Dolly Madison

U.S. Landmark Books #47

by Jane Rothschild Mayer, Walter Buehr (Illustrator)

Book by Mayer

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History

185 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Lauren Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this biography and learning more about Dolly Madison. I began with a very limited surface knowledge of who she was, but was intrigued based upon what I knew. I actually ended up making several other relations with other moments in American history from reading this book and it was interesting to see how her life intersected with those events. I will say that a conversation would be required if a youth was reading this book because the author wrote with a “slaves liked being slaves” bias in describing their relationship with Dollys relations. I have heard that this is a common theme for all landmark series books, but still feel like the book has value, was well written, and should not be eliminated, but rather allow it to be a good jumping off point for discussion. This book whet my appetite to take a deeper dive into another work about the Madison family and what they contributed to America’s history.

[Aidan Durie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An in depth and entertaining account of one/if not the best first ladies life! Definetly a worthwhile read. As Mayer has a great aptitude for interweaving both the happenings of these moments in history from the writings and views of others with dolly's views and accounts of them; allowing for a deeper sense of immersion in these events. Additonally, we get to hear of the widespread environment "Gaiety" that Dolly brought to all of those who met her prescence. If you enjoy reading about American history, and are looking to hear about it in a new way, then this is a great "read" for you!
As for gripes I have with the book; most come down to the age of it. One of which being the diction. Some of the word choices are a "little" outdated, but that I feel can just be attributed to the time of release, as well as trying to match the time it is writing of. Another being time jumps at certain points, I undertstand that history isn't perfect, but at certain points, we can suddenly be 10 years or more further in her life with not much fluff inbetween. Either way, read this book, and enjoy the qoutes, and good info!

[Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is #47 in the American history Landmark book series. As a an elementary school student I did read many of the books in this series but this was not one of them. At that time in my life girls were not an interest so I chose to read about Daniel Boone, The Alamo, Pony Express, and other events of American history. But now that I have passed the half century mark, I have a goal to read this entire series. I enjoyed reading this book and learned details of US history I did not know before. Dolly Madison was the first of many influential First Ladies and lived during many interesting events in the first years of the United States. The author also wrote #26 Betsy Ross and the Flag which I enjoyed reading last year. I recommend both books to anyone wanting a quick read of important US history events.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides great insight into Dolly’s life! Excellent biography!

[RAW · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit more detail oriented than story but gave a nice picture of who she was and her impact during the time. Read aloud to Janna and might have been to advanced.

[Yaaresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a bunch of the Landmark series books as a kid. Our school library had a huge collection of them, so I just made my way down the shelves. I remember enjoying them, but I was too young at the time to question the narrative or the quality of writing. I just liked reading biographies and histories, and there wasn't a lot of interesting non-fiction for kids at that time. Most of what did exist was either boring or more myth than fact. (And these do suffer from a bit of the latter.)

Would I read it to kids today? Nah. The whole "Great White Race has God-given right to take, kill, abuse, and exploit whatever and whoever in the name of making America Great" slant doesn't sit well. It never did; we just were too indoctrinated in it to know better 50+ years ago when these came out. I'm rating them on the memory of enjoyment alone, not on accuracy or how they would go over today. Fortunately, kids today have a lot better from which to choose.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dolly Madison is a great book to continue to introduce any reader to the early development of our great country! It is just amazing to read about the life of Dolly and James Madison, how she saved precious historical items from the President's House before the British burned it to the ground in the war of 1812. Dolly is responsible for protecting our country's most important historical documents during that time, as well. It is also interesting to read books that connect content from other books I have read. I truly feel I am gaining knowledge to help me remember these people, what they were like and the accomplishments that attained. Anyone who wants to learn about the early development of our country would love the book Dolly Madison.