James Madison

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10 The early history of our nation and the life of James Madison are so intertwined that a biography of this statesman is really a history of the period. A frail, shy man, well known for his writing ability rather than his oratory, Madison is revealed as a talented framer of the Constitution, an insightful member of the Jefferson Cabinet, as well as a rather weak president. Information about his marriage to Dolley, his close friendship with Jefferson, his scholarly approach to politics, and several rallies from ill health personalize this biography. However, the bulk of the content centers on the many contributions he made to his country as statesman and diplomat. Less detailed than Alfred Steinberg's James Madison (Putnam, 1965; o.p.), Banfield's book is more than adequate for inquisitive upper elementary and junior high students. The somewhat disjointed writing style is not a deterrent to purchase for libraries needing additional materials about constitutional history or updated biographies. The poorly reproduced illustrations will not captivate readers, but they will serve as a bit of reference. Miriam B. Hansen, formerly at Eau Claire Public Schools, Wis.