Traces the life and contributions of the sickly child with the small voice who grew up to become the fourth president of the United States.

Recounts the story of America's fourth president, known as the Father of the Constitution, describing his early life in Virginia and his many years of service in public office.

The third and fourth presidents have long been considered proper and noble gentlemen, with Thomas Jefferson's genius overshadowing James Madison's judgment and common sense. But in this revelatory book, both leaders are seen as men of their times, ruthless and hardboiled operatives in a gritty world of primal politics where they struggled for supremacy for more than fifty years.

Chronicles the life and career of the fourth American president, including his work constructing the U.S. Constitution, his role in shaping American politics, his influence on partisan journalism, and his leadership during the War of 1812.

Though he was soft-spoken and small in stature, James Madison had a keen intelligence and a deep passion for his country. A co-writer of the Constitution, Madison also deftly guided the young United States through the War of 1812. Learn about his journey from sickly youth to fourth president of the United States inside. Presidents of the U.S.A. chronicles the lives of our nation's leaders, including some of the most famous figures in American history....

"A descendant of a slave named Coreen, and-according to oral tradition-her owner, President James Madison, finally shares her family's story."--

In this powerful new work, drawing on countless primary sources, acclaimed historian Hugh Howard presents a gripping account of the War of 1812 as James and Dolley Madison experienced it.