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James Madison: A Life Reconsidered
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.
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.
592 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
635 people are currently reading
4542 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Cheney
19 books66 followersLynne Ann Vincent Cheney, is a novelist, conservative scholar, and former talk-show host who is the wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney.
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May 17, 2018
James Madison, A Life Reconsidered
Is a biography of our fourth president written by Lynn Cheney.
I continue my quest to read at least one biography or memoir about each of our presidents.
About Madison I have learned (or was reminded) that he
• Suffered from a form of epilepsy
• Contributed to the Federalist Papers
• Wrote the Constitution
• Fell in love with Kitty Floyd, who eventually broke the engagement
• Met and married widow Dolley Payne Todd, who had one son
• Served as Secretary of State under Jefferson
• Served as our fourth President during the War of 1812
His home was in Virginia and known as Montpelier. He was well remembered for his zeal to maintain individual liberties and rights during the war… AND he loved to read!!
The follow-up to reading this book is to learn more about the War of 1812.
I now have a greater appreciation of this man and know how to spell Dolley’s name (with an E!!)
4 Patriotic Stars
PS. This is the 1000th book I have recorded as read....big milestone. On to my next 1000!!
Is a biography of our fourth president written by Lynn Cheney.
I continue my quest to read at least one biography or memoir about each of our presidents.
About Madison I have learned (or was reminded) that he
• Suffered from a form of epilepsy
• Contributed to the Federalist Papers
• Wrote the Constitution
• Fell in love with Kitty Floyd, who eventually broke the engagement
• Met and married widow Dolley Payne Todd, who had one son
• Served as Secretary of State under Jefferson
• Served as our fourth President during the War of 1812
His home was in Virginia and known as Montpelier. He was well remembered for his zeal to maintain individual liberties and rights during the war… AND he loved to read!!
The follow-up to reading this book is to learn more about the War of 1812.
I now have a greater appreciation of this man and know how to spell Dolley’s name (with an E!!)
4 Patriotic Stars
PS. This is the 1000th book I have recorded as read....big milestone. On to my next 1000!!
January 13, 2025
Why write another biography of a historic figure, who every school child knows all about? Because modern scholarship allows the diligent researcher to retrace exchanges by letters, some in cipher, with official records and contemporary media accounts to give a fuller picture of who said and did what to and with whom. This approach is especially fruitful with eighteenth century figures whose correspondence was saved. Through these we learn that the office of Vice President was an accident, the British assault of Washington a spur-of-the-moment venture and Monroe was as often Madison’s foe as his ally.
Everyone knows Madison was The Father of the Constitution, but they don’t know the man. This tome corrects that. Often described as small and sickly, Madison was in fact cautious of recurring seizures but robust by any standards. (Once, when a rain-swollen stream blocked his way, he disassembled his carriage and carried it across in pieces, then reassembled it and went on.) He was short, simple of speech in a generation of orators, and willing to change his mind in a world of closed-mindedness. He was a scholar who sought historical solutions for contemporary issues.
Politics was partisan, bitter, apocalyptic and (occasionally, in those days of duels) deadly. The media cared as little about truth as now. Often your friends blocked you as much as your enemies.
Madison, like Jefferson, owned slaves even as he troubled over the morality of slavery. Neither man found an workable solution, though Madison supported the American Colonization Society efforts to resettle freed slave in Liberia.
More importantly, Cheney leads us into the inner thoughts of the creative men and women who founded this nation to help us understand what drove them. Modern politicians would do well to consider how Madison’s opinions and actions evolved as the nation faced new challenges.
As one overlays biographies of Franklin, Washington, Henry, Jefferson, Adams and Madison on studies of state and national history, a real feeling develops for these people as people. Their greatness and their foibles recede from epic to human scale. And spotting the off-key note becomes easier. This biography of Madison harmonizes with those others mentioned.
Dolly Madison also benefits from a reconsideration which gives depth to the fashionable airhead too often depicted.
Like that entire generation of Virginia Presidents, the declining economics of slave-based plantation life left Madison impoverished in his old age. (Most recognized the immorality of slavery; none had the courage to end it and free their slaves except George Wythe.) Only Washington seems to have bucked the trend by diversifying his crops and industries.
The author is wife of the former Vice President. She acknowledges her ringside seat to Washington politics added her both motivation and access to complete this work. Her prose is clear and enjoyable. The political bias one might expect is noticeably absent.
An enjoyable read.
Everyone knows Madison was The Father of the Constitution, but they don’t know the man. This tome corrects that. Often described as small and sickly, Madison was in fact cautious of recurring seizures but robust by any standards. (Once, when a rain-swollen stream blocked his way, he disassembled his carriage and carried it across in pieces, then reassembled it and went on.) He was short, simple of speech in a generation of orators, and willing to change his mind in a world of closed-mindedness. He was a scholar who sought historical solutions for contemporary issues.
Politics was partisan, bitter, apocalyptic and (occasionally, in those days of duels) deadly. The media cared as little about truth as now. Often your friends blocked you as much as your enemies.
Madison, like Jefferson, owned slaves even as he troubled over the morality of slavery. Neither man found an workable solution, though Madison supported the American Colonization Society efforts to resettle freed slave in Liberia.
More importantly, Cheney leads us into the inner thoughts of the creative men and women who founded this nation to help us understand what drove them. Modern politicians would do well to consider how Madison’s opinions and actions evolved as the nation faced new challenges.
As one overlays biographies of Franklin, Washington, Henry, Jefferson, Adams and Madison on studies of state and national history, a real feeling develops for these people as people. Their greatness and their foibles recede from epic to human scale. And spotting the off-key note becomes easier. This biography of Madison harmonizes with those others mentioned.
Dolly Madison also benefits from a reconsideration which gives depth to the fashionable airhead too often depicted.
Like that entire generation of Virginia Presidents, the declining economics of slave-based plantation life left Madison impoverished in his old age. (Most recognized the immorality of slavery; none had the courage to end it and free their slaves except George Wythe.) Only Washington seems to have bucked the trend by diversifying his crops and industries.
The author is wife of the former Vice President. She acknowledges her ringside seat to Washington politics added her both motivation and access to complete this work. Her prose is clear and enjoyable. The political bias one might expect is noticeably absent.
An enjoyable read.
July 23, 2019
https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2019...
Lynne Cheney’s “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” was published in 2014, about a year after I read four biographies of the fourth president in my quest to uncover the best biography of Madison. Cheney is the author of more than a dozen books, including several written for children such as “We the People: The Story of our Constitution” and “America: A Patriotic Primer.” Lynne Cheney is the wife of the 46th vice president of the United States.
This 458-page biography of Madison is comprehensive, chronologically-organized and frequently full of insight relating to the early years of the “great American experiment.” It begins with an excellent 10-page prologue which promises a gripping, colorful, and penetrating narrative of one of our most important Founding Fathers. Unfortunately, the ensuing eighteen chapters – judged as a biography – are largely disappointing.
To its credit, this biography tackles Madison’s life from perspectives not found in most other biographies – his curious and recurrent health issues, for instance, are quite closely examined and considered. Cheney also occasionally demonstrates an eye for detail that other biographers miss or under-emphasize. Finally, much of her narrative relating to the War of 1812 (during Madison’s presidency) is excellent.
For the most part, however, this biography is inferior to other books covering Madison’s life. Rarely does she provide a roadmap – or guidance of nearly any sort – relating to where the narrative (or Madison himself) is heading. Important characters who are likely to be unfamiliar to readers (such as Philip Freneau) are rarely given more than a one sentence introduction. And surprisingly little is revealed of his most important relationships – including those with his wife, his derelict step-son and even distinguished figures such as Thomas Jefferson.
Any great chronicle of James Madison’s life will inevitably include a compelling review of his role drafting the U.S. Constitution. But Cheney’s summary falls short of the accounts offered by many other biographers, and her story of the Constitutional Convention – while occasionally interesting – reads more like a historian’s precis of events than a biographical sketch told from her subject’s unique point of view.
More fundamentally, Cheney fails to capture much of Madison’s intellectual curiosity and astonishing political genius. But numerous other shortcoming are also evident such as the fact that his childhood elapses far too quickly (and with too little depth), the fact his precarious financial situation only becomes evident in the final chapters, and the fact that the reader never feels part of Madison’s “world” or sees events from his perspective. Finally, the entire book exudes a strange sense of anti-climax, with no sense of suspense or drama. Instead it is a mostly “matter of fact” re-telling of events from a historian’s remote and too-often lifeless perspective.
Overall, Lynne Cheney’s biography of James Madison is far less a biography of Madison than a chronicle of the early American Republic he helped shape. Readers familiar with the era will find that her research fills in some blanks…but may tend to confound, confuse or frustrate others. “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” is a far better “history” than “biography”…and far from ideal for readers seeking an introduction to the inimitable James Madison.
Overall rating: 3¼ stars
Lynne Cheney’s “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” was published in 2014, about a year after I read four biographies of the fourth president in my quest to uncover the best biography of Madison. Cheney is the author of more than a dozen books, including several written for children such as “We the People: The Story of our Constitution” and “America: A Patriotic Primer.” Lynne Cheney is the wife of the 46th vice president of the United States.
This 458-page biography of Madison is comprehensive, chronologically-organized and frequently full of insight relating to the early years of the “great American experiment.” It begins with an excellent 10-page prologue which promises a gripping, colorful, and penetrating narrative of one of our most important Founding Fathers. Unfortunately, the ensuing eighteen chapters – judged as a biography – are largely disappointing.
To its credit, this biography tackles Madison’s life from perspectives not found in most other biographies – his curious and recurrent health issues, for instance, are quite closely examined and considered. Cheney also occasionally demonstrates an eye for detail that other biographers miss or under-emphasize. Finally, much of her narrative relating to the War of 1812 (during Madison’s presidency) is excellent.
For the most part, however, this biography is inferior to other books covering Madison’s life. Rarely does she provide a roadmap – or guidance of nearly any sort – relating to where the narrative (or Madison himself) is heading. Important characters who are likely to be unfamiliar to readers (such as Philip Freneau) are rarely given more than a one sentence introduction. And surprisingly little is revealed of his most important relationships – including those with his wife, his derelict step-son and even distinguished figures such as Thomas Jefferson.
Any great chronicle of James Madison’s life will inevitably include a compelling review of his role drafting the U.S. Constitution. But Cheney’s summary falls short of the accounts offered by many other biographers, and her story of the Constitutional Convention – while occasionally interesting – reads more like a historian’s precis of events than a biographical sketch told from her subject’s unique point of view.
More fundamentally, Cheney fails to capture much of Madison’s intellectual curiosity and astonishing political genius. But numerous other shortcoming are also evident such as the fact that his childhood elapses far too quickly (and with too little depth), the fact his precarious financial situation only becomes evident in the final chapters, and the fact that the reader never feels part of Madison’s “world” or sees events from his perspective. Finally, the entire book exudes a strange sense of anti-climax, with no sense of suspense or drama. Instead it is a mostly “matter of fact” re-telling of events from a historian’s remote and too-often lifeless perspective.
Overall, Lynne Cheney’s biography of James Madison is far less a biography of Madison than a chronicle of the early American Republic he helped shape. Readers familiar with the era will find that her research fills in some blanks…but may tend to confound, confuse or frustrate others. “James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” is a far better “history” than “biography”…and far from ideal for readers seeking an introduction to the inimitable James Madison.
Overall rating: 3¼ stars
December 11, 2015
Well researched but it felt (actually sounded as I listened to this as an audiobook) more like a newspaper story. Lots of reporting of the facts but it failed to weave a story that brings the reader in along the lines of a good Ron Chernow or David McCullough biography.
August 5, 2021
Engrossing, educational and real, this comprehensive biography was hard to put down. One of the most important figures in American history, Madison's impact endures as many others' do not. The book was well documented and written in an easy to read prose. It is hard for historians to refer to so many people and yet keep the reader from being lost. Ms. Cheney excelled at that by good definition of players, keeping discussions clear and tying discussions together in a lucid and understandable fashion.
This is a great history book for the times discussed. It appears fair and balanced but who could not like and be sympathetic to James Madison?
This is a great history book for the times discussed. It appears fair and balanced but who could not like and be sympathetic to James Madison?
October 26, 2020
This is a serviceable biography of James Madison for those who want something a little more in-depth than a typical selection from one of those mass-market presidential biography series, but not as in-depth as Noah Feldman's far-superior Madison biography that came out a few years later. It's good but not great; well-written but not enthralling; studious but not penetrating.
Unlike other Presidents who distinguished themselves in battle, or in diplomacy, or who followed other pursuits altogether before entering politics, Madison was a political creature through-and-through, spending virtually his entire life absorbed in politics and government - from the very formation of our government as the driving force behind the Constitution, to the administration of that government as President. He wasn't well-travelled, and didn't pursue many outside interests, so there are no grand adventures to recount in telling his life story. This can make him a difficult biographical subject, because he was a man of ideas more than action.
Dr. Cheney ably describes the action, such as it is. But her book is not as good at delving into Madison's ideas. She describes events, taking us from Point A to B to C, but rarely do we get into Madison's head or really dig into his thoughts, motives and influences. And while her acknowledgements indicate that she did a lot of primary research, her end notes are overflowing with secondary sources - it seems like every time I came upon an interesting anecdote that made me curious where she got it, the end note indicated it was from someone else's book.
Feldman's "The Three Lives of James Madison" may be too long, too scholarly and too much of a heavy lift for some. And Dr. Cheney does devote some more space than Feldman does to Dolley Madison, and she spends a good deal more time discussing Madison's health and probable seizure disorder. So the book has its moments.
But given that Dr. Cheney's goal was to “clear away misconceptions” and “brush off cobwebs that have accumulated" around Madison and his achievements, she only succeeds to an extent. Her book will teach you more, perhaps, than you knew before picking up a biography of one of our slightly-lesser-known Founding Fathers. But in the end, it may leave you wanting more, as though many of those "cobwebs" obscuring Madison's thoughts, achievements and impact remain fully intact.
Unlike other Presidents who distinguished themselves in battle, or in diplomacy, or who followed other pursuits altogether before entering politics, Madison was a political creature through-and-through, spending virtually his entire life absorbed in politics and government - from the very formation of our government as the driving force behind the Constitution, to the administration of that government as President. He wasn't well-travelled, and didn't pursue many outside interests, so there are no grand adventures to recount in telling his life story. This can make him a difficult biographical subject, because he was a man of ideas more than action.
Dr. Cheney ably describes the action, such as it is. But her book is not as good at delving into Madison's ideas. She describes events, taking us from Point A to B to C, but rarely do we get into Madison's head or really dig into his thoughts, motives and influences. And while her acknowledgements indicate that she did a lot of primary research, her end notes are overflowing with secondary sources - it seems like every time I came upon an interesting anecdote that made me curious where she got it, the end note indicated it was from someone else's book.
Feldman's "The Three Lives of James Madison" may be too long, too scholarly and too much of a heavy lift for some. And Dr. Cheney does devote some more space than Feldman does to Dolley Madison, and she spends a good deal more time discussing Madison's health and probable seizure disorder. So the book has its moments.
But given that Dr. Cheney's goal was to “clear away misconceptions” and “brush off cobwebs that have accumulated" around Madison and his achievements, she only succeeds to an extent. Her book will teach you more, perhaps, than you knew before picking up a biography of one of our slightly-lesser-known Founding Fathers. But in the end, it may leave you wanting more, as though many of those "cobwebs" obscuring Madison's thoughts, achievements and impact remain fully intact.
October 20, 2014
3.5 of 5 stars – An Interesting Bio of a Fascinating Man in American History
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks!)
I love history and bios, particularly those of the revolutionary era, but I hadn’t yet read one devoted to this intriguing founding father. Cheney does a good job of capturing Madison and enlightening us on the details of his life, accomplishments and times.
I’ve read a number of bios of American revolutionary figures (Washington, J.Adams (my personal fav), Jefferson, Franklin) and latter day prezes (Jackson, Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Truman), as well as some revolutionary histories (my fav: Angels in the Whirlwind). This bio fits right in there as interesting, well-researched and informative.
I appreciated that this book fulfilled one of the reasons I like reading about this period – I got an understanding of how these historical figures fit into the broader social, economic, and political forces, reinforcing and adding to what I already knew about the founding of our country. That also certainly added to the heft of the book, which may make it a bit long for non-history buffs, but it’s fine for those who want to get some good info and background.
Despite the book’s strength of detail, I found it to be a bit more descriptive than explanatory – describing in detail what happened, not as much the how and why of the man. Having a psychology background, I would have liked to have seen more about Madison’s psychological core, development and motivations. This is a little hard to explain, but Cheney talks about Madison’s behavior and characteristics, not as much of where they come from and what drove him. There was indeed some, just not a complete psychological picture. Admittedly, though, digging deep is has been found to be quite the challenge for any number of revolutionary figures who appear to us today as more historical icons than human beings.
All in all, this is an interesting bio of a fascinating man in American history.
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks!)
I love history and bios, particularly those of the revolutionary era, but I hadn’t yet read one devoted to this intriguing founding father. Cheney does a good job of capturing Madison and enlightening us on the details of his life, accomplishments and times.
I’ve read a number of bios of American revolutionary figures (Washington, J.Adams (my personal fav), Jefferson, Franklin) and latter day prezes (Jackson, Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Truman), as well as some revolutionary histories (my fav: Angels in the Whirlwind). This bio fits right in there as interesting, well-researched and informative.
I appreciated that this book fulfilled one of the reasons I like reading about this period – I got an understanding of how these historical figures fit into the broader social, economic, and political forces, reinforcing and adding to what I already knew about the founding of our country. That also certainly added to the heft of the book, which may make it a bit long for non-history buffs, but it’s fine for those who want to get some good info and background.
Despite the book’s strength of detail, I found it to be a bit more descriptive than explanatory – describing in detail what happened, not as much the how and why of the man. Having a psychology background, I would have liked to have seen more about Madison’s psychological core, development and motivations. This is a little hard to explain, but Cheney talks about Madison’s behavior and characteristics, not as much of where they come from and what drove him. There was indeed some, just not a complete psychological picture. Admittedly, though, digging deep is has been found to be quite the challenge for any number of revolutionary figures who appear to us today as more historical icons than human beings.
All in all, this is an interesting bio of a fascinating man in American history.
August 24, 2014
Exceptionally researched and well written.
June 28, 2016
First let me comment on the title of this book: A Life Reconsidered. The author notes that she feels that James Madison has often been slighted in his role as president. She wished to revisit that historic view. I also want to note for what it's worth that the author is the wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney. My own recollections of reading about James Madison in other presidential literature is that James Monroe who was Madisons Secretary of State is sometimes given significant credit for managing the affairs of the country during Madison's final two years as president. Monroe followed Madison as president of the US.
The war of 1812 is followed in some detail in this book. A significant event of that war was the burning of the capital city Washington by the British, an event of significant US military confusion that directly involve the president.
Jefferson Madison and Monroe all lived in close proximity in Albemarle County in Virginia. Both Jefferson and Madison spent significant amounts of time at their plantations in Virginia during their term of office. Both also suffered serious health problems during their presidency. It is often conjectured that Madison suffered from Epilepsy. This is covered in some detail in the book.
The war of 1812 is followed in some detail in this book. A significant event of that war was the burning of the capital city Washington by the British, an event of significant US military confusion that directly involve the president.
Jefferson Madison and Monroe all lived in close proximity in Albemarle County in Virginia. Both Jefferson and Madison spent significant amounts of time at their plantations in Virginia during their term of office. Both also suffered serious health problems during their presidency. It is often conjectured that Madison suffered from Epilepsy. This is covered in some detail in the book.
Read
March 18, 2016This is one of the best books I have ever read. Undoubtedly, it is the best non-fiction book I can remember reading in the last 20 years. If all history books were written like this, history would be much more widely known and understood. This reads like a historical fiction novel, but it is the real history of James Madison. The prose and writing have you turning each page as if it was a cliffhanger. I have a fairly good knowledge of American history, particularly the Continental War for Independence; however, I learned things I never knew before reading this book. Anyone interested in American history and politics must read this book. Additionally, anyone thinking that our current party politics are nasty and brutish, the politics of that time were much worse. Politicians got into fist fights over ideas; they challenged each other to duels and killed each other. It is a very interesting perspective comparing political struggles then and now. Did I already say I loved this book, well I did.
June 21, 2017
Another truly remarkable man in the line-up of America's Founding Fathers ! I came away from this biography with a great respect for James Madison and his contributions to the beginnings of our great country. Our country owes a great deal to the brilliant mind of this man who was, in his twenties, a member of the Virginia legislator, and who saw, early on, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and became committed to a stronger form of government for the new nation. In his early 30's Madison was responsible for the biggest part of writing the Constitution for the new republic . I have read biographies of several of our Founding Fathers and continue to be impressed with their amazing education in the classics and their study of and understanding of the foundations of government.
Madison was also a man of integrity and commitment to moral values. His marriage to Dolly Madison is one of those wonderful love stories ... right up there with John and Abigail Adams. Madison battled with what most historians agree was periodic epileptic seizures, and in an age when such an illness was thought to be connected to a person of weak mind, proved everyone astoundingly wrong !
His years in politics ... especially his years as President , illustrate with clarity how contentious politics is in every era !! The fact that the United States survived those crucial first decades seems to be attributed more to the Providence of God than to any machinations of men !!
Madison was also a man of integrity and commitment to moral values. His marriage to Dolly Madison is one of those wonderful love stories ... right up there with John and Abigail Adams. Madison battled with what most historians agree was periodic epileptic seizures, and in an age when such an illness was thought to be connected to a person of weak mind, proved everyone astoundingly wrong !
His years in politics ... especially his years as President , illustrate with clarity how contentious politics is in every era !! The fact that the United States survived those crucial first decades seems to be attributed more to the Providence of God than to any machinations of men !!
August 22, 2016
Book 19 of 40 for 2016
It's hard to believe that I've never read a stand alone biography of James Madison. Earlier this year I read "The First Congress" which gave a great amount of insight into James Madison's work in making the First Congress work. I picked up Lynne Cheney's James Madison when it came out two years ago.
Cheney does a great job of keeping the book moving and not getting bogged down but giving a lot of great information.
It was interesting to learn that one of the reasons that Madison was passionate about there being no national religion was his background with religion. Madison grew up in the Anglican church but also had epilepsy which in the eyes of the church at the time though was given to an individual by the devil. Madison then went to Princeton University and became a follower of the Presbyterian Church. But this experience is why Madison was so strongly opposed to a national religion. Madison felt that government was not to interfere with mans belief in which God he wanted to follow. Madison after becoming an attorney would go on to defend some Baptist congregations in Virginia that were bing prosecuted by the State for not practicing anglicanism.
Overall this is a great biography and starter for Madison's life, I'm going to get Richard Brookhiser's James Madison and put it on my list to read next.
It's hard to believe that I've never read a stand alone biography of James Madison. Earlier this year I read "The First Congress" which gave a great amount of insight into James Madison's work in making the First Congress work. I picked up Lynne Cheney's James Madison when it came out two years ago.
Cheney does a great job of keeping the book moving and not getting bogged down but giving a lot of great information.
It was interesting to learn that one of the reasons that Madison was passionate about there being no national religion was his background with religion. Madison grew up in the Anglican church but also had epilepsy which in the eyes of the church at the time though was given to an individual by the devil. Madison then went to Princeton University and became a follower of the Presbyterian Church. But this experience is why Madison was so strongly opposed to a national religion. Madison felt that government was not to interfere with mans belief in which God he wanted to follow. Madison after becoming an attorney would go on to defend some Baptist congregations in Virginia that were bing prosecuted by the State for not practicing anglicanism.
Overall this is a great biography and starter for Madison's life, I'm going to get Richard Brookhiser's James Madison and put it on my list to read next.
June 7, 2014
I didn't finish, got halfway, and its due back at Library and cannot renew because there is waitlist.
I really only picked this up to make an evaluation of Lynne Cheney (yes, that Cheney). I've concluded she's a good historian, and a fair writer. This did not grab me in the same way many other historical books have (think McCullogh or KearnsGoodwin). Do not know if that is me, Lynne or the material. Madison, while very active in the forming of our government, didn't really "do" anything. He didn't travel, didn't give fiery speeches (she emphasizes the fact that he spoke plainly), and just didn't lead an exciting life.
I didn't get to his presidency, or his marriage to Dolley - whom I always found interesting.
I had earlier commented that the author seemed to give short shrift to the slavery issue -- she did come back to that and examined it relevant to Madison in greater detail. While he never got away from owning slaves himself, and he was the source of the 3/5ths counting of slaves as 3/5 of a person. At the convention,certain members wanted specific language in the constitution to allow owning a person. Madison (and others) objected, and based on his personal correspondence, he apparently objected for the reason that he hoped to do away with slavery in the future - something that would be so much more difficult if specifically allowed. (think gun lobby).
I really only picked this up to make an evaluation of Lynne Cheney (yes, that Cheney). I've concluded she's a good historian, and a fair writer. This did not grab me in the same way many other historical books have (think McCullogh or KearnsGoodwin). Do not know if that is me, Lynne or the material. Madison, while very active in the forming of our government, didn't really "do" anything. He didn't travel, didn't give fiery speeches (she emphasizes the fact that he spoke plainly), and just didn't lead an exciting life.
I didn't get to his presidency, or his marriage to Dolley - whom I always found interesting.
I had earlier commented that the author seemed to give short shrift to the slavery issue -- she did come back to that and examined it relevant to Madison in greater detail. While he never got away from owning slaves himself, and he was the source of the 3/5ths counting of slaves as 3/5 of a person. At the convention,certain members wanted specific language in the constitution to allow owning a person. Madison (and others) objected, and based on his personal correspondence, he apparently objected for the reason that he hoped to do away with slavery in the future - something that would be so much more difficult if specifically allowed. (think gun lobby).
April 8, 2017
James Madison has always been one of my favorite presidents. He was humble, calm and an incredible writer. I was always curious about his portrayal as shy and weak. This book really helped me better understand his life and personality. He was an incredible man and this book was well written and engaging.
December 10, 2014
If you're a fan of past participle, passive voice, and blanks in history filled with, "One imagines...", then this book is for you.
I didn't listen to the last 3 hours of the audiobook because, quite frankly, I didn't care anymore.
I didn't listen to the last 3 hours of the audiobook because, quite frankly, I didn't care anymore.
February 17, 2018
Lynne Cheney's book on James Madison is very well researched and very readable. Some of the information was a repeat for me, since I had read biographies of Washington, Adams and Jefferson prior to this, but I have to admit that I really didn't know much about the War of 1812.
December 27, 2016
Equal parts of fascination and boredom.
January 22, 2021
James Madison is like the third best basketball player on the team. Unfortunately the first two are Michael Jordan and LeBron James or in his case George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
November 3, 2025
A revisionist biography where Cheney tries to show Madison in the best light (which the author is very open about.) It is somewhat unbelievable that Madison, despite his correspondence with Jefferson, is so bland and unknown. I still feel like I learned as much from his wikipedia page as I do from these biographies.
July 29, 2021
Very intresting man for sure. He lives a bit in Jeffersons shadow but was a very important founding father. I enjoyed this quite a bit.
February 8, 2018
TL;DR: Though I was nervous about potential political undertones to the work, I was pleasantly surprised by a balanced, well-told account of Madison's life.
I want to immediately say that I approached this book with some trepidation. Lynne Cheney is the wife of Dick Cheney, a man with whom, to put it mildly, I have some political disagreements. I decided to give it a shot because I have been reading through the Founders’ lives lately, and I thought that a more recent biography might be a better choice than older ones. This review is written largely from this initial apprehension because my guess is that I’m not the only one.
I want to be clear from the start: My fear that this book would backdoor politics into its subject matter was unfounded. Because I was primed to think that this work might be biased, I looked for information that might verify my worry (you have to love confirmation bias, right?). To put it simply, I could not find it. There was one passage that I thought was a bit off of the subject (she mentioned a brief bit about someone being a bit too liberal), but it was so brief that in reviewing the book I cannot even find it. Honest. I tried. The rest of the book was very well written and betrayed no inherent leaning one way or the other. I only want to add a qualifier on this: I am not a Constitutional scholar, nor am I more than a history enthusiast; if there is a bias, it was so subtle (or I am so ignorant) that I simply could not find it. She stuck to her subject and told it in a fairly clear, objective way.
As well, I had heard that the quality of the writing was very poor. This threw me off so much that I actually went to a brick and mortar store to read a bit before purchasing the book. My initial impressions were that the materials were not, as one reviewer put it, sophomoric. The writing was not quite as good as other pop-history writers (McCullough comes to mind), but it was as good as others who are widely read (David Price). Her writing was suited to its subject, meaning that I had no trouble following it. It also struck the right tone between her presentation and the research that she had done; she sprinkled in quotes that illustrated her purpose throughout, and each was chosen for a specific reason—nothing was put into the work in a superfluous manner. This concern about the quality of the work was thus likewise put to rest. After having finished the book, I believe I can honestly say that I feel the negative attacks through this site are based on people who simply do not like Cheney’s husband and who are attacking him through her as proxy. While I thought I might fall into that category, I can confirm that I do not. She is professional in her approach to the content and it shows throughout.
I do have one issue I want to point out. I work with history teachers, so I have at least some idea of the rigors that they expect in their academic works. This is not an academic work (nor does it pretend to be), but it does make at least one rookie mistake that would get a first-year history major excoriated. At one point in the book, Cheney notes that we should not judge history by looking backwards; this comment was presented in the context of a potential relationship between Madison and his early love interest, and Cheney merely opined that had the relationship succeeded, we never would have received Dolley Madison. While I personally don’t have an issue with this type of presentation (she at least calls attention to it and excuses herself for this one slip), I want to note it in fairness for anyone who reads the book and thereafter thinks my review might be too accommodating. She did this only once. I think unless we are terribly strict, this ‘slip’ is understandable.
Regarding the subject matter: Cheney accomplishes her purpose and does so well. Her work is engaging and kept me coming back for more. She treats Madison with respect and brings his life forth in vivid detail by taking the time to make him human. Cheney’s work deserves to be read by anyone who wants a good entry point to Madison’s life.
I want to immediately say that I approached this book with some trepidation. Lynne Cheney is the wife of Dick Cheney, a man with whom, to put it mildly, I have some political disagreements. I decided to give it a shot because I have been reading through the Founders’ lives lately, and I thought that a more recent biography might be a better choice than older ones. This review is written largely from this initial apprehension because my guess is that I’m not the only one.
I want to be clear from the start: My fear that this book would backdoor politics into its subject matter was unfounded. Because I was primed to think that this work might be biased, I looked for information that might verify my worry (you have to love confirmation bias, right?). To put it simply, I could not find it. There was one passage that I thought was a bit off of the subject (she mentioned a brief bit about someone being a bit too liberal), but it was so brief that in reviewing the book I cannot even find it. Honest. I tried. The rest of the book was very well written and betrayed no inherent leaning one way or the other. I only want to add a qualifier on this: I am not a Constitutional scholar, nor am I more than a history enthusiast; if there is a bias, it was so subtle (or I am so ignorant) that I simply could not find it. She stuck to her subject and told it in a fairly clear, objective way.
As well, I had heard that the quality of the writing was very poor. This threw me off so much that I actually went to a brick and mortar store to read a bit before purchasing the book. My initial impressions were that the materials were not, as one reviewer put it, sophomoric. The writing was not quite as good as other pop-history writers (McCullough comes to mind), but it was as good as others who are widely read (David Price). Her writing was suited to its subject, meaning that I had no trouble following it. It also struck the right tone between her presentation and the research that she had done; she sprinkled in quotes that illustrated her purpose throughout, and each was chosen for a specific reason—nothing was put into the work in a superfluous manner. This concern about the quality of the work was thus likewise put to rest. After having finished the book, I believe I can honestly say that I feel the negative attacks through this site are based on people who simply do not like Cheney’s husband and who are attacking him through her as proxy. While I thought I might fall into that category, I can confirm that I do not. She is professional in her approach to the content and it shows throughout.
I do have one issue I want to point out. I work with history teachers, so I have at least some idea of the rigors that they expect in their academic works. This is not an academic work (nor does it pretend to be), but it does make at least one rookie mistake that would get a first-year history major excoriated. At one point in the book, Cheney notes that we should not judge history by looking backwards; this comment was presented in the context of a potential relationship between Madison and his early love interest, and Cheney merely opined that had the relationship succeeded, we never would have received Dolley Madison. While I personally don’t have an issue with this type of presentation (she at least calls attention to it and excuses herself for this one slip), I want to note it in fairness for anyone who reads the book and thereafter thinks my review might be too accommodating. She did this only once. I think unless we are terribly strict, this ‘slip’ is understandable.
Regarding the subject matter: Cheney accomplishes her purpose and does so well. Her work is engaging and kept me coming back for more. She treats Madison with respect and brings his life forth in vivid detail by taking the time to make him human. Cheney’s work deserves to be read by anyone who wants a good entry point to Madison’s life.
May 21, 2014
“James Madison: A Life Reconsidered” by Lynne Cheney surprised me with new facts and perspectives, I was previously unaware of. The biography traces the entire life, but it is at its most absorbing in the retelling of Madison’s epic efforts from 1785 through the radification of the Bill of Rights in December 1791. Madison worked with Jefferson to write the Virginia Constitution, Madison was drafting the blue print that would later become the U.S. Constitution, including the important tenet for religious liberty. A diligent member of the Continental Congress, he along with Alexander Hamilton, proposed a state’s revenue to pay the new county’s debts and promoted Jefferson as a peace negotiator in Paris. Cheney portrays Madison as a brilliant, shrewd statesman who, more than anyone else was responsible for writing the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Cheney devotes substantial space to new information about Madison’s physical maladies, especially a syndrome involving attacks akin to those of epilepsy. Cheney makes clear that Madison was a practical politician. “He was capable not only of deeply creative thinking,” she writes, “but of turning his thoughts into reality.” Cheney primarily portrays Madison in a favorable light but did point out he was capable of changing his mind, for example, during the debates over the Constitution and designing the government, Madison disagreed with Hamilton about the need for a federal bank. Hamilton won the point and developed a federal bank which was dissolved later on. When Madison became President he fought to have the Bank reinstated as he said that the government could not function without a federal bank just as Hamilton had advocated. The author provides the reader with considerable amount of detail about Dolly Madison. She was not only a great hostess but was helpful to Madison in politics and later with managing his papers. I learned from a side note by Cheney that the Republican Party of Madison and Jefferson was actually known as the Democratic-Republican party and had nothing to do with the current day Republican GOP Party which was established just prior to the Civil War. The author goes into a significant amount of detail, such as, Madison’s boarding bill in Philadelphia, the purchasing of table setting from James Monroe, and to Dolley’s knee abscess this all contributes to the richness of the biography. I believe one must read more than one source about a person or topic to obtain a more complete picture of the person or situation. The books I have read about Monroe are an excellent example, because each has provided a different picture of Monroe and his life. I read “James Madison: the Founding Father by Robert Allen Rutland published in 1997 and James Madison: A Biography by Ralph Ketcham published in 1971. Compared to the above books Cheney provided far more insight into Monroe’s personal life and that of Dolley Madison. The biography is well written and Cheney clearly brings to life the character and personality of James and Dolley Madison. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Eliza Foss did an excellent job narrating the book.
September 18, 2014
Lynne Cheney’s James Madison: A Life Reconsidered, a biography of the 4th President of the United States, is a comprehensive look at one of the most important yet unknown of America’s founders. The book begins with highlights from Madison’s childhood, his college days, and his battle with epilepsy. It continues with his views on the War for Independence, the writing of the Constitution, the Presidency, and the War of 1812. This is perhaps the most important recent work done on the man who had the greatest influence on the political structure of our Republic.
James Madison is a well-written, well-researched, and scholarly book. Cheney does a masterful job at presenting the subject’s views in his own words with little intrusion. That is, Cheney refrains from editorializing. Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Patrick Henry, Madison’s contemporaries, were given the same platform when necessary. As a result, the reader must get a feel for the language to understand the political theory being discussed.
To his credit, and because of his own research, Madison understood the role of government and its implications better than anyone in his day and could articulate them effectively. He was able to build a consensus of his fellow Founders who had strong and differing opinions themselves, and through his work in The Federalist, he explained the importance of the republican system of government to the American people. He also had the intellectual honesty to change his mind when he thought there was a better way for the country.
Apart from his scholarly brilliance, his surprisingly warm personality, his insatiable thirst for knowledge and, most importantly, his obvious love and affection for Dolley, his wife, make this book entertaining and enjoyable. James Madison is a must-have for those interested in early American History. It is also an essential work in regards to government philosophy and political theory. Mrs. Cheney should be applauded for her efforts to make our history accessible for this and future generations. I give James Madison: A Life Reconsidered five stars.
I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
James Madison is a well-written, well-researched, and scholarly book. Cheney does a masterful job at presenting the subject’s views in his own words with little intrusion. That is, Cheney refrains from editorializing. Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Patrick Henry, Madison’s contemporaries, were given the same platform when necessary. As a result, the reader must get a feel for the language to understand the political theory being discussed.
To his credit, and because of his own research, Madison understood the role of government and its implications better than anyone in his day and could articulate them effectively. He was able to build a consensus of his fellow Founders who had strong and differing opinions themselves, and through his work in The Federalist, he explained the importance of the republican system of government to the American people. He also had the intellectual honesty to change his mind when he thought there was a better way for the country.
Apart from his scholarly brilliance, his surprisingly warm personality, his insatiable thirst for knowledge and, most importantly, his obvious love and affection for Dolley, his wife, make this book entertaining and enjoyable. James Madison is a must-have for those interested in early American History. It is also an essential work in regards to government philosophy and political theory. Mrs. Cheney should be applauded for her efforts to make our history accessible for this and future generations. I give James Madison: A Life Reconsidered five stars.
I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
May 18, 2014
What an interesting read. This book did a great job presenting the struggles, frustrations, successes, and failures of creating a new country. In school we could not delved into and fully absorb what the founding fathers went through. We just got a snippet of it. There just wasn't enough time. But this book really help me see what they went through and gives me a better understanding of what happened. The main focus of the book is to show how influential James Madison was to the breaking away from Great Britain and the creation of the United States. This book gives more insight on what kind of men the other founding fathers were, at least maybe through the eyes of Madison. These insights were based on correspondence by many of the founding fathers, as well as their journals. The founding fathers had debates and frustration with other people and parties just like our government does today. There is not a "rose-colored glasses" view given, their struggles are presented just as real as those we have today.
I felt the author wrote in a very fair and balanced manner. The book really seemed to give a well rounded view of Madison's life. Madison's quirks and strengths were presented in such a way to let the reader decide what kind of man Madison was. Very insightful and easy read, I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just history buffs.
I read this book as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
I felt the author wrote in a very fair and balanced manner. The book really seemed to give a well rounded view of Madison's life. Madison's quirks and strengths were presented in such a way to let the reader decide what kind of man Madison was. Very insightful and easy read, I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just history buffs.
I read this book as part of Goodreads' First Reads program.
January 28, 2018
I had a difficult time reading this book. Lynne Cheney‘s research is impeccable, but writing is not her strong suit. Readers have become a bit spoiled by the quality of writing that is prevalent in most non-fiction today. It was a challenge to stay focused on a book that to me read more like an encyclopedia than a captivating biography. Nonetheless, Ms Cheney deserves high marks for the integrity and completeness of her work.
June 17, 2016
In all fairness, I read this biography right after reading Chernow's Hamilton biography which was extraordinary. As a biographer, Cheney really just skims the surface of Madison's life. The book is far too short, and the section on his presidency is lacking. However, Madison was a very secretive subject, far less flamboyant and expressive than the Hamiltons of his day. Nevertheless, Cheney is hesitant to extrapolate on letters Madison writes and actions he takes, failing to make him flesh and blood. Madison remains elusive, merely a subject, nothing more.
July 19, 2020
I am enjoying my personal challenge of reading a biography of each president in chronological order. I did enjoy reading of the incalculable impact that Madison had on our country, though I was disappointed that the book didn't give me any insight into Madison himself.
What I did gather in this book, was that Madison was a strong-willed and persistent man who overcame his health obstacles through sheer drive. At a time when epilepsy was a mystery with dark connotations and many medicinal remedies were worse than the illness, Madison refused to limit his passion to build a new nation, forging ahead and not letting his episodes keep him down.
My other takeaway was just being in awe of the company he kept. Throughout Madison's life, he worked alongside the giants of the time. In addition to being lifelong friends of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, Madison provided advice to George Washington; wrote the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay; went toe-to-toe with John Marshall; and visited with Lafayette on his tour of America, as just a few examples. One thing is sure, we owe much to his brilliant work on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Reading the biographies of the men and women from this time is my way of honoring them.
What I did gather in this book, was that Madison was a strong-willed and persistent man who overcame his health obstacles through sheer drive. At a time when epilepsy was a mystery with dark connotations and many medicinal remedies were worse than the illness, Madison refused to limit his passion to build a new nation, forging ahead and not letting his episodes keep him down.
My other takeaway was just being in awe of the company he kept. Throughout Madison's life, he worked alongside the giants of the time. In addition to being lifelong friends of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, Madison provided advice to George Washington; wrote the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay; went toe-to-toe with John Marshall; and visited with Lafayette on his tour of America, as just a few examples. One thing is sure, we owe much to his brilliant work on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Reading the biographies of the men and women from this time is my way of honoring them.
August 17, 2018
A good biography of the main intellectual autor of the democratic system as we know it today. Madison was perhaps the least spectacular of the founding fathers, but he was also the most responsible for the intellectual political achievements of the American revolution. His contributions are well documented in a sober manner by this biography without incurring in the excessive partisanship that is usual in this kind of book. This may be due perhaps to the more conflict adverse nature of Madison himself always a modest, plain and serious individual.
A recommended read for anybody interested in Madison.
A recommended read for anybody interested in Madison.
October 31, 2018
Excellent
This was a compelling read that did an excellent job of humanizing Madison while also giving a well rounded picture of his trials and tribulations. Don't let Lynne's last name fool you into thinking this will be a partisan book. She brilliantly and fairly critiques Madison. If you are looking for an interesting and invigorating biography on James Madison, I can not recommend this enough.
This was a compelling read that did an excellent job of humanizing Madison while also giving a well rounded picture of his trials and tribulations. Don't let Lynne's last name fool you into thinking this will be a partisan book. She brilliantly and fairly critiques Madison. If you are looking for an interesting and invigorating biography on James Madison, I can not recommend this enough.
March 6, 2019
Never thought an author could make the War of 1812 come alive but Lynn Cheney succeeds in this compelling, well-written biography of James Madison. Helped me understand how much opposition there was to the constitution initially, why we fought the War of 1812, how many groups seriously considered seceding - both northerners and southerners - early on, and the key role of Madison's vision in setting up our form of government. Recommend for anyone interested in American history and the founding of the republic.
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