraph Monroe concludes his law studies, is admitted to the bar, seeks election to the Virginia General Assembly, campaigns…and wins.

The net effect of these bursts of history mixed among moments of deliberate focus can be dizzying. Readers unfamiliar with Monroe may also find portions of the narrative somewhat difficult to follow. Finally, this part of the biography is excellent at observing what happened but rarely explains why. And by the time the War of brings British troops to American soil the narrative is nearly perfectly paced and far more satisfying.

As a result, the best moments from this portion of the book tend to shine more brightly. But one thing is certain: the modern definitive biography of James Monroe still remains to be published. May 10, at am. Thanks for the review. I was thinking of buying this one- I think I will wait and order it through the library. Monroe is one of the earlier presidents that I know the least about.