John Marshall

The Chief Justice Who Saved the Nation

By: Harlow Giles Unger

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A soul-stirring biography of John Marshall, the young Republic's great chief justice who led the Supreme Court to power and brought law and order to the nation.

In the political turmoil that convulsed America after George Washington's death, the surviving Founding Fathers went mad - literally pummeling each other in Congress and challenging one another to deadly duels in their quest for power. Out of the political intrigue, one man emerged to restore calm and dignity to the government: John Marshall. The longest-serving chief justice in American history, Marshall transformed the Supreme Court from an irrelevant appeals court into the powerful and controversial branch of government that Americans today either revere or despise.

Drawing on rare documents, Harlow Giles Unger shows how, with nine key decisions, Marshall rewrote the Constitution, reshaped government, and prevented Thomas Jefferson from turning tyrant. John Adamscalled his appointment of Marshall to chief justice his greatest gift to the nation and "the pride of my life".

©2014 Harlow Giles Unger (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Thank Goodness for John Marshall

H.G Unger has given John Marshall the light he so well deserves. Marshall was a devoted husband and father, a lawyer, a Revolutionary War hero, a diplomat and among the founders of the country. AND THAT was only during the first half of his life. That last 35 years was spent inventing how the Supreme Court should and would function in a democracy with three equal branches of government.

Few know how disruptive and contrary Thomas Jefferson was toward the federal judiciary. He did all he could (mostly duplicitously) to marginalize it and even eliminate it. Imagine. Had it not been for Marshall, Jefferson may have succeeded.

This book is the story of John Marshall, who he was and how he became such a force in American history. It's well written with excellent details, lots of characters and some thrilling exposés. The performance is excellent. For the American history buff, a must..

Must read

This book is about more than just John Marshall. Wonderful insights into the difficulties of the founding fathers and the establishment of this nation.

astounding prejudice againstThomas Jefferson

Author shows astounding prejudice againstThomas Jefferson. Contradicts a lot of other history. Read with a critical eye!!

Yes JM Saved the Nation

Book was well written in chronological order. Book does excellent description in the development of our country, politics, and our founding fathers actions both good and not so good.

Sufficiently detailed and very interesting

Very interesting look at an incredible American. Pretty amazing the impact just one man can have. Not a very flattering look at Thomas Jefferson though.

Good book about a great figure

This is a very well written book, it is able to tell the story of a great and relevant historical figure of US along with the backstory of his time. For me the book has extra value because I knew little about John Marshal and his outstanding contributions. In addiction, it was good to know more about other Important figures, for good and bad, such as Hamilton, Moore and Jefferson.

excellent

great summary of Marshall's impact on American history along with interesting details about other historical figures of the early of days if the USA

Incredible history of the Greatest American Jurist

This outstanding history should be must reading for all who want to understand the role of the Supreme Court in America. John Marshall and his father, Thomas Marshall were both revolutionary war Heroes. They were also close friends and confidants of Presidents Washington, Adams, Madison, Monroe and a feuding cousin to Thomas Jefferson. For me, this was all new and fascinating information. All I can say is once I started listening to this book, I couldn’t stop until I reach the end. Absolutely brilliant.

Required reading!

If more of us were aware of the early struggles of our country we wouldn’t be so surprised and alarmed at our present struggles.

Enlightening

very informative book, didn't realize the role he played in the young republic.and didn't know that Thomas Jefferson was such a Cad!