Jefferson New Biography by Bernstein

i found this single volume edition to be well researched and well written. If you want a good comprehensive short biography that is eminently readable, then this is it. Since I was reading some of Jefferson's original work that the time (Notes on the State of Virginia, Rights of British America Asserted and some exchanges of letters to Madison while he was at the Constitutional Convention)it actually felt some days that I had actually spoken to him. I know that sounds weird but this was the third Jefferson bio in a row that I had read not counting Jefferson's original work. I am working on the last volume in the biographical series by Dumas Malone.

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.