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 • “Fascinating.” —H. W. Brands • “Captivating... Highly recommended.”—Nathaniel Philbrick • “A luminous portrait of the most underappreciated of our Founders.”—Joel Richard Paul • “Excellent.”—Library Journal (starred review) 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 Congress's 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 re-creates the epic sweep of Monroe’s 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 nation’s capital and burned down the Executive Mansion; and Monroe’s 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 Washington's 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 Monroe's own time, to conjure up this fascinating portrait of an essential American statesman and president.

"All major founders of the American nation have modern documentary collections - with the notable exception of James Monroe. Yet Monroe was not a minor figure, having served as Minister to France, Minister to Great Britain, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War. Despite his major role in early American history, James Monroe has been the subject of limited scholarship, due largely to the difficulty of locating his papers, especially in a published collection. Most Monroe scholarship is based on only 25% of his papers and a great mass of material - over 25,000 items - remains mostly unknown and unused ... until now. The 8-volume Papers of James Monroe project will fill a major gap in American history. Compiled and edited by Daniel Preston, the project will provide access to the massive and widely scattered Monroe Papers, enabling scholars to revisit Monroe's role in the birth and infancy of the United States"--Page [4] of volume 1 cover.

The former senator offers a provocative new assessment of the first "national security president"--James Monroe--remembered for being the last of the Virginia dynasty and for issuing the Monroe Doctrine.

This work examines James Monroe's attempt to craft a legacy as a champion of American republicanism. Monroe wanted to make the U.S. a beacon of republicanism around the world and secure his place as the republic's greatest diplomat.

An introduction to the life of James Monroe, an influential patriot during the American Revolution who became the nation's fifth president and was subsequently reelected.