In 1938 this author commenced to write a biography of James Madison which turned into six volumes. In 1970 he published this single volume collapsing six volumes into one. I have read that this is the first modern biography of Madison. Reading up on James Madison seems to make this book mandatory reading.
This book is dry reading--- a linear summary of what Madison did and when he did it without much analysis. I see its worth as a basic barebones summary of his life.
Like the other Southern Founders Madison grew up in a slavery culture. Unfortunately Brant says nothing about this.
In 1769 Madison horseback rides 300 miles to the College of New Jersey with a slave named Sawney. Imagine going off to college with a slave! P. 10
On March 18, 1780 he arrives in Philadelphia to to take his seat in the Continental Congress accompanied by his "servant" Billey. P. 49
Shyness and a weak voice kept him from taking the floor for six months. Paper money depreciation was the issue of the day. P. 49-50
Congressional depreciation of powers was the root of the paper money issue. P. 51
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