James Monroe: The Quest for National Identity

This is one of the best biographies on the not only the life of James Monroe but on the development of the United States role in world affairs. The author clearly assesses not only the role that Monroe played but also the exogenous factors that led to the development of the country. By framing this through Monroe's life we can clearly see his development along with that of the country at clear and critical junctures. From the early days of the revolution to the diplomacy of Europe to his time as governor of Virginia Monroe clearly shaped the outcome of the United States. While not the philosopher that Jefferson or Madison was the legal theories and common sense diplomacy espoused by Monroe was necessary to set the path for growth that the country needed in the early eighteenth century. Overall it is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will answer the questions of those wondering how the identity of the nation was formed.

I read this book as part of my goal to read the established biography of every President. This was really an outstanding biography on what is clearly an underrated President. I would consider Monroe the Eisenhower of the 1800s. He did a lot and doesn't seem to get a lot of credit for it. I don't think credit was what Monroe was after. He played a key role in both the military and political history of the country and the author did a great job in depicting both. I especially liked the authors discussion of Monroe's role in reaching agreements with G.B., France, Spain, Russia, Portugal, etc. Obviously we all know about the Monroe Doctrine, but the author went into great detail in other key areas and detailed his relationships with other important men from his era. It may be longer than most would want to read, but if you want to read a really great book on a great President that is well constructed, flows well and is detailed enough to highlight the key and not so key aspects of a Presidency. This is the book on Monroe you should read.

Harry Ammon's work on James Monroe is a refreshing look at a forgotten patriot. As a Virginian, I have heard most about Washington, Henry, Jefferson, and Madison. Ammon shows Monroe as more than the little brother of the Revolutionary generation, and more than the kickstand for Madison and Jefferson he is sometimes seen as. Instead, we see a man who's philosophy of nationalism in defense of the country differed from his Virginia mentors. Ammon shows Monroe's unusual modesty for a man of his time. He formed one of the most remarkable and talented cabinet and proved to be a strong transition president from the old generation to the next. Ammon also makes a point to stay even and took points off Monroe for his lack of action on the economic crisis of 1819 and the Missouri Compromise. Great book on a great President. We must be remembered that Monroe was the only man besides GEORGE WASHINGTON to run for President unopposed.

As an amateur historian, I have set out to read a biography of each U.S. President. Harry Ammon's book was among the best that I read. Ammon presents history as a great story, filled with larger than life characters. The book clearly explains the politics of the day and gives the reader a definite understanding of the often overlooked President Monroe. This book is a triumph and an unexpected page-turner.

I was pleasantly surprised by Prof. Ammon's book. He has chronicled the life of one of the nation's more interesting, and yet overlooked, presidents - a Revolutionary War hero, diplomat and consensus builder. At least that's the Monroe that Ammon portrays. But it is not a fawning biography - although I suspect Ammon is sympathetic to Monroe. The best perspective I gained from it was the concept of how rough-and-tumble early U.S. politics were. The first quarter-century of the republic was not unlike the same time span in the developing nations of Africa between the early 1960s and mid-1980s, with its fears of coups and invasions and of the return to a monarchy. I recommend this book to everyone studying the presidency.