Dolley Madison: Courageous First Lady (Historical American Biographies) [Library Binding]

Lynda Pflueger (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Historical American Biographies

A biography of the wife of James Madison, focusing on her role as this country's fourth First Lady.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-A look at one of this country's beloved historical figures. Pflueger recounts her subject's strict Quaker upbringing, family circumstances, her first marriage, and her marriage to James Madison. The author explains that Madison became known for her political acumen and her ability to smooth ruffled feathers and deal with politicians of both parties, that she defined the role of First Lady for future administrations, and that she inspired many with her gracious manners and patriotism. This is more detailed than Patricia Quiri's Dolly Madison (Watts, 1993; o.p.). Sidebars provide interesting facts and black-and-white illustrations provide visual support. An excellent addition for those who are interested in this striking woman.
Debbie Feulner, Northwest Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

This latest entry in the Historical American Biographies series is a one-dimensional treatment of the wife of the fourth president of the United States. Pflueger (Stonewall Jackson, 1997) begins by describing how Dolley Madison courageously refused to leave Washington, D.C., in August 1814 when British troops were approaching, intent on saving her husband's presidential papers and a valuable portrait of George Washington. That vignette is the last evidenceand discussionof her courage. Dolley was raised as a Quaker and sent to a Quaker school, which was unusual for girls at that time. At her father's bidding, she married a lawyer, John Todd, but Todd and one of two sons died during a yellow fever epidemic. She was 26 when she married James Madison (he was 43) and became ``the sixth member of her family to be disowned by the Society of Friends'' for marrying outside her faith. Dolley began wearing stylish clothes to please her husband and also entertained often; Pflueger sums up Dolley Madison's importance as ``our nation's greatest hostess. She defined the role of First Lady for future presidents' wives and inspired them with her gracious manners and patriotism.'' But what about her father's bankruptcy and outcast status, or that Dolley's son was in debtor's prison, an alcoholic who forged a will in an attempt to contest Dolley's? These details are glossed over and will leave readers wondering about the superficial treatment of an obviously complex person. (b&w reproductions, maps, chronology, notes, glossary, further reading, index) (Biography. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766010929
• ISBN-13: 978-0766010925
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,957,340 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable and accurate biography of this fascinating lady, January 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dolley Madison: Courageous First Lady (Historical American Biographies) (Library Binding)

I was fortunate to be one of the readers for this book before it was published. I found it to be very good and accurate. Maybe as the review above states every detail of Dolley's complex life is not examined but then again this is a book geared for young adults and not meant to be a comprehensive biography.

Kenneth M. Clark
Historian
The James Madison Museum