Cheney's Virginia Dynasty details the lives and dramas that characterized Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, all of whom were born and raised within a sixty mile radius of each other and contributed mightily to establishing and expanding of our nation. If you are seeking to learn more about these dynamic, complicated men, her easy narrative combined with her extensive research is a terrific place to start. I particularly think her focus on their changing relationships over time and as it was affected by their positions and responsibilities is informative as well as entertaining. She includes an exhaustive list of citations for those who wish to read further. Full disclosure, I received a free ARC.

As adults representing four of the first five presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe called a 60 mile radius in Virginia home. Each embodied a skill which made the birth of the nation possible. Washington was the leader. Jefferson and Madison were articulate. Monroe portrayed diligence. While they worked together well at times, each maintained personal views that conflicted occasionally with one or all of the others.

Lynn Cheney’s latest offering, The Virginia Dynasty, recounts how this group of Virginians contributed to the rise of the United States from the early years of the war when Washington was crossing the Delaware with Monroe to the end of Monroe’s second term, thus ending the era of the Virginia Dynasty.

Because I read a multitude of history books about this time period I was not presented with much new information. However the choice of materials included and a different comparison to present the facts made this an interesting read. Consider this Virginia Dynasty an enlightening introduction to these early leaders of the United States.

The Virginia Dynasty captures the passions, ambitions and interactions among 4 of the first 5 presidents, all of whom were from Virginia. Why that matters, how they at times elevated, but at others competed to the point of hostility, is explained in a detailed tapestry that gives new context to the events surrounding the first crucial and delicate years of the new republic.
Lynne Cheney has written a masterpiece that explains how vitriol and political infighting were formative components of America from its beginning, That makes it so timely, and essential reading for both students of history and those who stand askance viewing our current deep and wide political schism.