Historian and novelist Stewart gives American a needed lesson on how a
President can accomplish much by working with others. It was James Madison’s ability to forge working bonds with
other founding members of the new American government, even if they did not
always see eye to eye that stands out in this biography. Discreet, generous and not at all egotistical,
unlike others then and now he dit much to forge the documents that framed a new
government, He refused to take credit, rather conceding the “work of many hands
and many heads” in the forging of the Constitution. Soft-spoken, he was overshadowed by the more
dynamic personalities of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander
Hamilton and James Monroe. Yet the
complement of their respective qualities resulted in brilliant working
relationships during the course of Madison’s political career.
A wonderful biography of a very smart President. Let us hope we shall see his like again. We
surely could use it in these very different times….
3 comments:
It takes a lot of like minded people to get a job done. These difficult times lack that.
Thanks for the review; also headed for my collection.
It looks like a good read. I am currently reading a biography on Eliza Hamilton called “My Dear Hamilton.” It is a good read. I will have to look at reading this book next.
We need Madison-like people desperately today to work across the aisles and bring us together again. Our founding fathers were not perfect men but did their best to bring about a great country for its citizens.
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