5th President President James Monroe. Library of Congress Terms: 1817-1825 Political Party: Democratic-Republican First Lady: Elizabeth Kortright Monroe Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins Overview ...

Author Tim McGrath has created a new dynamic and revealing biography, “James Monroe: A Life” (Dutton 752 pgs., $40) which fills the void and raises the biographical bar.

Jefferson added Monroe, 15 years his junior, to his collection of protégés, which also included James Madison. Jefferson guided Monroe’s reading, and gave him a French cook, Monsieur Partout.