The Autobiography of James Monroe

by James Monroe

First published in 1959, The Autobiography of James Monroe collects the compelling fragments of Monroe’s unfinished autobiography, written after his retirement from the presidency. The memoirs trace his boyhood, education, and experiences during his long service as a public servant before becoming president.Monroe vividly recalls his military experience in the Revolution, his law studiesat the College of William and Mary, and his service as aide to Governor Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. From the early days of his political career, Monroe writes with passion about his opposition to slavery and his support for the Western farmer. He discusses his controversial first mission to France as a young and inexperienced minister to a country in the throes of a revolution, as well assubsequent missions in which he served as the key negotiator with France forthe purchase of the Louisiana Territory.Originally edited by Stuart Gerry Brown, this new edition includes a foreword by historian and documentary editor William Ferraro. Ferraro considers the lasting influence of Brown’s edition on Monroe scholarship and surveys the most recent research, detailing the ways this founding father’s legacy continues to unfold.

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2011

About the author

James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States (1817-1825). His administration was marked by the acquisition of Florida (1819); the Missouri Compromise (1820), in which Missouri was declared a slave state; and the profession of the Monroe Doctrine (1823), declaring U.S. opposition to European interference in the Americas, as well as breaking all ties with France remaining from the War of 1812.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Thucydides and his Peloponnesian War, the author dies, leaving the rest of the story to Paul Harvey or perhaps Ammon. This unfinished autobiography left me feeling somewhat cheated for lack of anything about his time as President. Not that what is provided to the reader is all that riveting. When the time comes, I'll hire a good writer to write my autobiography. I know Ammon is supposed to be a little lackluster, but it's still considered the best. I'll start my reading tomorrow.

[Jerry Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a read for the faint of heart as it is not a page turner. However, the forward and the editor's note do help to illuminate more about the scholarly importance of this work. If you are wanting details about Monroe's perspective on negotiations during his diplomatic career up to around 1806, this is the book for you. The casual reader however may want to opt for another book on Monroe.