Publisher's Synopsis
James Madison was an American statesman, diplomat, expansionist, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States. He is hailed as the Father of the Constitution for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the United States Bill of Rights. He co-wrote The Federalist Papers, co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party, and served as the fifth United States Secretary of State.
Dolley Todd Madison was the wife of James Madison. She was noted for holding Washington social functions in which she invited members of both political parties, essentially spearheading the concept of bipartisan cooperation. By innovating political institutions as the wife of James Madison, Dolley Madison did much to define the role of the President's spouse, known as the First Lady.
This biography traces James and Dolley's lives. You may discover:
- The true story of Dolley rescuing George Washington's painting from the British.
- The backroom deals that made the US Constitution possible.
- The unique, lifelong partnership of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.
- James's bitter rivalry with Alexander Hamilton.
- Dolley's role in defusing an international incident that might have led to war.
- Discussion of the Madisons' views on slavery, including the oral tradition that James had an illegitimate child with one of his slaves.
- The major battles of the War of 1812, America's "Second War of Independence".
