My book club reads nonfiction American history books set between Jamestown and Jefferson's inauguration, but we've been interested in reading more about some of our early Presidents. Jay Cost's book on James Madison felt like the perfect bridge book to get us from our "usual" time period to another President we want to know more about, John Quincy Adams. This was also the most I had read about the War of 1812, so it was great getting to learn more about a war I'm less familiar with.

Structure/formatting 4.5/5
I wish this book had an appendix of the Federalist Papers, or at least included the ones the author most-referenced. I have not read the Federalist papers, and the author generally referred to them by their number. I was able to get the overall intention of each paper, but having the full text would have greatly increased my understanding without having to have a second book as a reference.

Thoroughness of research 5/5
It is very clear that Jay Cost has studied Madison and his contemporaries. This book also made me want to get to the author's dual biography of Hamilton and Madison sooner because of how he was framing their relationship in this book.

Storytelling 4/5
This book has a very narrow focus when it comes to Madison. I tend to prefer all-encompassing biographies that paint a fuller picture. As a result, this book felt like it glossed over some points or some relationships I would have loved more elaboration on. Even Dolley barely gets page-time in this book. It was a great read, but after visiting Montpelier for the first time last summer, I was hoping for a more comprehensive biography.

Enjoyment 4.5/5
Fantastic book. I just wanted a little more out of it as a biography.

Prior knowledge needed 4/5
As mentioned with the structure and the storytelling, this book expects you to know a little bit already about who Madison was and his role in early American history, especially in regards to the Federalist papers. Names of his friends and rivals will also regularly be mentioned, but because the book is strictly focused on Madison, often further explanation on their relationships are skipped. Being a little familiar with the time period and the people involved in the formation of the Constitution would be very helpful before reading this book, but you could get by with just being familiar with the characters that appear in "Hamilton."

A dense but largely readable biography of America's fourth president, with a keen eye towards his political writings and philosophy. Best for learned readers interested in what writers influenced Madison's ideas at the convention rather than drama with Dolly or other aspects of his personal life, but for those interested in Madison as a figure of political science, rather than (or in addition to) simply history, will not be disappointed.

James Madison is portrayed in most history books as a fastidious, solemn, joyless man...and he's not exactly presented as the life of the party in Cost's book, but I feel like I left with a much greater appreciation of him as a person, as well as his role in American history.

An excellent biography of one of the most important and underrated Presidents in American History. In today's environment of revisionist history and national unmoorings to our founding ideals, every American would be well served to read this book. In Madison, we find America in its purist form. A must-read!!!

A magnificent portrait of one of the most influential figures among the original founding fathers from his important role crafting the US Constitution after the Wars of Independence, his co-authorship of the Federalist Papers and the US Bill of rights and his political accomplishments as Secretary of State and also 4th president of the young Republic.
An engrossing analysis of the birth of American politics and diplomacy and a compelling biography of one of the most brilliant American intellectuals at the beginning of the Republic. A must read for anyone interested in early US history.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Basic Books for this terrific ARC

Jay Cost is always worth reading and usually has interesting, thoughtful political analysis to offer. His "James Madison" does not disappoint. While a lot has been written about Madison, Cost really pushes back against the common criticisms of the founder. Cost writes admiringly of Madison, fighting to preserve his historical reputation in what is a fascinating, revisionist history. Cost knows his stuff and this is a brilliant book that will help redeem Madison against many of his detractors in academia.