James Madison

By: Richard Brookhiser

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Eminent historian Richard Brookhiser presents a vivid portrait of James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution” and one of America's greatest statesmen.

©2011 Richard Brookhiser (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A useful introduction to a man who is often outshone by his presidential predecessors but who nevertheless was instrumental in creating our modern political system." ( Kirkus)

Reliving history

This biography of James Madison reminds us that politics has not changed much in the 200 plus years of our existence. The story reads more like a story than a collection of facts.

great book!

Wonderful writing! And great voice! I loved it, and thank you to the author. I will continue with this author and narrator.

Not Exhaustive Detail but Not Bad

Overall: good book. Get more than just an overview of Madison, however not exhaustive detail of the man. Would have liked more detail from his time as President but satisfied with the listen nonetheless.

My Constitution

What did you love best about James Madison?

The history of how we came to be from a political point of view.

What other book might you compare James Madison to and why?

Liberty & Tyranny by Mark Levine

Which scene was your favorite?

Washing turning down the offer to be King and not accepting a third term as President. Washington walked away from power.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

It was sometimes tedious to listen to, but the history was more than I could have hoped for. Why in the world do they not teach this stuff in school.

ps I went to a private school, but it was very, very progressive. Yikes!

Not really a biography

This book, while I enjoyed it, was not really a biography. It was more a history of the beginnings of the country with a focus on the Constitution. Next to nothing about Madison's personal life is explored. I still found it interesting.