Liberty and Learning: The Essential James Madison [Hardcover]

Philip Bigler (Author), Annie Lorsbach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0615230717 | ISBN-13: 978-0615230719

Although James Madison was intimately involved in the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, served as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, and was a two-term President, contemporary Americans know so little about James Madison and his work, that he is often referred to as the forgotten founder. Liberty & Learning celebrates the 200th Anniversary of James Madison's Presidency and provides a logical and compelling case that Madison is the most advanced political theorist in American History.
Liberty and Learning: the Essential James Madison sets the record straight. In this highly readable account of James Madison's life and times, author Philip Bigler, director of the James Madison Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia, explores specific themes such as Madison s belief in public education, his advocacy of religious freedom, his Constitutional philosophy, and his essential belief in republicanism. Bigler also deals directly with Madison s failure in regards to slavery.
Highly informative and authoritative appendices highlight interesting facts about James and Dolley Madison and provide relevant information about Madison s life and contributions to the American republic. Complete with color illustrations, bibliography and index, Liberty and Learning: the Essential James Madison makes Madison's relevance to contemporary society clear. With the Constitution remaining the essential foundation of our republican form of government, the principles that guided Madison responsible government, the rule of law, the right to free and open debate, the separation of power, and the nobility of public service are as significant today as ever.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bigler is the author of four other books including: In Honored Glory, Washington in Focus and Hostile Fire. In 1998 he was selected as National Teacher of the Year. He is currently Director of the James Madison Center at James Madison University. He lives with his wife in the Shenandoah Valley.

Philip Bigler worked as a historian at Arlington National Cemetery from 1983 to 1985. During that period, his duties included presidential visits, VIP tours, preservation of documents and artifacts, documentation of ceremonial events, special research for the French Government, the Interment of the Vietnam Unknown, and maintenance of the cemetery s history. He has appeared on ABC's Nightline, CBS Radio's Newsmark with Charles Osgood, Voice of America, CNN, and various other radio and TV news programs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Vandamere Pr (March 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615230717
• ISBN-13: 978-0615230719
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In 1998, Mr. Bigler (www.philipbigler.com) was selected as the National Teacher of the Year during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House hosted by then President, Bill Clinton. A highly acclaimed history teacher for over 30 years, Bigler is widely recognized for his innovative methods, use of technology and commitment to teaching. He is a sought after keynote speaker and has appeared on numerous television programs including Late Night with David Letterman, Good Morning America, and Nightline. Bigler is the author of six books and is currently working on his seventh. Tentatively entitled Scandalous Son, the book is the fascinating but tragic story of James Madison's step son, Payne Todd. It is scheduled for publication during the spring of 2011.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get to Know James Madison, November 28, 2010

By 

P. R. Smith "Always curious" (Richmond IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Liberty and Learning: The Essential James Madison (Hardcover)

If you want to get to know James Madison, this is the book to read. Divided into topical sections that address events that influenced Madison and events that he influenced, "Liberty and Learning" will leave you better understanding why and what he believed and how he went about converting it into action. It is not a lengthy book, but it packs a lot of information into its pages that clearly define the life of James Madison. I found it to be easy reading that maintained my interest throughout. I have read several books that mention James Madison in varying degrees, but "Liberty and Learning" brought it all together. Unfortunately, there has not been a lot written about James Madison and considering the key roles he played in the early formation of this nation, he deserves both more scholarly writings and greater recognition. Madison is a person who made a difference in what this great nation is today. Learning more about who he was and what he did is a worthwhile undertaking.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not academic, more like a high school book, June 4, 2011

By 

asp - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Liberty and Learning: The Essential James Madison (Hardcover)

i was looking for an academic treatment, this is not it.
just thought id share this knowledge with other purchasers

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars political correctness, March 23, 2011

By 

jfish - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Liberty and Learning: The Essential James Madison (Hardcover)

the politically correct comments regarding this founding father are best ignored.the cheap shots discredit only those foolish enough to judge another.