An authoritative life of a man who had an important part in formulating our government, who served in Congress, was Minister to Spain, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, envoy to England, when revolution in France threatened difficulties, and governor of New York. A man of rugged individualism, of piety without melancholy, of self assurance. Interestingly written, but lacking the romantic and dramatic touch many readers of biography demand. Appeal primarily to men interested in American politics.