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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
There are 2 types of biography I think. At one end of the spectrum, there’s the LBJ/Robert Caro sweeping epic, that clearly tries to set the scene as widely as possible. At the other, there are books like this, where the focus is so narrow that anything that didn’t whack the subject on the nose, it is ignored.
The book itself is fine, it’s just if you don’t know any of the context going on in America at the time, you won’t get it here. This said, the book is thorough, when it comes to considering Monroe’s life directly. You’ll probably get a good sense of what his life was like.
The book itself is fine, it’s just if you don’t know any of the context going on in America at the time, you won’t get it here. This said, the book is thorough, when it comes to considering Monroe’s life directly. You’ll probably get a good sense of what his life was like.
musicdeepdive's review
4.5
This book proved my longstanding belief that Monroe is one of the most underappreciated presidents historically - a fair-minded individual who fought in the Revolution and played a critical role in the founding of Virginian - later national - politics. McGrath is an engaging writer and argues his case very firmly. High-quality presidential biography, and not quite as dense as other volumes I've read so far in this journey.
callieisreading's review
5.0
This was a banger. Very insightful, spent lots of time on Monroe as a person, and did not shy away from the negative actions and beliefs that complicate his legacy today. Considering how little I knew of him before, this book succeeded in broadening my understanding not only of him, but of the world at that time.
The audio quality was also fantastic.
The audio quality was also fantastic.
acarman1's review
4.0
James Monroe has always been high on my list of underrated unappreciated presidents. That list has always included Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. Grant. History, as a field, has caught up on the other two and I went into this project hoping Monroe would get similar treatment. I didn't want a hatchet job but I was hoping to avoid the hero worship of people like Harlow Unger who is an excellent writer but gets way too close to his subjects. In general, I feel like McGrath succeeded. Monroe does not come off as a super friend but as a flawed individual trying to do what his right. McGrath doesn't play down his acceptance of slavery, even noting that the story of Gabriel's rebellion during Monroe's time as governor is rather as if there was a new chapter to the Exodus story, where Pharaoh's son dies, but so does Moses. He also notes that while Monroe views himself as enlightened man when it came to Native Americans, his presidency set the stage for the horrific Indian removal. At the same time, McGrath does appreciate Monroe's efforts to stand for honor. As a chronically poor person in late stage capitalism I find myself feeling for the Founding Father constantly in debt and begging Congress to repay him for the money he spent serving his country. Reading about Monroe, Jefferson and Lafayette should definitely show us that Congress deciding to help relieve the struggles of citizens is far from un-American. The book is exceedingly readable and balanced. I'm not entirely sure why McGrath has to describe every major male character as "strikingly handsome" for some reason but he is even handed in describing political rivals fairly. In the end, McGrath believes that Monroe can be remembered for being a man of honor, for the Doctrine that bears his name and, for using diplomacy to achieve national ends. Apparently in a recent poll of historians, Monroe ranked near the bottom in "not being a raging narcissist" (gee, I wonder which President topped that one?) which McGrath notes tongue in cheek is one poll you want to finish last in. All in all, this is a splendid addition to the historiography of a consequential President who gets buried by the big names around them but arguably accomplished as much as any of them. Highly recommend!
spinnerroweok's review
3.0
Don't let the 3 star rating fool you. This biography exceeded expectations. This is a good solid bio on the nation's 5 president. At times dull. At times very interesting.