James Madison and the American Nation, 1751-1836: An Encyclopedia
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, January 1, 1994.
Book Condition: New
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 0135084253 / 9780135084250
This one-volume work is an examination of all aspects of Madison's life - his political career, his accomplishments and failures, his friends and enemies - and the era in which he lived. From Henry Adams, John Adams, and the Alien and Sedition Acts to veto power, George Washington, and Daniel Webster, the 400 signed, original articles and 200 illustrations cover this Founding Father's unique career.
From Library Journal
Robert A. Curtis, Taylor Memorial P.L., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Capably edited by Rutland, former editor-in-chief of Madison's presidential papers and professor emeritus at the University of Virginia, it includes signed articles from 88 Madison scholars, mostly historians, but also including political scientists, librarians, archivists, economists, and philosophers. Each article incorporates the most recent research on Madison and his contemporaries and includes a brief bibliography. The volume contains numerous black-and-white illustrations drawn from the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress as well as documents from the James Madison Papers at the Library of Congress and numerous maps.
Since Madison's life spans eight decades, from 1751 to 1836, the encyclopedia covers most key events and figures in American history from the Continental Congress through the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. Madison knew all presidents before 1837 (he served as Secretary of State to Thomas Jefferson) and corresponded with many of them during his retirement in Montpelier, Virginia.
The encyclopedia offers the most detailed coverage of Madison himself, including seven articles on his life and career. Separate articles cover his wife, Dolley, whom he married in 1794 after an introduction by Aaron Burr, and numerous other family members. Illustrations of Madison include photographs, miniatures, silhouettes, engravings, portraits, and etchings. Articles on Madison's contemporaries tend to be succinct and focus on their relationship to him. Thus, the 1-page article on George Washington describes Madison's role as his adviser. That on John Adams focuses on their profound disagreements about the nature of government. An article on the University of Virginia describes Madison's role as rector from 1826 to 1834.
The appendix includes texts of several documents drafted by Madison, such as the Constitution of 1787. A detailed chronology contrasts key events of Madison's life with other events in America and the world and ends with the death of Dolley Madison in 1849. A synoptic outline of contents provides an overview of the conceptual scheme of the encyclopedia and makes it easy to explore related topics. There is a detailed index. Overall, this is an excellent example of a one-volume encyclopedia that should prove useful to a broad audience, from high-school students to professional historians
Price: $89.87