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James Madison: A Biography
 
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James Madison: A Biography (Paperback)

by Ralph L. Ketcham (Author)
3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
Price: £19.50 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Product details

  • Paperback: 753 pages
  • Publisher: University of Virginia Press; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (31 May 1990)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0813912652
  • ISBN-13: 978-0813912653
  • Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15 x 4.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 720,607 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #3 in  Books > Biography > Political > United States > U.S. Presidents, A-Z > Madison, James

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Product Description

Product Description
A biography of James Madison, fourth president of the United States, who was elected in 1809. Ketchman provides an analysis of his political theory and of the way in which he sought to apply it to the establishment of constitutional government.

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Customer Reviews

5 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant biography, but maybe too comprehensive, 20 Jun 1999
By A Customer
This is a brilliant biography - it is wonderfully detailed (maybe too much so) and leaves little uncovered. Ketcham's early chapters on the buildup to, framing and ratification of the Constitution are especially good. I also like the way Ketcham shows how Madison's thought and political philosophy was informed by the times and events Madison lived through.

I have a couple of minor gripes, though. the first is Ketcham's glaring omission of the rest of Dolley Madison's life. What happened to her after James Madison died? Apparently she edited many of the great man's papers, had to sell many of his letters at less than market price (suggesting financial woes?) - but that's all Ketcham gives us. That's a little frustrating.

Being a law student, I would have liked to see more comment on what Madison thought of the "Marshall Court's" rulings. There is a brief note on McCulloch v Maryland, but nothing on Marbury v Madison! What did Madison think of the idea of judicial review?

These are but minor gripes. But one substantial complaint I do have with Ketcham's biography is the way he always emphasises the consistency of Madison's republican principles. He makes good points on this throughout the biography, but sometimes what Ketcham sees as a principled stand on republican principles, I would see as indecision. And it makes Madison seem a bit single-minded.

All in all, a wonderful bio, though.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars The subject is captivating, but the writing is not., 16 May 1999
By A Customer
James Madison lived a fascinating life - he provides an endless number of amazing stories. Unfortunately, this book destroys the flow of these stories by tossing in every person that Madison encountered - and even some that he may not have (in which case the author says, "and doubtless, Madison would have spoken with..."). The great story of Madison's life gets lost in the clutter at times. If nothing else, this book spurned me on to read a couple more books about Madison.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Long, informative but a bit tedious, 24 Jan 1997
By A Customer
This is the best short biography of Madison. At times Ketcham seems to be doing a bit of inventory - and there may be some differences in interpretation - but it is comprehensive.
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4.0 out of 5 stars It was a arm and a leg to read it but it was O.K.
It was O.K.
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4.0 out of 5 stars I didn't like it because I didn't read it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't like it cause I didn't read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published on 7 May 1999

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