The Autobiography of James Monroe

First published in 1959, The Autobiography of James Monroe collects the compelling fragments of Monroe’s unfinished autobiography, written after his retirement from the presidency. The memoirs trace his boyhood, education, and experiences during his long service as a public servant before becoming president.
Monroe vividly recalls his military experience in the Revolution, his law studies
at the College of William and Mary, and his service as aide to Governor Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. From the early days of his political career, Monroe writes with passion about his opposition to slavery and his support for the Western farmer. He discusses his controversial first mission to France as a young and inexperienced minister to a country in the throes of a revolution, as well as
subsequent missions in which he served as the key negotiator with France for
the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
Originally edited by Stuart Gerry Brown, this new edition includes a foreword by historian and documentary editor William Ferraro. Ferraro considers the lasting influence of Brown’s edition on Monroe scholarship and surveys the most recent research, detailing the ways this founding father’s legacy continues to unfold.

Stuart Gerry Brown was professor of American civilization in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He is the author of many books, including The Social Philosophy of Josiah Royce.
William M. Ferraro is managing editor of The Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia. Previously, he served as a documentary editor for the first two volumes of The Salmon P. Chase Papers and contributed to thirteen volumes of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant.