Monroe was perhaps the hardest working civil servant in our nation's history. He was a talented civic-minded, generous man seeking a legacy to match his betters, Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Monroe was just not a charismatic leader but he was gifted administrator. I respect Monroe and the sacrifices and devotion he held for this union. Saying that, this biography was well-written and delivered. While I do see Mr. Unger trying to elevate Monroe's legacy by overemphasizing Monroe's involvement in many events prior to his presidency, in the end, this is a good read. In many modern biographies I find a new rehash of the same facts any educated American historian already knows. Mr. Unger has a great writing style that maintains a flow in the narrative of Monroe's life and this book provided me with an increased respect for Monroe's devotion to his civic life.
This blog is maintained by a Texas social studies junior high school teacher in a search to find motivation and meaning for students and teachers of history. Technology, topics, books, strategies, artifacts, stories and more.....a personal quest for the ultimate junior high history course.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
James Monroe, The Last Founding Father by Unger
Monroe was perhaps the hardest working civil servant in our nation's history. He was a talented civic-minded, generous man seeking a legacy to match his betters, Washington, Jefferson and Madison. Monroe was just not a charismatic leader but he was gifted administrator. I respect Monroe and the sacrifices and devotion he held for this union. Saying that, this biography was well-written and delivered. While I do see Mr. Unger trying to elevate Monroe's legacy by overemphasizing Monroe's involvement in many events prior to his presidency, in the end, this is a good read. In many modern biographies I find a new rehash of the same facts any educated American historian already knows. Mr. Unger has a great writing style that maintains a flow in the narrative of Monroe's life and this book provided me with an increased respect for Monroe's devotion to his civic life.
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