Becoming Madison: the extraordinary origins of the least likely founding father

Description

In 1941 the historian Irving Brant wrote, “Among all the men who shaped the present government of the United States of America," Brant wrote, “the one who did the most is known the least." Brant concluded, “When a man rises to greatness in youth, it is with his youth that we should first concern ourselves." Seven decades have passed since Brant wrote those words. Yet, through the history's increasingly dusty lens, Madison has become ever more a stranger. The default impression of Madison remains as remote and severe as the title of a 1994 book: If Men Were Angels: James Madison and the Heart.;"Our passions are like torrents" -- The good doctor -- A nexus imperii -- The high tract of public life -- "The annals of heaven" -- "If this be treason, make the most of it!" -- Suspending his intellectual functions -- All men are equally entitled -- Councilor to Governor Henry -- "Distrust of the public ability" -- A defect of adequate statesmen -- The "coercive power" -- A sad reunion -- Kitty -- A remonstrance -- Solitude and reform -- "A little rebellion" -- The vices -- "On my right & left hand" -- The campaign begins -- Several mad freaks -- Ratification in Richmond -- Extremely feeble -- Bugbears and hobgoblins -- The revelations of Zachariah Johnson -- Retaliation -- Sedition.