James Monroe

A Life

De: Tim McGrath

Narrado por: Arthur Morey

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.

“A first-rate account of a remarkable life.” —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Soul of America

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

This magnificent new biography vividly recreates the epic sweep of Monroe’s life: his near-death wounding at Trenton and a brutal winter at Valley Forge; his pivotal negotiations with France over the Louisiana Purchase; his deep, complex friendships with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; his valiant leadership when the British ransacked the nation’s capital and burned down the Executive Mansion; and Monroe’s lifelong struggle to reckon with his own complicity in slavery. Elected the fifth president of the United States in 1816, this fiercest of partisans 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, Monroe transformed the nation, strengthening American power both at home and abroad.

Critically acclaimed author Tim McGrath has consulted an extensive array of primary sources, many rarely seen since Monroe's own time, to conjure up this fascinating portrait of an essential American statesman and president.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This is a welcome and long-overdue portrait of an essential American. Soldier, diplomat, and president, James Monroe was a vital figure in the early Republic, and Tim McGrath has given us a first-rate account of a remarkable life.” —Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

“As Tim McGrath deftly demonstrates in this nimbly written and meticulously researched biography, there is much more to James Monroe than the famous doctrine that bears his name. This is the captivating story of a president who, after gaining his political reputation amid the partisan battles of the early republic, did his best to bring a nation together. That Monroe was only partially successful makes his presidency all the more relevant to our own contentious times. Highly recommended.” —Nathaniel Philbrick, New York Times bestselling author of Mayflower and In the Heart of the Sea

“Tim McGrath’s James Monroe fills out a luminous portrait of the most underappreciated of our Founders. In this comprehensive new biography, McGrath colorfully portrays the man whose ambition transformed the shape and character of our nation. Monroe will be underappreciated no more.” —Joel Richard Paul, author of Without Precedent: Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times

“James Monroe has long stood in the historical shadow of Washington, Jefferson, and Jackson. In this full and fascinating new life, Tim McGrath gives Monroe his due, demonstrating how Monroe’s talents and energy helped guide America from the aristocratic age of Washington to the democratic age of Jackson.” —H. W. Brands, New York Times bestselling author of The Man Who Saved the Union and Heirs of the Founders

“That a president like James Monroe, who was the fiercest of partisans, could become a bridge-builder gives us hope in this era of fierce partisanship. Tim McGrath has given us a story for today.” —Larry Tye, New York Times bestselling author of Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon

“Excellent.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“McGrath draws a convincingly complex portrait of this first of the post-Founder presidents, a figure who more than any other in his era gave preliminary shape to both the office and the nation on the world stage. All of Monroe’s successors would live in the framework of the presidency he erected. This, too, is an ambiguous legacy—and McGrath is cautiously aware of that fact.”—The Christian Science Monitor

Interesting Story

I had not known much concerning our fifth President including his challenges as a farmer and extensive experience in Europe. A lot of interesting details.

We are still arguing about the same stuff

I liked the detail in the book and insights into his family life. The money problem were of interest.

An Historical Tome for The Ages

This is an historical account for the in-depth reader. Not a casual walk in the park type of volume - though the satisfaction drawn from the subject's presentation is proportionate.

Outstanding!

Outstanding! The greatest President in US history, United the 2 party system to bring peace and prosperity to our great country.

Fitting

This is a fitting transition of American history between the founders and turbulent pre-civil war United States. Rising partisanship, sensitive egos, and confusion of national and personal interests shows that throughout our history, government is a human organization.

Outstanding

Such a great book detailing one of the forgotten founders of our country. From his heroism during the revolution to his diplomatic resolves, it shows just how much this man did for our country for very little money.

incredible all around

I really love this book as it sees everything. circumspectly, lays it out in very clean sequence, and is read by a great voiceover actor. fantastic work, and has opened my eyes to how important James Monroe was, despite all of his faults common in his era.

The Character of the Man & his Innovation for the Country

I particularly liked the inclusion of Monroe Family life-made real; 2. The description of his ongoing consultations with the other founding fathers: 3 the groundwork he laid for abolition of slavery, the need for a better lot for the indigenous people & his demands for improved infrastructure. So much rings true today!!!

Perfectly detailed and surprising story

When I started this biography, I did not expect to find the story of James Monroe’s life and presidency to compete with those of his predecessor presidents. But I was pleased to find a compelling story of a president more overlooked than remembered. The writing itself had the perfect degree of detail, not getting too bogged down in minutia but at the same time painting a thorough picture of the man. I have a new found appreciation for President Monroe and the doctrine that bears his name. Well worth the listen.

Excellent bio

Monroe wasn't a giant in the way that Washington, Jefferson and Madison were but he did lead a very eventful and interesting life that is well worth a major biography.

He crossed the Delaware ahead of Washington, fought against ratification of the constitution, was a member of the early Senate, Governor of VA during a foiled slave rebellion, a diplomat in France just after Robespierre's fall and then again in the Napoleonic era where he played a big role in the Louisiana Purchase before becoming Madison's Secretary of State and Secretary of War and of course a two-term President. He was close to Jefferson and Madison as everyone knows but also had extensive dealings with many other major figures including Hamilton (whom he nearly fought in a duel), Lafayette, Thomas Paine, John Marshall, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Andrew Jackson.

McGrath delivers nicely on all this, admiring of Monroe but not engaging in hagiography. Monroe like his friends Jefferson and Madison was a slaveholder and always crying poverty while living like a wealthy aristocrat. McGrath tries to address slavery a bit especially with Gabriel's rebellion but doesn't get much into the financials other then pointing out how frequently Monroe used his own money to pay for things the govt should have (which doesn't explain how both Adams' managed to hold similar jobs and stay solvent).

Arthur Morey's voice takes a little getting used to but overall he's a good narrator.