A Companion to James Madison and James Monroe

Stuart Leibiger has assembled a useful volume that covers the lives and careers of two important Americans: James Madison and James Monroe. The collection of essays that compose A Companion to James Madison and James Monroe reminds us of the importance of these two Virginians—especially Monroe—to the early American republic. Unlike Madison, Monroe has not received adequate scholarly attention, and this volume partly serves as a much-needed corrective. The book consists of thirty-two essays that generally approach the lives of the two men chronologically. While there are a few essays that are thematic, the chronological approach was a smart choice because it invites readers to experience the volume as a book rather than a collection of essays. Those who read the book in its entirety will essentially enjoy a dual biography. The first nineteen chapters explore the life, career, and political philosophy of Madison. As the editor insightfully acknowledges, James Madison's pre-presidential career was arguably as important as—if not more important than—his presidency. This observation is amazing, considering that Madison served two terms as chief executive and took the nation into its first declared war. (p. 2

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