James Monroe: A Life

by Tim McGrath, Arthur Morey (Narrator)

The extraordinary life of James Monroe: soldier, senator, diplomat, and the last Founding Father to hold the presidency, a man who helped transform thirteen colonies into a vibrant and mighty republic.

Monroe lived a life defined by revolutions. From the battlefields of the War for Independence, to his ambassadorship to France 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 Burr), or George Washington, his hero turned political opponent. When the British sacked the capital in 1814, it was Monroe, by now secretary of state, who rallied troops and volunteers to America's defense, reliving old glories. Yet even in temperament, he was capable of radical change, as displayed when he was elected the fifth president of the United States. The last of his generation to wield such power, this fiercest of partisans instead sought to bridge divisions and sow unity, calming turbulent political seas and inheriting Washington's mantle of placing country above party. Over his two terms, he transformed the United States, strengthening American power both at home and abroad.

Critically acclaimed author Tim McGrath has delved into an astonishing array of primary sources in 'JAMES MONROE'. . . many rarely seen since Monroe's own time, and used to conjure up this remarkable portrait of an essential American statesman and president.


RUNNING TIME ➜ 12hrs. and 30mins.

©2020 Tim McGrath (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Genres: Biography, Presidents, History, American History, Nonfiction, Us Presidents, Politics

Audible Audio

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

2^

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With February upon us, I thought that I would delve into a subject that I truly love, presidential biographies and memoirs. Dusting off this fairly new piece by Tim McGrath, I chose to dive into the life and times of James Monroe, America’s fifth president and a man about whom I know little. McGrath does a masterful job at painting a complete picture of Monroe, who was one of the Founding Fathers and made an impact on the early republic. Through a strong narratove and detailed research, Monroe’s life proves intriguing, particularly to those with a penchant for presidential biographies.

Born in rural Virginia, James Monroe grew up in the colonies under British rule. His early life was not overly exciting, splitting his time between school and farming to help his family subsist. His time at school helped him forge a relationship with an older student, one John Marshall, who would come to be highly influential in Monroe’s life, as well as that of the republic. Forced to leave school when both his parents died by age sixteen, James Monroe and his brothers were sent to live with an uncle, who introduced them to the world of politics.

While still too young to fully understand, Monroe listened to his uncle tell tales of the Virginia House of Burgesses and was eventually introduced to other prominent Virginians, such as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. These introductions planted the seeds of political and social change in the young Monroe, who would turn to these two men during his formative years.

McGrath explores the unrest in the colonies and how Monroe sought to make a difference, leaving college to join the Revolutionary Army, where he served under General Washington. Details of the battles fill some of the early chapters, in which McGrath creates a firm foundation for a man who sought to toss off the yoke of British control, which would be important in the years to come. These were also the days of Monroe’s best eduction, not only on the battlefield, but also with Thomas Jefferson as a legal tutor, helping to hone the young man’s mind about the law and the legal rights of the colonists.

Monroe used his passions for law and freedom to serve as a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, where debate and discussion around the new American nation took centre stage. Monroe was keen to have his voice heard, as McGrath illustrates, but he opposed the ratification of the US Constitution, worried about Virginia ceding too much control to the central government. While he was vociferous in his opposition, Monroe also understood the tenets of democracy and open debate, which helped breathe new life into the infant nation that had been under British rule not so long before.

McGrath explores Monroe’s personal life as well, marrying Elizabeth Kortright and starting a family. They had three children, born as James Monroe rose in the ranks of the new American government. It would appear that even through tragedy—particularly the death of their middle child, James Spence Monroe, at sixteen months—the Monroes held strong and loved one another. This is exemplified throughout the piece, including Monroe’s reaction to his wife’s death in 1830.

Monroe made his mark on American politics by serving as a US Senator, replacing a man who died while in office. Monroe shone as a congressional leader, supporting Thomas Jefferson during the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party. Monroe fought hard to recognise the importance of freedom and supported the French in their revolution. This led President Washington to send him as American Ambassador to the new French Republic, where Monroe made some strong allies.

McGrath explores the Monroe influence in France and a new realm of American politics for the up and coming politicians. Monroe honed his skills and became increasingly noticed during his time in Europe, but ever lost his connection to his native Virginia. Monroe was so popular that he returned to assume the role as governor, once the legislature elected him. Monroe now had a taste for leadership and knew it was where he belonged, as some of the other Founding Fathers bickered and political lines were drawn.

After ascending to the presidency, Thomas Jefferson had Monroe help negotiate the purchase of Louisiana from the French, thereby expanding the US territory in the early 19th century. Monroe remained a diplomatic heavyweight, being sent to Great Britain by Jefferson to represent America. Monroe negotiated peaceful trade with the former enemy, expanding an earlier treaty, but President Jefferson refused to allow the Senate to ratify it. While Monroe’s hard work was for naught, the younger statesman stayed allied with his mentor. He had presidential ambitions, but quelled them and allowed James Madison to rise to the presidency, agreeing to serve in his administration.

McGrath explores Monroe’s cabinet-level service under Madison as being a key stepping stone into the realm of presidential politics. Seeking to head off the antics of the French and British towards American sailors, Madison tried to use Monroe’s influence to quell this disputes. However, this appeared to backfire and the War of 1812 soon developed, which left Madison fleeing as Washington burned in a Trump-esque destruction of the American seat of government.

When the smoke (literal and figurative) cleared, Monroe knew that it was his time to strike, feeling that he could serve his country best in the highest seat of power. Monroe ran in the 1816 presidential election and won a hard-fought battle to become the Commander-in-Chief. McGrath explores the campaign and shows how Monroe was able to use his experiences to shape a worthy candidacy, with electors turning to him to put America back on its feet.

Monroe’s two-term presidency appeared in line with those who preceded him, at least in McGrath’s telling (and from what I know from other historians). There were the good times and the poor, as the infant country grew into adolescence. Many historians have deemed McGrath spends time overseeing this time period, with specific focus on two items, one in each term. The Missouri Compromise—the legislative event that was codified in a bill to allow Missouri into the Union as a slave state, even being Northern in its geography—served as Monroe’s first major test and one upon which historians have focussed greatly. One might call it an early indication that the country was fraying when it came to slavery, though Monroe appears to have handled it as best he could. The other, the eponymous Monroe Doctrine—a policy supporting countries seeking to rid themselves of the imperialistic past of European countries and become sovereign—proved the legacy that the fifth president left for America and proclaimed a hemispheric tossing down the gauntlet on geographic procurement.

McGrath summarises some of Monroe’s post-presidential years as being full of active service, likely pining for the busyness that he had as a politician and executive, while being riddled with extensive amounts of debt. Returning to Virginia, Monroe served on the Board of Visitors at the University of Virginia, as well as representing the state at the Constitutional Convention of 1829-30. When Elizabeth died, Monroe left his native land and moved to New York, where he lived with his daughter and her husband until he passed in 1831. A life well lived and an impact made!

Tim McGrath proves to be a comprehensive historian in this presidential biography, offering a significant arc from birth until his death at age 73 (the third president to die on July 4th). His attention to detail and ability to paint a vivid picture emerges throughout the narrative, offering the reader insight into the life of James Monroe, though it would seem those well-versed in the man’s life may find this book less than thorough. McGrath is detailed in his writing and pulls on extensive research, tying Monroe’s life into major events in early US history. This is ideal for the curious reader who may have heard about Monroe, but knows little about what he did for the early republic. With thorough chapters and well-documented vignettes, McGrath leaves the door open for those so inclined to add to their knowledge base. While I am no expert, either on presidents or American history, I took much away from this piece and am happy to have finally taken the time to explore James Monroe, fifth president of the United States and Founding Father. His life appears highly respectable and reputable, which is more than can be said for at least one of the more recent inhabitants of the office.

Kudos, Mr. McGrath, for sharing such a wonderful piece and educating me on the life and times of such an impactful man. I will have to look for your other work, though I hear it stays greatly from this subject matter.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2020...

Released on May 5, “James Monroe: A Life” by Tim McGrath is the first comprehensive exploration of Monroe’s life in over a decade. McGrath is a business executive, author and two-time winner of the Commodore John Barry Book award. His previous books include “Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy and America’s Revolution at Sea” and “John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.”

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. And with 586 pages of text (and nearly 140 pages of bibliography and footnotes) it is the longest of the three biographies of Monroe I’ve read.

With a limited selection of books covering Monroe’s life – and the need for an insightful, engaging and indisputably definitive biography of James Monroe – I had high hopes this would be my clear favorite. 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. To McGrath’s credit, while he is clearly a fan of Monroe his advocacy is generally subtle.

In many ways, McGrath’s biography of James Monroe reads like two different books: one covering the first part of his life (childhood, aborted college career, Revolutionary War service, law studies and early career) and one focusing on his later, more noteworthy efforts (as a US senator, governor, diplomat and president). The former is relatively dense, dull, disjointed and disappointing while the latter proves far more engaging, insightful and enjoyable.

The early narrative is often strangely detached from Monroe; the reader observes his actions but never feels any sense of intimacy with his character and there is never a sense of seeing the world through Monroe’s eyes. In the same spirit, there is relatively little connectivity with the broader arc of history. While the text provides the detail behind numerous important historical events there is little connection to the broader context or the “big picture.”

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. Chapters tend not to telegraph where Monroe’s life will take him or to highlight critical upcoming moments or themes. And there is rarely a concluding paragraph (or even sentence) to ensure the reader absorbed the chapter’s most important essence. Finally, this part of the biography is excellent at observing what happened but rarely explains why.

But where the first half of this biography is often frustrating, a notable (and refreshing) transition occurs as the narrative tackles Monroe’s senatorial career and his service as a diplomat in France. And by the time the War of 1812 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.

Among the highlights are excellent coverage of Gabriel’s slave rebellion, the British invasion of Washington DC and the run-up to Monroe’s presidency – including a good review of the presidential campaign. Readers are also treated to a surprisingly captivating summary of President Monroe’s four-month tour of the northeast in 1817. Finally, McGrath offers a particularly interesting description of efforts to rebuild the White House after it burned, a penetrating chapter on slavery (within the context of Monroe’s time) and appropriate attention to Monroe’s wife, daughters and his other important relationships.

Overall, Tim McGrath’s new biography of James Monroe provides good, but inconsistent, treatment of the life of the last Founding Father to serve as president. Readers hoping to understand Monroe’s formative years and early career may find the young Monroe elusive, but those seeking to embrace his presidency are likely to walk away far more satisfied. But one thing is certain: the modern definitive biography of James Monroe still remains to be published.

Overall rating: 3¾ stars

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Signs you're reading a good book:

• You find yourself spontaneously talking about what you're reading in casual conversation, even if—or maybe especially—when it is a complete non sequitur. (Conversely, and lamentably, have you ever noticed that there are some books that you never mention to anyone? Not that you're embarrassed. They're just...not good.)

• You plan to read only one more page before moving onto your next task, be it work or sleep. You read that one page. Then you flip forward, quickly scanning the pages and think, "Ok I can squeeze in a couple more before I have to go."

• You come to think of the subject as a real person with whom you have daily meetings each time you pick up the book.

• You cannot start a new book right away; you take time to bask in the afterglow of the one you just finished, absorbing as much as you can, trying desperately to make it last a little longer.

By that scorecard, McGrath has written a good book.

It's a standout, really. I read a lot of biographies. Many stink. This one most surely does not. If you're wanting to read a book about Monroe, start here. Don't hesitate.

One area in which McGrath excels is in battle narrative. This shows itself early, with Monroe being a young soldier fighting in General Washington's army. McGrath's background is in naval history and his handle on military affairs shines through. He paints a vivid scene without bogging down in the details and maintains exceptional clarity as the movements unfold.

There is of course one burning question. The Monroe Doctrine. Every reader knows it's coming. I'm sure McGrath was daunted by the heap of anticipation that prospective readers piled on his shoulders even before he picked up his pen (or, more likely, began tapping away at the keyboard). It would be nearly impossible for anyone to live up to those expectations. But McGrath meets the moment. This chapter was perhaps the best in the book.

If I could give McGrath one piece of advice, it would be this: don't wait until the epilogue to discuss Monroe's legacy. The book needs a theme; it needs a leitmotif that subtly, yet unmistakably, resurfaces throughout the whole.

But the book is written. There are no do-overs.

So I offer these propositions to you, the reader. If you have not yet begun, perhaps you can keep these in mind as you go along. If you have already finished the book, maybe these will help crystallize the material in your mind.

Why we should care about James Monroe:

He bridged the gap. The first generation of Founders built the country, and then placed it in the hands of Monroe to see if it was seaworthy. It was an exceptionally fragile moment.

He elevated the Cabinet. Monroe's genius lay in what his peers called his judgement. But he was not a solitary decision-maker. He fostered lively and healthy debate with his inner circle and weighed others' opinions heavily. This transformed the modus operandi of the Executive office.

He consolidated the continent. He negotiated the Louisiana purchase, acquired Florida and Oregon from Spain, and delimited the boundary with Canada. Establishing the physical presence of the United States was the necessary precondition for establishing its political presence as a predominant force in the international arena.

These are only suggestions. There are many more directions you could take it, most of which are probably far more profound. I'm no expert. I read one book on the guy from an easy chair with an occasional shift outside in the summer sun mixed in. Caveat lector. I'm simply trying to illustrate that a central theme would have lifted the work onto a higher plane.

In any event, as it stands McGrath's book has more than enough merit to warrant an unreserved recommendation.

[Aaron Million · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Tim McGrath's work on James Monroe, I am left wondering why there are so few books about the man. Monroe led an incredibly interesting, well-traveled, and consequential life. It is difficult to think of many - perhaps almost any - major happenings from the Revolutionary War to the mid 1820s without Monroe somehow being involved. But Monroe - to history's detriment - burned all of his correspondence with his wife after she died. In addition, he was somewhat of a private, more reserved individual. He did not possess the universal admiration that George Washington did, the loyalty that Thomas Jefferson engendered, or the cranky, blunt opinions of either John Adams or his son John Quincy. Nor did he possess the brilliant constitutional mind of James Madison.

McGrath devotes equal time to Monroe's life pre-presidency (which is A LOT!) and during his time in the White House. One of the themes of the book is that Monroe was a patriot. He put his life and his career on the line for his country multiple times in many different arenas. Almost at the end of the book McGrath points out something that I had not really ever stopped to think about: that Monroe is one of the few Presidents (McGrath lists Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, and George H..W Bush as 20th century examples, although there are a few more) who served on the front lines in actual combat. He wasn't a general with his headquarters a mile behind the battlefield. Monroe actually got shot in the shoulder during his War and, if not for the fortunate coincidence of a doctor being right there, quite probably would have either died or being permanently disabled. This gave Monroe a unique and personal perspective on war that any non-military President could not have, and even some who were in the military may not have experienced as directly as he did.

Especially in today's times, writing about a Founding Father and President who was a slaveholder is a tricky business. McGrath somehow manages to thread the needle though between pointing out Monroe's blatant and unfair hypocrisy of owning human beings while professing to fight and encourage freedom, and not being an evil maniac who whipped people and tried to destroy families whenever he could. As McGrath writes, there is no way to get around the inconvenient fact that Monroe owned other human beings, that he sold some of those same human beings, and that of all the enslaved persons that he owned throughout his life, he freed a grand total of one. It is difficult to think of a more damning statement to make about him.

Yet, as McGrath also makes clear, through his writings and even some of his actions, Monroe detested the idea of slavery, despite engaging in the practice of it. Why did he do this? Pure self-interest. He was in debt throughout his life (he died essentially destitute) and needed the slave labor to try to support his lifestyle and family. He also actively worked to end the slave trade overseas, and to push for colonization efforts in Africa. As McGrath notes, while today we would understandably consider this to be, at best, misguided, and at worst, hideous, in Monroe's time this made him seem "enlightened". Keep in mind that even Lincoln promoted colonization, so it is not like Monroe is without good company here. McGrath succeeds here because he both manages to call out the utter barbarity of slavery and condemn Monroe for his part in it while also placing Monroe within the context of the times and places that he lived, and recognizing that, however feeble they appear to us today, Monroe genuinely did make some efforts at trying to minimize the evils of slavery. When I read about someone from Monroe's time, I don't want a whitewash and an excuse of "Well, everyone in Virginia was like that then, so it was OK". Nor do I want to have the person constantly beaten over the head two hundred years after they died, for something that was accepted in their part of the country at that time.

While on the subject of race, McGrath also dives into Monroe's policies and interactions with Native Americans. Monroe comes out looking even worse here, to me, than he did on slavery. At least on the former he tried to do a few things to inch the needle forward. But with the many indigenous Native American tribes of his era, Monroe fits smack into the horrible stereotype of white-man-who- thinks-he-knows-best-for-everyone-else-and-they-all-better-listen-to-him-or-else. Basically, these tribes all either did what he said or they would not only lose their lands but possible be annihilated. Oh, Monroe was willing to meet with them, and he did accept that they had admirable qualities, and he also recognized that - as in the case of the Cherokee nation and Georgia - white people were frequently the aggressors and just as frequently in the wrong. But, he consistently demonstrated a pattern of white paternalism to all of the tribes. The removal and massacre of so many of these tribes is a permanent and large stain on this country's history, and Monroe has his prints in that stain.

McGrath treats Monroe's presidency with neutrality: showing him to have some moments of serious accomplishment while also being largely ineffective in many other areas. I found the best chapter in the book to be about Monroe's mostly covert role in the Missouri Compromise. Monroe, at his core, was a politician, and he needed all of his political skills here to help hold the Union together when the admission of Missouri threatened to tear it apart. Monroe worked back channels and behind the scenes given the constraints on open Presidential politicking in his era.

The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 is covered thoroughly without making it a chore to wade through. Instead of engaging in a debate about deserves most of the credit for it, Monroe or JQ Adams, McGrath instead focuses on showing how this was a joint effort by both men. Ultimately, since Monroe was the President the final product represented his thinking, and would never have been created otherwise. However, Adams as his Secretary of State influenced Monroe's thinking and worked closely with Monroe on shaping the Doctrine. Monroe might still have done something similar if he had a different Secretary of State, but Adams' input was a major factor.

Throughout the book McGrath writes at length about Monroe's personal relationships. This goes for his family, his friends, and his professional colleagues. One piece that stood out for me comes near the end of the book (page 575), when Monroe has just written his last letter to Madison, telling him that they will never see each other again because Monroe knows he is dying:

"I deeply regret that there is no prospect of us ever meeting again. Years of laughter, arguments, estrangement; a congressional debate outside a church during a blizzard; endless carriage rides from Philadelphia to Virginia; the failed attempts of two husbands buying furniture; the bleak ride through a smoldering capital, housewares exchanged for baskets of fruit; two presidencies; Elizabeth's delicate piano playing; Dolley's infections laughter. It is amazing what one sentence can hold."

One of the best qualities that I think a biographer can have is the ability to write about someone - delve completely into their life - without the reader being able to discern what that biographer's personal view of the subject is. And McGrath accomplishes that, at least for me. This is not a hagiography - there are plenty of instances of Monroe's personal and professional failings. It is also not an attack piece; there seems to be no axe to grind here. Overall I sensed a slight tilt in Monroe's favor, mainly due to McGrath frequently writing about how Monroe managed to control himself while in disagreeable situations with others. But, maybe he really did exhibit excellent self-control.

McGrath finishes with an Epilogue that takes Monroe's family past his own death. He reviews - briefly - what happened to his daughters and their families, his estate (Oak Hill), how the Monroe Doctrine has impacted some of his successors, and his overall legacy. I wish more presidential biographies ended this way. McGrath did an excellent job from beginning to end here. I came away from reading this feeling like I got to know Monroe, to the extent that is possible, while also seeing the world in which he lived in and how he helped to shape that world, for good and for bad.

Grade: A

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a clearly written and well researched story of James Monroe. There was a lot of information and is similar to early American figures: born in Colonial America, served during the American Revolutionary War, took up politics and/or law, became a Secretary of State/War, was involved in the War of 1812, then became famous!

James Monroe stood out to me in the reading because of the large-scale impact he had on America. He was involved in the War of 1812 and this was covered immensely. The post-war time saw the White House & newly renovated Capitol building, Congress and military budgeting, force-shaping & downsizing that is similar in today's American military. Secondly was his famous implementation of the Monroe Doctrine and dealings with Latin America.

Lastly was the unfortunate turn of events starting with the dealings & negotiations with the Native American nations.

...a sacrifice of their [Native] cultures and territories would be acceptable to each Native American nation instead of resistance made sense to Monroe...The concept of converting Native American into farmers was perpetuated for the rest of the century, whether it worked or not, and regardless of what the Indians themselves thought. pg 531

Monroe Doctrine and the Indian Civilization Act of 1819 were mere starting points for American history and politics to come. This sad chapter of history would be marked with the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

There was a lot of information presented in this book but Tim McGrath wrote it very well and it kept my attention the entire time. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in early American politics and history. Thanks!

[Josh Caporale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read James Monroe: A Life as a buddy read with Gretchen from Betwixt the Books and the two of us had a Zoom discussion about this book for our channel. I like to collect newly released presidential biographies, so after acquiring this book and hearing about Gretchen's desire to read a James Monroe biography as she is making her way through her American Presidents reading challenge, we mutually thought this would be the perfect time to read this biography with one another and it made for a great discussion. James Monroe was the 5th President of the United States, having served from 1817-1825. His resume leading up to the presidency was by all means impressive, serving under George Washington during the Revolutionary War, serving as a minister in Europe, senator, governor, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War (he once held both cabinet positions simultaneously) before being elected president. His presidency rang in the Era of Good Feelings and he was most notably known for a doctrine that was named for him asserting that Europe stay out of affairs involving the acquisition of American land.

Tim McGrath, the author of this book, has previously authored books involving military history and specifically naval history. McGrath's passion for military history is clearly reflected within this biography, for he is very specific about details regarding Revolutionary War battles in which Monroe fought and he also has a battle map for when Monroe led a brigade during the War of 1812. At the same time, there are details that could have been touched upon a bit better. Some of this could be due to the part that information cannot be found on the subject, for even William A. DeGregorio has found issue with gathering certain details in Monroe's life, such as his childhood, which McGrath did a relatively decent job doing, but we do not reach Monroe's presidency until at least 60% into the book. We also get a lot of details surrounding supporting figures that lived during Monroe's lifetime. While it is okay to give them some attention, enough to give readers an idea as to who they are and what role they played in Monroe's life, it felt like it would be more appropriate to title this book "The Life and Times of James Monroe" instead of "James Monroe: A Life." As far as the amount of information is concerned, only enough that is needed to inform us as much as possible about the subject is necessary. As far as I know, writers no longer get paid by the word.

With that being said, there is a lot to enjoy about this biography. It covers a lot of ground that gives us a greater and objective understanding about James Monroe and his life. I also learned more about his relationships with those that played a role in his life, positive, negative, or both, and his place as the last Founding Father. I got somewhat of a better understanding of things Monroe accomplished as president, but I wish there was a bit more concentration on particular details within his presidency.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Large and inconsistent, much like Monroe himself.

The last of the Virginian dynasty, McGrath goes a bit too far in describing Monroe the last of the Founding Fathers to be president. While definitely a part of the Revolutionary Generation, Monroe cannot really be described as a Founding Father as his political career only started after the war and most notably, he opposed ratification of the Constitution.

At most and throughout this inconsistent biography, Monroe comes across as an "able lieutenant." I.E. a colleague of Madison and Jefferson's around the margins who finds his own pathway to political prominence in Virginia. McGrath's attempts to bind Monroe to Washington's hip strains credulity and isn't support by the text.

McGrath does a passable job contrasting the early, hyper-partisan Monroe with the latter, more "Presidential" and compromise-seeking Monroe. Unfortunately, we never quite get a sense of WHY Monroe was so partisan other than "Federalists/Hamilton bad" nor do we get a great understanding of how Monroe's thinking changed as he rose in station. Maybe it was a factor of the Federalists no longer being a major political force/foe by the time he was President that Monroe could afford to be magnanimous in victory. Maybe Monroe's experiences as a diplomat and the war of 1812 mellowed him towards his domestic political opponents -- McGrath doesn't really help the reader understand. Instead we get, at times, a fairly dry recounting of day-to-day machinations of Cabinet work.

Some passages stand out however, the lengthy description of the slave rebellion led by Gabriel Prosser is very well done even if the rest of McGrath's treatment of Monroe's views towards slaves and slavery is fairly pedestrian and a bit too "friendly" to be credible. There are only so many times one can describe Monroe as hating slavery (but not doing anything about it because of money issues) before the claim begins to ring hollow.

Another very interesting, if admittedly minor, theme that nevertheless gets a lot of attention is Monroe's constant money troubles. SEVERAL pages are spent throughout the book describing Monroe's debt problems and his attempts to get repaid for various expenses incurred throughout his public service. It's almost like reading an 19th century audit.

McGrath's writing style is adequate but never rises above that. Much of this book feels like an "accordion" in that we spend a LOT of time on certain time-periods of Monroe's life (or digressions like Gabriel's rebellion) and then a very quick/dirty fast forwarding through other parts to the next long-form section. McGrath's coverage of Monroe's second presidential term is dominated by the development of the Monroe doctrine but done in a way that still feels rushed. Equally rushed is Monroe's post-presidential life.

A welcome addition to presidential biographies, but inconsistent writing and narrative theme prevents it from being more.

[Brandon Dalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson said about him “A better man there cannot be.” George Washington called him “one of our most distinguished citizens” (before their falling out). He was known as “The Last Cocked Hat,” a nickname earned because he was the last of the founding father generation or at the very least, the president that bridged the gap between the founders and all those who followed. Who knew he was so integral to our early history? A veteran, diplomat to multiple countries, Governor, Secretary of State, President, the list goes on and on. We’re talking about the man, the myth, James Monroe.

Despite that intro, I have to be honest in saying that I was not entirely excited to read a lengthy biography on Monroe. I knew very little about him going in. But Tim McGrath’s writing on his childhood drew me in immediately. It felt a lot more personal than other biographies. I loved reading about Monroe’s joining in the start of the Revolution in his teens and the intimate stories of the time when he was a soldier, fighting under Washington. It was really cool to hear about these same battles and events but from the vantage point of a soldier on the ground.

The author has an incredible ability to summarize events in just a few succinct sentences that other authors would fill many pages with. The result of this is that it keeps Monroe the focus, only telling us enough of what we need to know about a particular event in order to fill in the context of what was happening to Monroe at any given moment. It’s also evident that this is a thoroughly researched work, and never once did I feel like I couldn’t trust what the other was saying or felt that he introduced some bias that wasn’t necessary.

While additional sections of the book were fascinating (I had no idea the Missouri Question was such a factor in leading to the Civil War, or what the Monroe Doctrine really was, or in reading about the incredible receptions he had as he made his presidential tours around the U.S.), there were some sections that fell short for me. The War of 1812 section really felt flat to me and I was having such a hard time focusing during it. That was the first time I wasn’t excited to pick the book back up. The second section that I felt didn’t match up to the rest of the book was his second presidential term. It felt so inundated with certain minutiae or relationships or situations that didn’t always feel really important so it began to feel like it was dragging on. I found myself flipping to see when the chapter would be done. Through the first half, this book made you feel as though you’re not just reading about Monroe, but almost seeing the world through his point of view. By the ending though, it almost felt like we were viewing this figure from afar.

To summarize, I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in these sorts of topics. The author did an incredible job compiling all of the wealth of information out there into a compelling narrative (other than the parts mentioned above).

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading about the definitively presidential Washington, the quarrelsome and irascible Adams, the witty, wily, and weaselly Jefferson, and the brilliant, wonkish Madison, I admit I didn't have high expectations for a biography about a president I really didn't know much about. James Monroe is often called the "last Founding father," though he really wasn't properly one of the Founders. He fought as a teenager in the Revolutionary War (and was seriously wounded, so unlike many presidents, could honestly say he'd shed blood for his country), but he was not one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and at the Constitutional Convention, he opposed the Constitution. Yet he did come from that era, he was a friend and associate of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, and he was deeply involved in the events of the early republic. His death, on the 55th anniversary of the United States (like Jefferson and Adams, Monroe died on July 4) seemed to be recognized by the country at large as the passing of an era.

Tim McGrath's thick biography of Monroe covers his entire life with a historian's perspective. Not overly partisan, McGrath is as sympathetic as most biographers are to his subject, which means in the many disputes Monroe had with rivals, McGrath tends to take Monroe's side, or at least paints his position most sympathetically. I found Monroe more likeable than I expected, despite him being yet another slave-holding Virginian.

Monroe would follow the pattern of his fellow Virginians: like Washington, Jefferson, and Madison before him, he was the son of a wealthy father who grew up with a plantation and hundreds of slaves, yet would be plagued by money troubles his entire life and die with his estate in debt. Like his fellow Virginians, he would wrestle with his own conscience over the issue of slavery, and his conscience, despite putting up a valiant effort, would lose.

Following the Revolutionary War, Monroe had a law practice (another thing he shared with many of his fellow "Founders"). And in yet another recurring theme, he would "marry up." His wife, Elizabeth, was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She was beautiful and socially accomplished, and though Dolly Madison was a tough act to follow, she would acquit herself well as First Lady.

Monroe also had his share of family troubles, from a wastrel younger brother to a spoiled daughter, Eliza, who apparently enjoyed herself greatly while attending a privileged French boarding school during the Reign of Terror, and later became something of a terror herself at the White House, causing dramas and feuds as she apparently assumed that being the "First Daughter" entitled her to the same level of respect and accommodation as her parents. (McGrath doesn't talk much about how Monroe viewed his daughter's spoiled and entitled behavior, though apparently he did find it aggravating; one gets the impression that Eliza was very much a Daddy's Girl.)

Monroe was not a brilliant man, an academic, or a political theorist. A protege of Jefferson and friends with Madison, despite repeatedly running against his friend and even opposing him at the Constitutional Convention, Monroe was part of the Southern Republican faction. He was a man of great ambition and sound thinking, credited with his peers as having good judgment even if he wasn't one of the great thinkers or orators of his time.

His initial entry into politics was at the instigation of Patrick Henry, then Governor of Virginia and Madison's archenemy. Henry wanted Monroe to run against Madison, and Monroe was persuaded to do it despite being very much aware of Henry's machinations. He lost, but was elected to the Senate a few years later, where he was appalled at how little the Senate actually got done.

Monroe and Hamilton

Since we're leaving the era of the Founding Fathers, this may be the last time I have to mention Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton.

As far as I can recall, Monroe is never mentioned in Miranda's play. Maybe because he was younger than most of the other Founding Fathers, and he wasn't actually present at the Constitutional Convention. But ironically, Monroe played a major role in Alexander Hamilton's life.

Monroe was a key player in the infamous "Reynolds Affair," in which Hamilton was accused of financial impropriety but was actually guilty of paying blackmail over an adulterous affair. In the musical, Hamilton is confronted by three of the other main characters: Jefferson, Madison, and Aaron Burr. In reality, none of those three were there, but Monroe was, and he was the least sympathetic and most judgmental as Hamilton poured out an embarrassing, TMI confessional to his accusers. Nonetheless, Monroe, like the other men, swore to keep the details to himself.

Years later, upon returning from France, Monroe would be confronted by a very angry Alexander Hamilton. The Reynolds Affair was blowing up. The details, hitherto kept private, had hit the papers, and Hamilton believed Monroe was responsible. (In reality, it was almost certainly the unreliable and partisan scrivener that Monroe had given the documents to.) Accusing Monroe of breaking his word, Hamilton demanded satisfaction from Monroe. In other words, he was ready to challenge him to a duel. Monroe, despite feeling himself innocent, was a man of the era and ready to accept.

The situation was defused and the two men were talked down by none other than... Aaron Burr.

The Monroes in Paris

As Minister to France, Monroe was much better than either his predecessor or jolly, brilliant but lazy Ben Franklin. He arrived at France in the middle of the French Revolution, and Franco-American relations were fraught. He spoke French and gave a speech at his initial reception that won much of the Assembly over. His beautiful wife Elizabeth won hearts, becoming known as "La Belle American." And he worked hard at the job. Hundreds of Americans were stuck in Revolutionary France, some of them imprisoned, and they all begged for his help. Monroe read all their letters and tried to assist all of them, including Thomas Paine, whom he actually got released from prison. Meanwhile, his wife Elizabeth went to visit the wife of the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette himself was in prison in Austria, but his wife had not made it out of France, and she was expecting to be sent to the guillotine at any moment. Elizabeth actually walked into the women's prison where she was being held, and eventually got her freed.

Meanwhile, Eliza was learning to be a spoiled brat at one of the few bourgeoisie schools that hadn't been closed.

Despite his valiant diplomatic efforts, Monroe was being sandbagged at home by Washington, and in Britain by John Jay, whose treaty with the British was kept secret from Monroe but eventually turned French sentiment against the Washington administration.

The Problem of Virginia

After he was recalled, and his almost-duel with Alexander Hamilton, he became the Governor of Virginia. He was Governor during Gabriel's Rebellion.

By modern standards, this was not much of a rebellion. A few hundred slaves, led by a man named Gabriel, had managed to organize in several cities and though they were sold out, it was only a sudden bad turn of weather that kept them from probably killing a lot of white people before their inevitable suppression by local militia. Gabriel was savvy and well organized, but politically naive (he generally equated Republicans as "pro-slavery" and Federalists as "anti-slavery" and thought that non-slave-owning working class white people would support him). Gabriel's rebellion ended about as you'd expect, but it struck the fear of God into whites up and down the Atlantic. And it wouldn't be the last time there was a narrowly-averted slave uprising in Virginia.

Monroe, himself the owner of several hundred slaves, was stuck in the same spot as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison before him. Intellectually, he knew that slavery was unsustainable. Morally, he knew it was wrong. Financially, he was too dependent on it to give up being a slaveowner, and politically, he knew that it was too late for abolition. Like his fellow Virginians, he'd never be able to square that circle. Much later in life, after he was no longer president, he'd join with Madison in coming with schemes to buy up slaves and send them to Africa, schemes that would never really get very far. In the meantime, he would only ever free one of his slaves, and only as a dying wish.

As McGrath says:

"But - and it will always be 'but' when discussing slave-holding presidents - Monroe's worldview of slavery stopped at his property line."

Who Really Gave Us Louisiana?

Jefferson, as President, usually gets credit for the Louisiana Purchase. But as McGrath describes it, it was really Monroe, who had been asked by Jefferson to return to Paris, who deserves most of the credit. It was Monroe who negotiated face to face with Napoleon Bonaparte, and despite being undermined by Robert Livingston, his fellow minister in Paris, who wanted all the credit for himself, it was Monroe who sealed the deal.

After that, Monroe was sent to Britain to be America's minister there. He got to meet King George III, and acquitted himself well enough, but sadly, once again he was being sandbagged unbeknownst to him by antics back in Washington. Jefferson was treating the British ambassador boorishly, and when word got back to London, the British retaliated against the poor Monroes. Despite this, Monroe almost secured a treaty with Britain that probably would have prevented the War of 1812. The single issue that was the sticking point was impressment, a huge issue for Americans and one that the British refused to concede. And yet, Monroe had managed to secure an "understanding," something he included in his letters back to Washington which Jefferson and Madison, if they'd read carefully, would have realized. But because it wasn't written in a treaty, Monroe was accused of failure, to his great displeasure.

He came home to run against Madison again. Losing, he'd once more become Governor of Virginia, but then Madison would become President and ask him to be his Secretary of State. During the War of 1812, he'd also become the acting Secretary of War.

The Very Brief Era of Good Feelings

Monroe succeeded Madison as POTUS #5. His presidency is known as the "Era of Good Feelings," because following the War of 1812, the Federalist party collapsed, which meant a temporary (and very brief) end to partisan division in Washington, while the country was feeling like an up-and-comer with a glorious future.

As McGrath tells us, this "era" really never lasted that long. Even before the return of partisan politics, there were divisions and factions (aren't there always?). But Monroe took a tour of the country and was received everywhere with crowds and parades and fawning reception even in Federalist strongholds. He had appointed John Adams' son John Quincy Adams as his Secretary of State to show his nonpartisanship. The White House was becoming the place to be (and it was starting to be known as "the White House"). His wife was popular, his daughter, well, maybe less so. But everything was looking sunny.

Then Andrew Jackson invaded Florida.

The Missouri Compromise, the Monroe Doctrine, and Acts of Almost War

This would be the subject of acrimonious dispute for years to come. Jackson had been sent to Florida to punish the Seminoles. Instead he decided "Why not take the whole damn state?" Stomping his boots on what was technically Spanish territory, he also executed some captured Englishmen who'd been working with the Seminoles for good measure. Britain and Spain were not happy, Monroe had a mess to deal with, and while he claimed Jackson had exceeded his orders, Jackson adamantly insisted he'd done nothing he hadn't been authorized to do by Monroe.

Years later, when Andrew Jackson himself became president, he'd use this as a political weapon against the long-retired Monroe. Jackson really knew how to hold a grudge.

Monroe would also be president during the Missouri Compromise, which was another taste of things to come on the slavery front. Suddenly Washington was full of political scheming and Monroe's assiduous attempts to follow George Washington's example and appear impartial and above the fray would never quite be successful. He had Andrew Jackson biting his ankles, and his own Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, would engage in several bitter arguments with him.

Perhaps the one thing Monroe is most famous for is the Monroe Doctrine. Declaring that the United States would no longer tolerate colonization or interference in the New World, it was a doctrine that the US would have varying abilities to enforce over the coming decades, but it showed how far the country had come — from being preyed on by French and British alike, to being able to flex in the direction of all of Europe.

(continued in comments)

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another outstanding biography of an American President/Founding Father. I would put this one right up there in terms of quality and enjoyment with the biographies of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and John Adams by David McCullough.
Before I started reading this biography of the 5th President of the United States, like most, the only thing that came to mind when thinking of James Monroe was the Monroe Doctrine. However, there was so much more to the life of this man.
He was the fourth Virginian to become President, (after Washington, Jefferson and Madison). Monroe was the first military officer to hold the office of the President that wasn't a General first. He fought as a Lieutenant in the Continental Army during the War of Independence, served as a Delegate from Virginia to the Congress of Confederation, served as a U.S. Senator for Virginia, as Minister to France (helping to broker the deal for the Louisiana Purchase), and as Minister to the United Kingdom, served as the Governor of Virginia, served as the United States Secretary of War and Secretary of State all before finally becoming President of the United States in 1817.
Finally, like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams before him, Monroe also died on July 4th, the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's telling that of the first 5 Presidents, one (Washington) died in December of 1799 because "the 18th century wouldn't share" him and three (Jefferson, Adams and Monroe) all died on July 4th, I agree with the authour, imagine what James Madison must have thought on July 3rd?
Well, there was clearly much more to this man than simply the Monroe doctrine. After reading this biography, James Monroe has definitely risen in my personal ranking of U.S. Presidents.
I would 100% recommend this biography, it was excellent! 5-Stars!

[Ramsey Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting bio on a very interesting president. I knew very little about him before reading this and am very glad I read it. I probably would not have liked him if I met him but I do have a new respect for what he did to help build the country. I recommend it.

[Douglas Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I wasn't excited about reading about James Monroe because I had always heard he was a very boring president but I was pleasantly surprised. He certainly was not as academically smart as his two best friends Jefferson and Madison but he was a much wiser, fairer and more decent person than Jefferson or Madison. I went away from this book learning a tremendous amount about not only Monroe but about the founding of the nation. Monroe was with all the greats - Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, Madison, Clay and John Marshall. My knowledge of his impact on the United States was sorely lacking, he was a tremendous part of the United States beginnings and I believe anyone with a quench for American history will be greatly served in reading this book.

As for the book, it was extremely well researched and written and the story told in a very exciting way. I will look for more books by Tim McGrath because he is right up there with Chernow, McCullough, Meacham and Jean Edward Smith. I did not want this book to end, it was sharply written and I believe was written in a fair way as to not present Monroe as flawless character but as a flawed, mistake prone human, whose determined effort and constant optimism rose him to the top.

Do yourself a favor and read this book, you won't be sorry.

[Frank Theising · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monroe clearly lived an eventful life (Revolutionary War hero, Governor of Virginia, ambassador to France and UK, Secretary of State, Secretary of War during the War of 1812, and of course president). I gained an appreciation for his personality, aspirations, and political motivations during the pre-presidential years. But once you hit his presidential years, he more often than not seems to be overshadowed by events and other people (especially John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson) rather than someone directing events of his administration. Perhaps this is a result of Monroe’s collaborative/deliberative leadership style, his behind the scenes maneuvering (documentation rarely led back to Monroe), or maybe its just not conveyed well by the author…the one exception being in the development of the foreign policy that bears his name (Monroe Doctrine).

Throughout, the author is sympathetic but pretty balanced in his coverage. He demonstrates Monroe’s journey from a Jeffersonian partisan to becoming his own man who placed country above party (and in so doing fractured the Democratic coalition and opening the door for Jackson). Still, I learned a ton from this book. Solid 3 stars.

What follows re my notes on the book:

Monroe’s ancestors were exiles from Scotland after their loss to Cromwell’s roundheads. Raised on a tobacco plantation in VA, he attended a local school at age 11 where his studies included Latin & Greek. He befriended classmate John Marshall. His mother died when he was 14. His father died 2 years later. His childless uncle took him and his siblings as his wards and continued to pay for his education, now at William & Mary.

During these college years, James witness the reaction to the Stamp/Tea Acts and the outbreak of open war in Massachusetts. At age 17, he joined the local militia in storming and seizing powder and muskets from a local armory. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 3rd Virginia Regiment in the Continental Army. During the Revolutionary War, he fought with General Washington and was seriously wounded in the Battle of Trenton.

Unable to advance further in the army. He returned to VA where he studied the law under Governor Jefferson. He was elected to the VA House of Delegates. When the Treaty of Paris ended the war, domestic politicians now faced the challenges of governing a population that hated taxes. He was elected to the US House of Representatives but achieved little as the Articles of Confederation crippled Congress’ ability to act. Monroe chaffed under Congress’ lethargy and unwillingness to do anything.

He traveled west to forts and settlements along the frontier, working treaties with Indians and speculating in land. He became a proponent of westward expansion. Negotiated the Treaty of Fort McIntosh that took a large portion of Ohio. Fought to defeat the Jay-Gardoqui Treaty that would give up claim to the Mississippi to Spain for 25 years and curtail westward expansion. Monroe advocated for a capitol along the Delaware River but Congress chose NYC instead.

Monroe was facing financial hardship. He married a NY socialite Elizabeth Kortright. After his term, he returned to VA and his law practice. He was re-elected to the House of Delegates. He missed out on the Constitutional Convention much to his chagrin. When the Constitution was brought to VA for a vote, he joined Patrick Henry in opposition (mostly because he wanted to add a Bill of Rights before the it was Ratified). However, Madison carried the day and it was ratified.

Patrick Henry gerrymandered VA’s districts to promote Monroe for a House seat. His friend and election opponent (Madison) won the seat despite Henry’s efforts. After ratification, Monroe worked as a lawyer buying property near Charlottesville. He was elected to the Senate and headed off to Philly, the capitol for the next 10 years.

Monroe was eager to address the pressing business of the country but Congress remained slow to act. The young government was divided over abhorrence/support for the French Revolution. Hamilton’s successes at treasury and push for a national bank were the central political issue early on. Jefferson and Hamilton initiated a feud that would lead to the permanent construction of a two-party system. Monroe engaged in the petty letter writing campaigns of the day, cementing himself as a Jefferson acolyte. When news of fraudulent activity was presented to Monroe and his colleagues, they confronted Hamilton. Hamilton, refuted the charges by embarrassingly revealing every sordid detail of an extramarital affair and his being blackmailed. Monroe, likely shared this with Jefferson, but never went public with it. When it inevitably leaked 5 years later, it nearly led to a duel between Hamilton and Monroe.

President Washington proclaimed neutrality when France declared war on Great Britain. Monroe initially supported this move, but was swayed by letters from Jefferson that this was unconstitutional and that Americans had the freedom to support the French. As British abuses (impressment, confiscations of goods, etc) mounted, Madison and Monroe sought to hit the British back with a trade embargo as well as stopping payment on American debt. Monroe helped scuttle Hamilton’s nomination as envoy to UK to mend fences. Washington nominated Monroe as ambassador to France.

After a rough reception (French leaders were afraid to speak out after Robespierre’s recent beheading, his first speech to the government was enthusiastically received. He immediately set about addressing US grievances. He secured the release of political prisoners (Thomas Paine and Lafayette). He despised Jay, whose presence in the UK to negotiate a treaty put Monroe in a difficult position with the French. When news of the treaty’s contents leaked, it was viewed as capitulation to the UK that failed to address their grievances. An embarrassed Monroe first read the treaty in a French newspaper before any notification from own government.

When new Sec of State Pickering negotiated the treaty of San Lorenzo giving us access to the Mississippi without French assistance, it was another loss of face for Monroe. France severed diplomatic relations with the US over the Jay Treaty, fulfilling Monroe’s warnings. His intervention with the Directory, temporarily stopped this break in relations. Over the course of 2 years, Monroe had restored the Franco-US relationship, only for the Federalists to destroy his progress, or so he believed.

Hamilton and the Federalists schemed to have Monroe recalled and replaced. Monroe’s own correspondence about publishing anti-Federalist articles under pseudonyms ensured his downfall. Once recalled, he defended his conduct vociferously. France finally severed relations, refusing to acknowledge Monroe’s replacement Pinckney.

John Adams now President. A year after he conspired to recall Monroe, every sordid detail of Hamilton’s affair was leaked to the press. Hamilton assumed Monroe did it for pure revenge. After 2 years on his farm, he was selected as governor of VA. His break with Washington ate away at him and he sought a rapprochement, but Washington died before he acted.

A state-wide slave revolt and plot to kidnap Monroe was foiled by a combination of bad weather and last second tip-off. As governor he called out up the militia and agreed to the expense of trials for the ringleaders. Likely, he suppressed documentation of the slave revolt’s connection to two Frenchmen, something that could damage Jefferson’s presidential campaign. His son died of whooping cough but he had little time to grieve dealing with the revolt.

Jefferson pardoned James Callender, previously arrested for seditious publications under Adams, but did nothing else to reward his loyalty. Feeling abandoned, he published accusations of Jefferson’s sexual relations with slave Sally Hemings.

Seeking to avoid any further capital punishment, Monroe explored options for sending convicted slaves back to Africa. He reviewed court reports of slave trials and in some cases granted reprieves that cost him politically. After 3 consecutive terms as governor, Monroe’s money woes led him once again to retire and attempt a law practice.

Jefferson appointed him for a special mission to France to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. Ambassador Livingston took Monroe’s presence as an insult. The two negotiated the treaty but clashed and hid info from each other. Livingston’s attempt to get all the credit (including falsifying dates on documents) undermined his credibility and damaged his reputation. Monroe’s next mission to Spain to negotiate the purchase of West Florida was stopped by Napoleon (Spain was still fuming over the sail of Louisiana).

Instead, he was suddenly appointed as ambassador to UK to fill a new vacancy. His two objectives: end impressment and remove last British presence from the US frontier. Monroe quickly realized the British had no interest in serious negotiations. Meanwhile, Madison chastised Monroe for the lack of progress that was turning the mood against Jefferson. Jefferson’s egalitarian treatment of foreign delegations back home along with a change to a hostile wartime UK government led to gridlock. Monroe finally departed for Spain. On his way, he witnessed the end of the French Republic, attending the coronation of Emperor Napoleon. His five month stay in Spain proved fruitless and he returned to London.

The death of William Pitt led to the formation of new government with Charles Fox as foreign minister. During this period Monroe negotiated the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty. While it would improve trade, it too didn’t end impressment. It was a vast improvement over the Jay Treaty but Jefferson rejected it, setting the stage for the War of 1812.

The return of the Tory government and the attack on the USS Leopard led to war fever in the US. Monroe returned frustrated at Jefferson’s missed opportunity to negotiate when the Whigs were in power. Jefferson sought alternatives to war, including an embargo of British goods.

Monroe’s return lead to a bitter schism with Madison. A sizeable minority supported Monroe for president. However Madison‘s superior organization, support from Jefferson, & secret weapon (his wife Dolly) insured his victory. Monroe returned to his farm in Richmond. Jefferson, looking to heal the breach, proposed various offices for Monroe but he thought them all beneath him. Monroe volunteered to return to England in an attempt to divert a coming war. Jefferson in the last week of his term, declined. Monroe was elected to the VA House of Delegates. He publicly supported Madison, despite their personal differences and won election as a governor of VA. His top priority was preparing the state for war.

Madison needed to replace his disloyal Sec of State and selected Monroe just weeks into his term as governor. He accepted with the understanding that he could speak his mind freely. It was a tumultuous time to be stepping in. Looking for a Casus Belli, they were both duped into buying papers they believed showed UK attempts to foment the secession of New England.

Madison strong armed the government into war even though a sizable portion of the population was against it. Monroe desperately wanted a field command but Madison rejected this. Madison made Monroe acting Sec of War while looking for a permanent fill (which would be John Armstrong of New York). Monroe detested Armstrong detested one another leading to much backbiting. Victories by Perry and Harrison were offset by Armstrong’s failed invasion of Quebec. News of Napoleon’s defeat and exile could not have come at a worse time for Madison who was facing a financial crisis.

With the UK looking to teach the upstart US a lesson, Madison was now willing to accept the terms Monroe and Pinkney had negotiated but that Madison had rejected as SecState (I.e. dropping the issue of impressment). Armstrong utterly failed to prepare a defense of Washington, despite Madison and Monroe’s concerns.

Monroe took initiative to send scouts and report back. He hardly looked the image of a cabinet secretary with bloodshot eyes from riding all night as he fled the capitol before it was burned. After Armstrong resigned, Madison again appointed Monroe interim Sec of War. He immediately reorganized the army command and made preparations for the defense of Baltimore.

After a string of victories, Madison made Monroe‘s appointment permanent. Jefferson thought this a mistake for Monroe. He feared any failure, either from an untrained army or as a result of a bankrupt treasury, would end Monroe’s political career. Monroe was growing into a statesman not just a Partisan.

Madison attempted to create a Bank of the United States in order to restore the country’s finances and fund the war. Monroe pushed for the creation of a standing army. The Federalists blocked both efforts.

News of American victories and Wellington’s reticence changed the British stance at the negotiating table. Monroe advised the US delegation to pursue status quo antebellum. Andrew Jackson’s astounding victory to New Orleans occurred shortly before news of the Treaty of Ghent ending the war. The war took a terrible physical toll on Monroe’s health.

There was a strong movement to elect someone NOT from Virginia. New York’s electoral votes were leaning to Crawford, but he had blundered, withdrawing too early and giving Monroe the momentum to win. After securing the Republican nomination, victory was a forgone conclusion. He defeated Rufus King of New York overwhelmingly. He was sworn in by his old schoolmate John Marshall.

His first act was a tour of the North and West in an attempt to unify the country. He moved into the White House (still a year away from being fully repaired after it was burned). He abandoned the egalitarian treatment of diplomats and treated them with appropriate protocol and decorum to great effect.

Adams proved a brilliant Sec of State pick, who backed Monroe and carried out his vision. He maintained a position of neutrality, avoiding direct support to Latin American wars of independence. His desire for consensus was often viewed as indecisive, but all recognized this was part of his deliberative decision making process and usually produced stellar results. Elizabeth’s poor health and reserve proved a handicap to Monroe as many viewed her a snob. His daughter Eliza actually was a snob and flaunted her airs.

Monroe’s attempt to mirror Washington’s stately demeanor was tested by Henry Clay, bitter against Monroe and Adams, and bent on helping South America. He attacked every proposal sent to Congress.

Jackson was appointed to deal with Florida campaign. Monroe sent Jackson into Spanish territory to deal with the Seminole raids. Jackson wrote a letter proposing to conquer Florida within six days. There is no record of Monroe reading or approving the letter, perpetuating mutual suspicion and recriminations on both sides of the story. Jackson succeeded in quelling Seminole attacks and also captured the Spanish fort at Pensacola. There was never any paper trail leading back to Monroe. Jackson’s execution of two British soldiers generated diplomatic difficulties for Monroe.

The Panic of 1819 began a 2 year period of financial distress across the country. Monroe conducted a Southern tour in hopes of repeating his successful trip north. Monroe eagerly sought to pass internal improvements to address the crisis, but in that era Congress had to take the lead and refused to do so.

He commissioned the Long Expedition up the Missouri (a less successful Lewis & Clark Expedition).

Adams had negotiated the purchase of Florida for $5M but King Ferdinand reneged on the Adams-Onis Treaty. Monroe prepared to occupy Florida and seize it by force but waited until the new Spanish Diplomat arrived.

Talmadge’s amendment to prohibit slavery in MO, sparked heated national mood and signaled the end of the Era of Good Feelings.

Monroe sent an expedition to the African coast to seek out space to repatriate freed slaves (Liberia).

He faced re-election amidst the financial and Missouri crises.

Monroe used patronage to keep his party in line and win over votes in Congress (including NY where he partnered with Van Buren to derail DeWitt Clinton).

A potential solution to the gridlock became the MO Compromise that would admit Maine as Free and MO as slave state, but then prohibiting slavery north of 36° 30´ latitude line for the rest of the West. Monroe supported this effort clandestinely (supporting it publicly would damage him in his home state). To save himself he had to publicly reject what he privately wanted. The MO compromise passed and Monroe was re-elected.

The Retrenchment Congress cut funding for everything, exacerbating the financial crisis.

Monroe sought a policy of Indian assimilation. It would prove naïve and unsuccessful.

Canning proposed a break from US long policy of neutrality over Greece.

Monroe and Adams crafted what would become the Monroe Doctrine. It was a bold new foreign policy that helped shape America’s future.

Adams won the presidency in the House of Representatives after a 4-way race. Jackson styled his ascension and “deal” with Clay the Corrupt Bargain, helping doom Adam’s term. Jackson appeared a petty victor through his use of the spoils system and surrogates who helped deprive Monroe of financial restitution in Congress. Monroe was forced to sell off most of his property to keep his creditors at bay. Congress didn’t pass a bill for restitution until he was on his deathbed.

His dying request was to free his slave Peter Marks. Even in death, he owed money to creditors. Decades later, VA finally paid to exhume him and relocate his body to a proper burial in Richmond.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow this was the first book I have read on James Monroe - a central founding father figure who always seems to go under the radar when looking at the key figures of the era. This birth to death biography is comprehensive, with the second half of the book focusing on his Presidency. I learned a great deal from this read, but I have to say that even at almost 600 pages of narrative, I felt that I never got to know Monroe the person. Quotes from his letters were used sparingly and when present, were mostly about political issues. His family is mentioned often, but not in an emotional sense and more about their circumstances. With that said, this is well written and I would recommended to all those interested in the man or the time period.

[Joseph Gulino · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the longer side but really enjoyable biography about Monroe, who arguably doesn’t get his fair share of the founder’s limelight. The author is even handed in his investigation of Monroe’s character. It definitely could have been whittled down more from its colossal 600 pages. All in all though, quite good.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not an exaggeration to say that this book is likely to endure as the definitive biography of James Monroe for a generation. After all, it's been nearly 50 years since this lesser-known president has been the subject of a full-scale biography, and it seems unlikely that anyone will see a need to try to top Tim McGrath any time soon.

What David McCullough did in bringing the stories of Truman and Adams to the masses, and Ron Chernow did for Washington and Grant (not to mention Hamilton), Tim McGrath has done for James Monroe. It is perhaps unlikely that many casual readers will pick up a thick biography of a less-accomplished president they know nothing about, in quite the same way that led McCullough's and Chernow's books to become best sellers. But McGrath's work is just as worthy of being as widely read. After all, it's not often that a talented writer and storyteller takes on a subject usually relegated to short, superficial works or obscure, pedantic, academic snoozers.

Monroe may not be among our most accomplished or complex presidents. But his life story seems ready-made for a rollicking tale. While some presidential bios take a while to get going, by page 20 of this book, a young James Monroe is already in battle as part of Washington's Continental Army, present at some of the key events in the Revolutionary War. From there, he interacts with, and is influenced by, all the major figures of the era, from Washington to Jefferson to Madison all the way to Andrew Jackson.

Through it all, McGrath ably describes both the big picture, and Monroe's place in it, as his work fills in an often-overlooked period in U.S. history, bridging the Revolutionary era and the War of 1812 that arguably concluded that era, with the beginning of the sectionalism and debates over slavery that eventually culminated in the Civil War.

McGrath is an engaging writer who tells a good story, knows how to foreshadow events, and he gets in some good one-liners, which helps to make the story an enjoyable read and not just dryly informative. At times, he can repeat himself, reusing a phrase that might have been clever once but is cringey when used again - twice we're treated to the phrase "add injury to insult," while twice he juxtaposes a French Revolution-era Madame Campan with "Madame Guillotine." He also seems to have an odd fascination with names - a man named William Wilberforce's frail health and ambivalence is said to have "belied his last name" (?) while the inconsequential coincidence that Monroe replaced Robert Smith as Secretary of State while being replaced as Virginia governor by George Smith made him perhaps "the only major politician who succeeded one Smith to be replaced by another," which seems an unnecessary observation. Finally, his habit of ending chapters and even sections within chapters by teasing something to come (even if that something turns out to be relatively insignificant) helps propel the story forward, but can seem formulaic after a while.

But those are small quibbles. Overall, McGrath does an excellent job telling the story of a president who's not well known or necessarily well-regarded, and explaining why he matters. He gives him credit where credit is due - dispelling the notion, for instance, that he had little to do with actually crafting the Monroe Doctrine for which he's best known - but also takes him to task when necessary. And the concluding chapters, in particular, expertly incorporate callbacks to previous events to help tie everything together.

If you're curious to learn more about a president you may not know much about, or if you're just into American history in general and want an engaging read that will help fill some gaps in your knowledge while entertaining you along the way, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Monroe may not be among the pantheon of great presidents, but McGrath's book is well-deserving of a place in the pantheon of great presidential biographies.

[Matt Vargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ebbs and flows much like Monroe's life. He started strong, revolutionary war hero and all around badass (book was good for this part). Then he became a failed diplomat for a while (book is meandering during this part). Then he came back to the US and became a very skilled executive (the account of his presidency is the best presidential story telling I've read so far).

The real gold in this book is the account of Monroe's relationship with John Quincy Adams (his secretary of state). These men were not friends and not political allies but they formed one of the strongest partnerships in American political history.

I knew very little about Monroe going into this and I found him to be a surprisingly successful president. It is likely hard for a history book to find drama in his presidency as he deftly steered the country through a time of peace (the era of good feelings). He was an executive who used his cabinet to seek consensus. This separates him from other presidents who had a more singular vision and drove outcomes towards their will......Monroe instead sought expert advice and made measured (also slow) decisions. Some may find that this is a weakness in Monroe's character but I was actually quite impressed with his approach to executive leadership. I've got him ranked as the 3rd best pre-civil war president.

[Russ Grossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 9th book of Presidential biographies I read. Having read Unger's Monroe biography first, I was reminded of the difference between Ellis's and Chernow's Washington. This book expanded on all the details that were missing from Unger's book, but was not quite as engaging or entertaining as Chernow's Washington. There were many dry parts involving Congressional battles and partisan scheming that I kind of glazed over. However, I am still grateful to have read this. It brought Monroe to life and will likely serve for a long time as his full, go-to biography. The epilogue felt a little rushed by giving brief information of what happened to his descendants; but it seems his true legacy is the Monroe Doctrine, which is usually the only thing people remember about him. However, he was a polite, gentle man who presided over the Era of Good Feelings, and took advantage of it by touring the country. He was the last "founding father" to be President and McGrath does him justice.

[Rachel N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and engaging book covering the life of the fifth U.S. president. Before starting my reading of presidential biographies the only thing I really remembered about Monroe was the Monroe Doctrine. There's much more to his life including fighting in the revolutionary war,negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase and Secretary of State/temporary head of defense under Madison. I also learned Monroe was the first president to set foot in my home state of Michigan. I definitely recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about Monroe.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read on the James Monroe's life, so I personally can't say if this is the best biography available. I believe however, that it is the most current of Monroe's biographers.

What struck me as I finished the book, three out of the first four presidents died on 4th of July.

There was a lot I didn't know about Monroe, and this was a good introduction to the man, his presidency and his legacy.

[Nate]

Enjoyed this book a great deal, and learned so much from it. In the books I’ve been reading about early American history, James Monroe has been a supporting player, there at a few crucial moments during the Revolution and afterwards, but otherwise overshadowed by the monumental feats of Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison. This book shows, with clarifying language and propulsive prose, the epic and consequential sweep of Monroe’s career. And I have to say that, in McGrath’s hands, Monroe comes off as one of the more likable founding fathers*; I like him better as a person than Jefferson and Madison.

Though I was hooked from the first chapters, I think McGrath’s writing improved as the book went on. It could be because the first half covers ground that I’m overly familiar with from several books I’ve recently read, but I felt that McGrath’s prose became more confident and lively when he reached the War of 1812 and especially Monroe’s presidency. The chapters on the Missouri compromise and Monroe Doctrine are fascinating peeks into the how American politics works. Along with Monroe, I gained a big appreciation for John Quincy Adams after reading this book; his partnership (though not necessarily friendship) with Monroe as Secretary of State was pivotal, and JQA comes off as incredibly driven, rational, and even funny. Looking forward to reading a biography on him next.

Some sections on Monroe’s presidency were a bit boring to me. In McGrath’s effort to cover nearly everything, certain aspects are more compelling (or important) than others. But I love how McGrath discusses Monroe’s good-hearted and fairly successful attempts to bridge deep partisan divides while president. McGrath also does a fine job interweaving Monroe’s personal life with his professional life, giving a complete picture of the man. In regards to Monroe’s personal life, his familial troubles with his brothers and daughters, financial woes, and friendships with Jefferson and Madison stood out most to me.

Like any good biographer, McGrath stresses Monroe’s strengths while at the same time addressing his faults. Being one of the chief architects of partisan politics seems to be Monroe’s biggest fault, even as he sought to transcend party later in his career. His approaches to slavery and Native American relations, while common for the time and slightly better than others in his station, could have been improved. Still, McGrath presents Monroe’s career as incredibly impressive. He was a confident statesman abroad and at home, a strong leader, and firm believer in the American experiment. He was also willing to reach across the aisle and make amends when necessary. Monroe’s presidency came at a time when America was perhaps more “comfortable” than it had ever been up to that point, and he shepherded the nation through it with alacrity, rising to the occasion when peace was threatened.

*I understand that there’s debate on whether Monroe is considered a founding father or not. He was younger than the main founders, being 18 years old in 1776 when he joined the Continental Army. He wasn’t at the Constitutional Convention, and didn’t have a big part in the shaping of American government. I think he’s sort of in between the founding generation and the era of Jacksonian Democrats. He certainly had strong ties to the founders and revolutionary America, to say nothing of fighting in the war, but he didn’t do as much “founding” as Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and the others. His lasting contributions came later.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bio was a bit of a slower read than the first four presidential bios I’ve read. I think that may be because I knew so little about Monroe, whereas I was familiar with many of the life events of the first four presidents.

Monroe was blessed with lifelong friendships with both James Madison and Thomas Jefferson - mentors and heroes who provided guidance, insight, friendship, and even financial security at times. He was also blessed with a long and happy marriage. However, I feel that Monroe frequently had a dark cloud over his head. He certainly seemed to have more than his fair share of bad luck - be it professionally, financially, and medically.

It appears he was consistently surrounded by conniving, manipulative men - colleagues who wanted to take all the glory and credit, enemies who wanted to take him down, and dear friends who simply wanted him to do their bidding. One wonders how much more he would have accomplished in a political environment that was not so divided and cutthroat - and if he had his own “Monroe’s” to do his bidding.

I think the author did a good job of portraying a balanced view of our fifth president. I am glad to know more about the man and his accomplishments. He fought in the revolutionary war, served as a congressman, Virginia senator, US Minister to France, US Minister to United Kingdom, Virginia Governor, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and President. Over 40 years dedicated to serving this country! It’s quite the resume and I feel more should know how he helped shape the US government.

[Matthew Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Monroe was more interesting a figure than I expected. He was a party to many important historical events, such as the battle of Trenton and the Louisiana purchase. His presidencies mainly interested me as introductions to John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson though. The book is well written.

[Adam Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Monroe has always been high on my list of underrated unappreciated presidents. That list has always included Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. Grant. History, as a field, has caught up on the other two and I went into this project hoping Monroe would get similar treatment. I didn't want a hatchet job but I was hoping to avoid the hero worship of people like Harlow Unger who is an excellent writer but gets way too close to his subjects. In general, I feel like McGrath succeeded. Monroe does not come off as a super friend but as a flawed individual trying to do what his right. McGrath doesn't play down his acceptance of slavery, even noting that the story of Gabriel's rebellion during Monroe's time as governor is rather as if there was a new chapter to the Exodus story, where Pharaoh's son dies, but so does Moses. He also notes that while Monroe views himself as enlightened man when it came to Native Americans, his presidency set the stage for the horrific Indian removal. At the same time, McGrath does appreciate Monroe's efforts to stand for honor. As a chronically poor person in late stage capitalism I find myself feeling for the Founding Father constantly in debt and begging Congress to repay him for the money he spent serving his country. Reading about Monroe, Jefferson and Lafayette should definitely show us that Congress deciding to help relieve the struggles of citizens is far from un-American. The book is exceedingly readable and balanced. I'm not entirely sure why McGrath has to describe every major male character as "strikingly handsome" for some reason but he is even handed in describing political rivals fairly. In the end, McGrath believes that Monroe can be remembered for being a man of honor, for the Doctrine that bears his name and, for using diplomacy to achieve national ends. Apparently in a recent poll of historians, Monroe ranked near the bottom in "not being a raging narcissist" (gee, I wonder which President topped that one?) which McGrath notes tongue in cheek is one poll you want to finish last in. All in all, this is a splendid addition to the historiography of a consequential President who gets buried by the big names around them but arguably accomplished as much as any of them. Highly recommend!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher, Penguin Random House, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read numerous Presidential biographies. I enjoyed McGrath’s writing style tremendously. He kept my interest throughout most of the book and covered Monroe’s personal and public life very well.

The book provides good insight into how a young, docile teenager becomes engaged in the patriotic cause with Monroe’s service in the Continental Army. He served as an aide for General Washington and worked extensively abroad representing the country. Monroe served his country in many capacities including Ambassador, Congressman and Secretary in Presidential Cabinet. His friendships with Jefferson and Madison are extraordinary and endured many challenges. He encountered numerous presidential challenges including Native Americans, slavery (and as a slaveholder) and issues with other countries. “Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe would call slavery evil all their lives, but the idea of emancipation was too bold politically to propose.” While president, Monroe “visited more than 120 cities, town, and settlements, many of which would not see another president for decades.” He was in tune with the American people.

Monroe was a good, reliable, discreet, and compassionate man. “… a new American government was not American without safeguarding the rights of its citizens. Politicians rarely thought this way… but Monroe did.” Monroe “could exhibit a stateman’s conciliatory nature while maintaining his political viewpoint.” He didn’t give up! “The last year of the eighteenth century saw Monroe awash with troubles: financial, political, and spiritual.”

As with most of our early presidents, Monroe suffered financial hardship from serving his country. While overseas, he incurred expenses which were not reimbursed until late in his life. “Monroe lacked money but not friends…”

The epilogue provides a summary of his descendants. Monroe was the last “founding father” to be President. At the end of the day, Monroe is a man I would have liked to know. I sure wish today’s politicians would take a lesson from Monroe.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An altogether excellent biography of a complicated man. For this, Tim McGrath dragged out what must have been thousands of pages of correspondence and records and assembled them into an incredible narrative. His prose never distracts from the story he’s trying to tell, only to accent it, as at the end when he writes of Monroe’s last moments:

“For weeks, [Monroe] had ‘repeatedly expressed the most ardent wish to die.’ Now the hour had come. No one present recorded any last words, nor noted if, in those last moments, he returned to King Street in Trenton, the Directory in Paris, the mountain passes of the Pyrenees, the burning buildings of Washington, or to throngs of cheering crowds in any one of countless American towns.”

When Monroe wrote to James Madison that “I deeply regret that there is no prospect of our ever meeting again” — his final message to a man he’d been friends with for decades — I almost cried. It takes a writer of real skill and talent to be able to make something truly moving out of letters from two centuries ago. But there’s also little jokes and quips in here that make McGrath’s voice abundantly clear.

Monroe, unlike, say, Andrew Jackson, was not truly evil, but he was a hypocrite who, in retrospect, seemed either naive or willfully ignorant of the impossibility of the peaceful “removal” of the Native Americans to the West or his batshit insane plan to deport all slaves to Liberia. He profited personally from slavery on his Virginia plantations while, like his friend Thomas Jefferson, writing to anyone who would listen about how awful it was. But he was also a capable leader, a Founding Father, who loved his country and family dearly and tried to crush partisanship. McGrath treats his subject with the complexity he deserves and succeeds completely — one of the best biographies I’ve ever read.

[Cubey Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with many people, I knew little about James Monroe before reading this book outside of what I had read in previous presidential biographies. McGrath did an excellent job at researching Monroe's life and detailing the administration of one of the most respectable presidents. The Virginia Dynasty led the country for 24 straight years, and while Monroe was not the most brilliant of men his judgement and leadership were outstanding. His relationship with John Quincy Adams particularly intrigued me, and I am excited to read about Adams next.

In terms of writing style, McGrath was entertaining, efficient, and poetic. There was plenty of "dialogue" lifted directly from primary sources which enhanced the drama of the history. The book did not feel like it dragged at all. My only gripe would be that I did not always know exactly when the event being discussed was taking place; dates were not mentioned as often as I would have liked and at times I would have to stop to contextualize the topic. But this is a minor complaint.

The other comment I would make is an observation of a typical biographer habit. McGrath really only paints Monroe in a good light. There are incidents, such as the Reynolds Affair, where Monroe makes mistakes and wrongs people yet McGrath seemingly brushes them aside. McGrath does indeed mention Monroe's faults and how he could have acted better, but these moments are few and far between. I don't hold this too strongly against the book, however, as it is understandable for a biographer to sympathize with the subject.

James Monroe seemed to be an excellent president overall. Like every other man to hold that office, he left it with unfinished goals and dreams. As well, his term was not perfect. Yet, the last Founding Father president achieved much which would cement the strength and unity of the United States.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a VERY good biography of President James Monroe. It starts off REALLY slow and I almost DNFd it. I am glad that I pushed through...for it found its stride and was able to convey his life in such a way that the reader wanted to know more.

I have to say, I did not know much about his life and his part in the Revolution (other than a few adjacent things - The Federalist Papers) and that is about it. Being the FIFTH president, but so very little is ever taught about his life.

There is a LOT going on in his life and during his presidency (fun fact, his presidency starts at about the 50% mark of this book, BUT do not skip to that point...for you will miss the foundation of why he was the way he was.

By the end, I'm SO glad that I read this book. A lot of the historical moments (War of 1812, expansion of the country with the additions of the Louisiana Purchase and Florida. The issues with slavery and Slave States, the Indians and the idea of Manifest Destiny. Also, what he is most known for...the Monroe Doctrine. 

By the end of his presidency, he was greatly revered...for he became an amazing man. He started making a LOT of mistakes, but throughout his life...he grew within himself and stepped up to do the right thing, eventually.

He was also a man of his time. He had high ideals, but he also had slaves, though he treated them well and fought for their rights eventually. 

I encourage you (the reader of this review) to pick up this book and read it. You will be a better person, for it. 

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s taken me 7 months to get through this book. But I enjoyed it. It was a fascinating read for me, as I knew of Monroe, but only from the perspective of my career as a Latin American Studies scholar and professor. So I came to define Monroe first and foremost by the Monroe Doctrine, and then from the point of view of Latin American reactions to this doctrine. It was a curious fascination to reconsider this doctrine and my understanding of James Monroe as an extension of US politics and Monroe’s own personal history.

The writing itself is pretty basic, but satisfactory. I liked that the author put sufficient detail into the narrative. I also thought there was good balance between Monroe’s personal as well as political life.

The book is also served well by its framing around a few key themes throughout, the most pertinent being Monroe’s efforts to recapture a less partisan political culture and unify the country. Even though he ultimately failed at this over the long term, he did preside over a time of relative internal harmony that harkened back to the Washington presidency. Secondary framing themes were his attitudes and policies towards slavery and Native American peoples.

Monroe was the last of the revolutionary-age founders to be President. Curious fact that he, too, like Adams and Jefferson preceding him, died on July 4.

All in all, a very adequate biography and a worthwhile read.

[Earl Grey Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim McGrath's work on the fifth President was very informative but lacked that right balance of information that I am looking for. I steer away from source material and academic text written for other researchers and prefer a pop-history book with the right level of detail.

So far, Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life has done the best to share the details of a president's life while giving thorough context of the world around him. Mr. McGrath focused more on the minutia of the president and his activities instead of the bigger picture.

One of example of this would be the portion concerning the Monroe Doctrine. Some high level context was given about Russia's encroachment into the northwestern coast and Spain's desire to re-exert control over her colonies. However, much of this section was about the correspondence between Monroe, his cabinet, and the legislature. This is important information, but the scope was too narrow. I felt that I learned to excess how the Monroe Doctrine was formed and not enough about the events that led up to it and the consequences that it had.

James Monroe: A Life was good and informative. I did select a good book to do a relatively deep dive on the fifth president. While it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, it did give me a better understanding of this man and the times he lived in.