James Madison: (The American Presidents Series)
by Garry Wills, Arthur M. Schlesinger

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Book Reviews of James Madison: (The American Presidents Series)

Book Review: Good introduction to a disappointing presidency
Summary: 4 Stars

This volume is no different. Garry Wills is one of my favorite writers, the author of many thought-provoking books on subjects as diverse as Saint Augustine, the Gettysburg Address, and John Wayne. While he has written on the era before -- his book on the Declaration of Independence is one of the best studies of it available -- he has not previously focused on Madison in his publications. Nevertheless, this book is a good introduction to the man. While ostensibly focused on the presidency, Wills does incorporate much about Madison's pre-presidential career, especially in terms of how it shaped a presidency that by common consensus most historians regard as disappointing compared to his pervious accomplishments.

What makes this volume interesting to read, though, is Wills' own analysis. He never shies away from outlining his opinion, and he backs it up with persuasive (though not always convincing) arguments. His examination of Madison's foreign policy in the context of the Jeffersonian tradition is particularly good and alone worth the effort of reading the book. Though there are better books to turn to for a more comprehensive overview of Madison's career (such as Ralph Ketcham's biography), this is an excellent starting point in seeking to understand one of the most important of our Founding Fathers.