Today, I have a book giveaway perfect for Father's Day! Now, normally I stick to YA, MG, and Picture Books here at Word Spelunking, but the very awesome people at Viking and Penguin contacted me about hosting a giveaway for JAMES MADISON: A Life Reconsidered, a book perfect for the dads out there that love history, reading, politics, and so much more, and I couldn't resist bringing this giveaway to y'all! Below, you can learn more about this much raved about book and enter two win a gorgeous copy...
James Madison: A Life Reconsidered
by Lynne Cheney
5/6/14
Viking Adult
$36.00
A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New York Times bestselling author Lynne Cheney
This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.
Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states—so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers—helped shape the country Americans live in today.
Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the country’s history—the Democratic Republicans. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence—and remain a republic still.
This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.
Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states—so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers—helped shape the country Americans live in today.
Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the country’s history—the Democratic Republicans. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence—and remain a republic still.
WHO: Lynne Cheney, wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney, is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She is the author or co-author of twelve books, includes six bestsellers about American history for children and their families. Cheney’s most recent book is We the People: The Story of Our Constitution (2008).
WHAT: Cheney, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, has been studying Madison since 1987, when she was a member of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution. She has spent the last five years immersed in Madison archival materials, and the result is a lively, intimate, and compelling narrative that takes the reader through the history-altering events in which Madison played key roles. He was not only the Father of the Constitution, but the leader of the first Congress and President Washington’s most influential advisor. He used both positions and a political savvy unmatched since to secure passage of the Bill of Rights. In 1812, he became the first president to lead the nation in war under the Constitution, and he was not only as steady a commander-in-chief as the nation has ever known, he was a friend of liberty, refusing to silence those opposed to war, although many pressed him to do so.
WHY: Father of the Constitution, principle author of the Bill of Rights, founder of the first opposition party, secretary of state, and fourth president, Madison was both a far-seeing theorist and a masterful politician, who despite all he accomplished has been overshadowed by other Founders. Mrs. Cheney covers the sweep of Madison’s significant life, exploring his deeds, his mind, and his character to reveal the brilliance and determination that enabled this seemingly modest man to change the world. Debunking the myths that have burdened his reputation, she shows us the Madison lauded by his famous contemporaries—Washington, Adams, Jefferson—and loved by his glamorous wife, Dolley.
PRAISE for James Madison: A Life Reconsidered
“Lucidly written… this is probably the best single volume bio of Madison that we now have.”
—Gordon Wood, New York Times Book Review
“The book is a lovingly researched tribute to an often-underestimated man. It does not explicitly refer to modern controversies. But present-day politics intrudes.”
—The Economist
“Cheney might have written a book that made Madison a prop in today’s political battles. She did not, which is greatly to her credit and true to the life of the man.”
—Washington Post
“Meticulously researched, richly detailed look at the life and times of Madison, former Second Lady Cheney fleshes out the achievements and struggles of this American founding father…authoritative, conversational, certainly confident in its analysis.”
—Publishers Weekly 
“A proficiently argued account for Madison’s greatness.”
—Kirkus Reviews
"With this compelling, elegant, original biography, Lynne Cheney brings the great, elusive James Madison back to life, reminding us of how powerfully this brilliant Founder’s political and intellectual leadership has shaped the course of American history. In this era in which Madison is too often eclipsed by more histrionic Founders, Cheney shows us his crucial, fascinating relationships with Dolley, Thomas Jefferson and an all-star cast, and lets us witness the growth of a world-changing political philosopher. Her book demonstrates why Madison deserves to stand near the center of our early American firmament.”
—Michael Beschloss, author of The Conquerors and Presidential Courage
“James Madison did as much to put his stamp on the nation as any of the founders, yet too rarely is he given his due in the pantheon of America’s statesman. In this stunning, brilliant work, Lynne Cheney rectifies this glaring oversight, and brings Madison to life as never before. Written with subtlety and grace, the book is as groundbreaking as it is fresh, as enthralling as it is compulsively readable. It is nothing short of a masterpiece that deserves to be in the bookshelf of every history buff!”
—Jay Winik, author of April 1865 and The Great Upheaval
"After more than 25 years working on the Madison Papers, it's not often that I read something about him that is fresh and engaging, and discovers new aspects of his life and character. Cheney's exploration of Madison's health issues, not only as a young man, but throughout his career, is imaginative and groundbreaking. Her writing is both fluid and polished; the tone is measured and judicious; there isn't a strident note in the whole book. And, an added plus, her treatment of Madison as a political actor is informed by a sophisticated knowledge of politics, without in any way being presentist.”
—David B. Mattern, Research Professor and Senior Associate Editor, Papers of James Madison, University of Virginia
Win a gorgeous hardcover copy of James Madison: A Life Reconsidered (worth almost $40), to keep or give as a gift!
Viking will ship the book (to you or gift recipient) in time for
Father's Day.
DETAILS
-US only (no PO Boxes)
-will end 5/31
-must be 13+, one free entry per person
-winner will have 48 hours to claim prize
-Word Spelunking is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen prizes
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I would give it to my father to read and then I would ask to borrow it back.
ReplyDeleteI would give it to my oldest son, he would like this.
ReplyDeleteI would probably keep it. I enjoy history and nearly majored in history in college. Alana
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly read it, I'm not sure if I'd keep it or not after that. If I enjoyed it a lot I know a few other people who would be interested. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI would read it first then pass it along to one of my former professors from my university who is very much into American history and who would genuinely enjoy reading it. I would hope that he would pass it on to one of his former or current students who would enjoy it as well.
ReplyDeleteIf I should win this book, I would give it to my husband for Father's Day. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteFor my husband,&Athens I ,would read it.
ReplyDeleteI would give it to my mother to read and then I would ask to borrow it back.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely give it to my hubby. He would LOVE this book.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely surprise my dad with this book for Father's Day. We'd both read it because he'd certainly lend it to me when he was finished!
ReplyDelete