Presidential Biographies in memory of Regina

[Joy D]

I own a copy so I can join the buddy read whenever everyone is ready.

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "My library does not have it, so I will have to order through inter-library-give me a heads up 2 weeks or so prior and I am in"

You got it. I don't have it yet either.

[Joanne]

Yea! A book-buddy party!

[Jgrace]

Joanne wrote: "My library does not have it, so I will have to order through inter-library-give me a heads up 2 weeks or so prior and I am in"

Mornings on Horseback was one of the first audiobooks that I listened to. Back in the day when I rented from Recorded Books. It was the 'freebie' when I decided to subscribe. I enjoyed every minute of it. I listened during my only free time, driving to anywhere at all so my year old son would finally take a nap. David McCullough may be the only nonfiction writer who could have kept the attention of my sleep deprived brain,

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "Yea! A book-buddy party!"

None of my 3 libraries have it in ebook -- one has it in audiobook but that's not for me. I'm planning a round of visits to favorite indie bookstores and maybe an adventure to a 'new to me' one in Brooklyn over the 4th of July weekend as a reward for all the intense work this past couple of months. One of them, Book Culture on W. 112th Street, is an academic one as it services Columbia Univeristy and all its colleges, thus also providing course books and gently used books at a good discount. I'm hoping to find a used copy there and also see if they have any of the French & Indian War histories we have been looking at reading. I'd like to get a sense of those before picking one to suggest.

Stay tuned....

[Joy D]

You can probably find a used copy on e-Bay for a decent price if you're so inclined. I have bought several books that way.

[Theresa]

Joy D wrote: "You can probably find a used copy on e-Bay for a decent price if you're so inclined. I have bought several books that way."

I use ABE Books a lot for that. It is my backup plan. However I was already planning this jaunt to include looking at copies of French-Indian war histories, figuring that particular Book Culture likely to have a good selection. Adding Teddy just expands tge purchase options there. ☺

[Theresa]

I was in a bookstore today and checked out The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. It looks excellent and spot read well. Lots of photos too. It is fat..and smallish print - it was a trade paperback. I would personally opt for ebook. But looks quite good.

Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt, which I will soon be reading soon, is much shorter and David McCullough's writing feels a bit casual and rushed compared to Morris. I suspect that some day in future I will tackle the Morris.

[Joy D]

Theresa wrote: "I was in a bookstore today and checked out The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. It looks excellent and spot read well. Lots of photos too. It is fat..and s..."
I just got a recommendation on this one from a friend who is a big history buff.

[Jen K]

Since I'm behind, I'm cheating a bit and reading Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to cover Adams and Jefferson in one book. They are a fascinating pair. I look forward to learning more.

[Booknblues]

Jen K wrote: "Since I'm behind, I'm cheating a bit and reading Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to cover Adams and Jefferson in one book. They are a fascinating pair. I look forwa..."

Doing something similar by reading Madison and Jefferson. I've read biographies of Washington and Adams previously, so decided to opt out of those. This is a big chuncker so may take forever.

[Jen K]

Booknblues wrote: "Jen K wrote: "Since I'm behind, I'm cheating a bit and reading Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to cover Adams and Jefferson in one book. They are a fascinating pair..."

That one looks good too! I'm half tempted to read that one too and then compare how Jefferson is portrayed in each relationship...

[Joy D]

I am on a waiting list at the library for this book on Madison:
James Madison: America's First Politician by Jay Cost

[Joy D]

Finished my biography of James Madison. After being behind, I am now a little ahead of schedule, which is good because I am having trouble locating much on James Monroe.

I liked this book quite a bit, but the writing is not on the same level as, say, Rick Atkinson or David McCullough or Ron Chernow.

It is a cradle to grave biography of James Madison, focused on his contributions to the US Constitution, the Federalist Papers, Bill of Rights, and overall political acumen. It follows his career progression through state office in Virginia, member of Congress, Secretary of State, and two terms as President. The interplay among personalities of Madison, Hamilton, and Jefferson are explored in depth. It covers at a high level the War of 1812 and some of the mistakes made by Madison in that conflict. The author takes a fact-based analytical approach, which leaves Madison’s personality in the background. It is not quite as much fun to read as some of my favorite non-fiction wordsmiths, but still insightful and worthwhile.

James Madison: America's First Politician by Jay Cost - 4* - My Review

Link to PBT review:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

As a companion piece, I recommend a book about the later days of the War of 1812, which features Madison prominently (and Monroe, too, to a lesser degree). Walter Lord was a wonderful writer, and this book really brings to life what the War of 1812 was like.

The Dawn's Early Light by Walter Lord - 4* - My Review

[Rachel N.]

I'm still working on my Jefferson book, about a hundred pages to go. I've had a lot going on and the book isn't as well written as the John Adams book but I'll hopefully finish it this month. For Monroe I think I'm going to go with James Monroe: A Life. Of course I have to read Madison first, I'm going to read James Madison: A Biography.

[Joanne]

Theresa wrote: "I was in a bookstore today and checked out The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. It looks excellent and spot read well. Lots of photos too. It is fat..and s..."

Let me know when you plan to read Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt Theresa, I have been wanting to pick it up for awhile now

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I was in a bookstore today and checked out The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. It looks excellent and spot read well. Lots of photos too. ..."

I was just coming here to post! August. I am purchasing and downloading a copy this weekend. Shall we set up a buddy read in case others want to join?

[Joy D]

I am not there yet - still working on Monroe - or I would join you.

[Joy D]

Rachel N. wrote: "I'm still working on my Jefferson book, about a hundred pages to go. I've had a lot going on and the book isn't as well written as the John Adams book but I'll hopefully finish it this month. For M..."
I am going to see if I can find the Tim McGrath book. I've looked in my usual places, but no luck yet. I like to get these from the library or used bookstore since they tend to be pricey.

[Theresa]

Joy D wrote: "I am not there yet - still working on Monroe - or I would join you."

Unless you are willing to read out of order.... also this does not cover his presidency, only time before which particularly interests me.

[Joy D]

True. I may join you and read another about his presidency when he comes up in sequence.

[Rachel N.]

I finished Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty just in time to start my Madison book and still stay on schedule :-). It was definitely a drier read than my previous two biographies. Here's my review:

This book does give a thorough account of Jefferson's life. The author is a history professor and it shows in his writing which is mostly dry and academical. The author spends a lot of time covering the fact that at times Jefferson made attempts to end slavery while being a slave holder himself. There is also an interesting chapter about Jefferson's involvement with the creation of the University of Virginia. Very little time is given to Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings. The author at wast admit they did have children together but he continually stated it was a love match between them with no factual basis and is something I find to be highly unlikely. The author also doesn't spend much time on Jefferson's relationships with Adams, Monroe or Madison.

[Joy D]

I am up to Monroe. I plan to read:
The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation's Call to Greatness

I haven't started yet - still working on books for the "favorites" tag for Sept. I'll likely read it in October.

[Theresa]

Reminder: buddy read for Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt is active HERE

[Rachel N.]

Still staying on track if barely. Looking forward to starting my Monroe book today.

James Madison: A Biography-Ralph Louis Ketcham 3 stars

This book is a very comprehensive biography of the fourth president of the U.S.
The good: The part of the book detailing the writing of the U.S. constitution was fascinating. The biographies of the first three presidents I read didn't have much at all about the constitution and it was information I didn't know. The sections covering Madison's time as secretary of state to Jefferson and the War of 1812 while Madison was president were also very well done and informative.
The bad: Sometimes the author goes into too much detail, especially at the beginning of the book. The book starts with Madison's family tree going back multiple generations which was boring and confusing because people's names kept getting thrown in and after a bit I didn't know who anyone was. There was also a very long section detailing everything Madison studied in college. A little info to help show how his ideas developed was needed but this was overkill.
Overall: I recommend the book but unless you are extremely interested in Madison I suggest skimming or skipping the first few chapters.

[Joy D]

Finished my biography of Monroe. Did not find many options and was worried this would be dry, but after a slow start it picked up and I enjoyed it:
The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation's Call to Greatness by Harlow Giles Unger - 4* - My Review

After a rather dry Prologue, this book picks up and provides a great deal of information about the life of James Monroe, the last president to participate in the Revolutionary War. It covers Monroe’s service under Washington, his legal practice, designation as ambassador to France and Great Britain, role in the War of 1812, and Presidency. It also covers his personal life – his marriage to Elizabeth Courltland, children, and friendships with both James Madison and John Quincy Adams. I particularly enjoyed learning about his family’s role in assisting the family of the Marquis de Lafayette escape harm in the French Revolution.

We learn more about the expansion of the American territories, Monroe’s role in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase, and development of the Monroe Doctrine. There are a few downsides. This book takes a rather antiquated view of the impact of westward expansions on the indigenous people. I am also puzzled as to why it was necessary to denigrate the contributions of James Madison, Monroe’s predecessor, regularly referring to his short stature and “sickliness.” I am reading the Presidential biographies in order, and found very few options for Monroe, but this turned out to be informative and interesting.

[Joy D]

Up next is:
John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life - there were a few to choose from, but this one relies heavily on his personal journals.

[Rachel N.]

I'm about halfway through my Monroe book. He's just about to become secretary of state for Madison. Joy, it's interesting that the book you read gave a lot of information about Monroe and Lafayette, the book I'm reading barely mentions it. The book I'm reading did spend a lot of time talking about Monroe's feud with Hamilton and about possible slave revolts.
Next up, won't be starting until December: John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit.

[Joy D]

It is interesting how different biographers emphasize different parts of a person's life. I think I may read others after I finish the entire list of past Presidents. I just finished but haven't reviewed the JQA book. The author, Nagel, has drawn the majority of the content from JQA's journals - he wrote extensively from the time he was a child until his death. The feud with Hamilton is mentioned but not probed in depth, likely since JQA did not write much about it in his journal. Same with the slave revolts, though it does mention his successful defense of the Amistad people who had been abducted from Africa illegally.

[Joy D]

Finished my book about John Quincy Adams:

John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life by Paul C. Nagel - 4* - My Review

Drawing on John Quincy Adams’s voluminous diaries, this narrative non-fiction provides insight into the character and actions of the sixth President of the US. The primary strength of this book is portraying what Adams was like as a person. As an extremely intelligent young man, he traveled and was educated in Europe, accompanying his father, John Adams, in his service as a US Ambassador. He comes across as complex, self-critical, stubborn, disciplined, religious, and honorable. He experienced episodes of depression, which occurred periodically throughout his life (at a time when very little could be done for it).

This work follows his entire life. It is written in a chronological, straight-forward manner. At a time when few Americans had the chance to travel extensively, JQA visited France, Spain, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, and Russia. He learned many languages and was fluent in French. The narrative covers his education at Harvard and his legal practice, which he viewed as a rather boring occupation. It covers his marriage to Englishwoman Louisa Johnson, children, and the death of his infant daughter in Russia. Two of his sons died in their thirties, one from an apparent suicide and the other from alcohol abuse.

It follows his service as a diplomat and political career, serving as Secretary of State under James Monroe. His presidency was one of the most difficult periods of his life, facing Congressional opposition and making several rather naïve mistakes. Afterward, he became a member of the House of Representatives and served in this capacity until his death at age 81.

I particularly enjoyed reading about his role in defending the slaves of the Amistad, his lifelong opposition to slavery, his poetry writings, and relationship with his mother, Abigail Adams. It lacks footnotes, but it is obvious that the majority of content came from JQA’s journals. As I continue my project of reading US presidential biographies in order, I am glad to have discovered this one.

Next up: Andrew Jackson, for which I plan to read:
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham.

[Rachel N.]

I finished my Monroe book

James Monroe: A Life by Tim McGrath 4 stars

An interesting and engaging book covering the life of the fifth U.S. president. Before starting my reading of presidential biographies the only thing I really remembered about Monroe was the Monroe Doctrine. There's much more to his life including fighting in the revolutionary war,negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase and Secretary of State/temporary head of defense under Madison. I also learned Monroe was the first president to set foot in my home state of Michigan. I definitely recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about Monroe.

Taking a couple days break then moving on to John Quincy Adams.

[Jason]

Has anyone seen this website?

best presidential bios . com / curriculum /

This guy reviews all the biographies. Scroll down to the President you want, click on Summary Review for that President. Each book will be reviewed. At the bottom of the page, he rates the Best, Most Entertaining and lets you know the Most Recent.

[Theresa]

Jason wrote: "Has anyone seen this website?

best presidential bios . com / curriculum /

This guy reviews all the biographies. Scroll down to the President you want, click on Summary Review for that President...."

I have dipped into that site and it is awesome...and I am not even doing this readaling!

[Rachel N.]

Jason wrote: "Has anyone seen this website?

best presidential bios . com / curriculum /

This guy reviews all the biographies. Scroll down to the President you want, click on Summary Review for that President...."

Jason I've been using that site to help me figure out which biography to read, especially for the presidents with lots of books written about them. It looks like after Jackson we head into presidents with not much written about them until we get to Lincoln.

[Joy D]

Yes, I have seen it and read a number of his reviews.

[Theresa]

I finished Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt and here's a link to Here's my 5 star review

I know you are all a long way from reading about Teddy but you are going to have a massive amount of options, including an autobiography (which leaves out huge bits of his life). McCullough's goal here is to show what made Teddy who he was - family, childhood, tragedy, NYC, travel. If my review helps you at the time, go for it. I thought it very informative, a good read and definitely show the 'why' behind those policies he championed and the gains he made as president.

[Rachel N.]

Finished my John Quincy Adams book just on time. Andrew Jackson coming up, should be quite different than the presidents so far.

John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit-James Traub 4 stars

An interesting biography of the sixth president of the united States. The book covers Adam's many diplomatic posts, his time as secretary of state, his one term presidency and time in the House. Adams is the only president to serve in the House after being president. I knew a bit about the diplomatic posts and time as secretary of state from previous presidential biographies. Adams presidency didn't accomplish much and was controversial. The most interesting part to me was Adams time in the House where he fought to allow petitions against slavery to be heard. I also didn't know he was a lawyer on the Amistad case. Adams wasn't the most personable of people but he did always stand by his beliefs which cost him a lot.

[Steven]

Appreciated your review. I read The Lost Founding Father: John Quincy Adams and the Transformation of American Politics. He was not by any stretch the most interesting of the founding fathers but he was steady. One can only imagine how hard it was to be a son of John and Abigail Adams.

[Joy D]

It is interesting the different tones of these biographies about the same person! He comes across as much more personable in the one I read (John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life).

For Andrew Jackson, I am planning to read:
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham. I am planning to read it in February and use it to blow out one of the Happy Birthday candles.

[Joy D]

Forgot to post here when I finished:
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham - 2/21/23 - 4* - My Review

Up next is Van Buren - not much is out there, but I found a short one.

[Rachel N.]

I started Martin Van Buren and the American Political System but it's a slow go. Not much action in van Buren's life, especially compared to Jackson, just a lot of politics.

[Joy D]

I haven't started yet but will be reading this one:
Martin Van Buren: A Fascinating Biography of the 8th United States President

We will see if it is indeed "fascinating" lol.

[Joy D]

So, I finished my book on Martin Van Buren, and was not impressed. When you look for a book about him, I'd look elsewhere.

Martin Van Buren: A Fascinating Biography of the 8th United States President by Steven Wallace - 2* - My Review

I did not find many choices for books about Martin Van Buren. This one is only adequate. It is a recitation of facts. There is no analysis. There is no evidence that the author searched for primary sources. It does not provide much of a sense of Van Buren’s personality or any insight into his decision making. One could read an encyclopedia entry or search the internet and get the same information. It is decently written but does not bring much to the table. I guess if you have to call your book “fascinating,” it probably isn’t. The upside is that it is short and to the point.

[Rachel N.]

Sorry your book wasn't very good Joy. Mine is a bit dry but it does give analysis of why VanBuren made certain decisions and there's a huge list of sources used. I've made it to the presidential election so I should be able to finish the book this month.

[Rachel N.]

Finished Martin Van Buren and the American Political System. Gave it 3 stars.

The author does a good job covering the life of the 8th president of the U.S. Van Buren through his work in New York helped revitalize the two party political system in the U.S. Reading about the presidents in order he's the first I would label as a politician in the modern sense of the word. There's a lot of detail about van Buren's political maneuvering but not much about his personality. The author does go into detail of why van Buren's presidency wasn't very effective, recession and getting bogged down in a fight for a national treasury. If you are interested in this period of time of like me are reading biographies of every president I would recommend this book.

Moving onto William Henry Harrison. My library didn't have much for him so I'll be reading William Henry Harrison.

[Joy D]

Sounds like your book on Van Buren was a bit better than mine.

There is not a lot at my library on Harrison, either. I found a book about Harrison that is being released in August that sounds interesting. Since Harrison's presidency was so short, I thought I'd read something from his earlier years:
Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation.

I think my library plans to stock this one, so I may get a little behind on our schedule, but I figure I can catch up pretty quickly.

[Rachel N.]

I finished William Henry Harrison by Gail Collins and gave it 3 stars.

I didn't have much choice on what to read for Harrison. This book is short but it does at least touch upon the main activities in Harrison's life. There was a bit too much time devoted to the presidential campaign and all the log cabin activities surrounding it. I didn't know that Harrison had been, briefly, the U.S. ambassador to Columbia. If you want to read biographies of every president as I'm doing this is a fine choice for a president who hasn't had much written about him.

I'm interested to see what you think of the one you're planning to read Joy once it comes out. Taking a few days break and moving on to Tyler.

[Theresa]

Is the author the same Gail Collins who is a journalist, editor at the NY Times and has written books on women's history?

[Rachel N.]

Theresa wrote: "Is the author the same Gail Collins who is a journalist, editor at the NY Times and has written books on women's history?"

Yes, same person.

[Theresa]

Rachel N. wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Is the author the same Gail Collins who is a journalist, editor at the NY Times and has written books on women's history?"

Yes, same person."

How interesting! It seems a little out of her wheelhouse. Or maybe just her current wheelhouse.