James Madison and the Making of America

February 27, 2012
Gutzman's account of the man many consider to be the Father of the Constitution is a meticulously researched work, relying on primary sourcesâmost notably Madison's own extensive writings, including his famous Federalist Papers. However, the book is punishingly dull for the general reader, with an account of the Philadelphia Convention that runs beyond 80 pages, including many lines similar to this one: "When the convention next met, on Monday, May 28, a rule allowing any member to call for yeas and nays to be recorded on any vote was debated." Gutzman (coauthor, Who Killed the Constitution?) is unable to edit his play-by-play, as though he was recording it live instead of hundreds of years later. Madison's wife, the controversial Dolley, appears only briefly, but Madison's friendship with Thomas Jefferson gets some attention. Gutzman provides occasional comment on the proceedingsâhe notes that Alexander Hamilton was "never one to tire of hearing his own voice"âbut by the time one reads that the relatively obscure Marbury vs. Madison was "perhaps the most famous judicial decision in American history"âan assertion that some might rebukeâit's clear that the author is too close to his subject to bring an editorial eye to either the man or his work. Scholars of the time will greatly appreciate Gutzman's attention to detail and make up the bulk of his readership. B&W photos. (Jan.)