James Monroe: A Life

About this book

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 Congresss 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 Monroes 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 nations capital and burned down the Executive Mansion; and Monroes 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 Washingtons 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 Monroes own time to conjure up this fascinating portrait of an essential American statesman and president.