Labunski, Richard. James Madison and the struggle for the Bill of Rights.

LABUNSKI, Richard. James Madison and the struggle for the Bill of Rights. Read by Richard Poe. 10 tapes. 11.5 hrs. Recorded Books. 2006. 1-4281-0297-3. $89.75.Vinyl; content, reader notes. A

James Madison, a 5'4" shy intellectual, served as America's fourth president from 1809 to 1817. His tenure was fairly unremarkable. However, had it not been for James Madison, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights might not have been ratified. At 25 he served in the first Virginia state convention and he became the youngest member of the Continental Congress in 1780, where he took notes that form a great part of this book. He helped ratify the Constitution by coauthoring The Federalist with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton and used his debating expertise to defeat his fellow Virginian Patrick Henry, who was opposed to the Constitution. Madison also led the opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts and served as Jefferson's secretary of state. Labunski's detailed look at Madison's political career will appeal to AP history students and anyone interested in the Constitution. Much of the text is drawn from primary sources such as Madison's voluminous notes, letters from 17th-century notables, and speeches.

Poe narrates with the intelligence the complex text requires, giving personality to the historical characters involved. "The Father of the Constitution" was also the father of the Bill of Rights and the final chapter is devoted to a discussion of the First Amendment. This thorough analysis of a critical time in American history is a must. It emphasizes the tenuous nature of our early democracy. Janet Julian, English Teacher (retired), Grafton, MA

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.