Reviews
"Walter Stahr has not only given us a meticulous study of the life of John Jay, but one very much in the spirit of the man. It is thorough, fair, consistently intelligent, and presented with the most scrupulous accuracy. Let us hope that this book helps to retrieve Jay from the relative obscurity to which he has been unfairly consigned by biographical fashion in recent years."--Ron Chernow, author of Alexander Hamilton, "...Stahr has written a detailed, richly textured and nuanced biography of this almost-forgotten Founder."- Terence Ball, The Journal of American History, September 2006, "The Federalists built the foundation of our modern American government, and no Federalist leader better exemplifies their vision for a soon-to-be vast and great nation than John Jay. Walter Stahr's engrossing biography captures as no other book the complex character and profound thought of this influential American Founder."--Christopher Cox, Member of Congress and Chairman, House Policy Committee, "Walter Stahr's even-handed account...is riveting on the matter of negotiating tactics, as practiced by Adams, Jay and Franklin."--The Economist, "A fascinating, learned and beautifully written biography of a major figure of the American Revolution, one who has been too long overlooked. Mr. Stahr deserves consideration for the Pulitzer Prize."--Washington Times, "For twenty-five years, John Jay served his country as congressman, diplomat, chief justice, governor and polemicist, yet managed to retire beloved by everyone. Walter Stahr adds his portrait to the gallery of America's founders."--Richard Brookhiser, author of Gentleman Revolutionary: Gouverneur Morris, the Rake Who Wrote the Constitution, "John Jay, the Founding Father most ignored by historians has long awaited a good biography. Here it is! Walter Stahr has written a sensitive, illuminating and provocative life history of Jay that will be welcomed by all who are interested in the American Revolution and the establishment of the Republic."--John Ferling, author of Adams vs. Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, "Stahr...captures both his subject's seriousness and his thoughtful, affectionate side as son, husband and father and friend. In humanizing Jay, Stahr makes him an appealing figure accessible to a large readership and places Jay once again in the company of America's greatest statesmen, where he unquestionably belongs."--Publishers Weekly, "John Jay was a brilliant and fascinating statesman who, along with his friend Benjamin Franklin, helped to define the values of American diplomacy. Walter Stahr writes with great insight, and this wonderful book should restore Jay's place in the pantheon of our great Founding Fathers."--Walter Isaacson, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, and author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, "Stahr has succeeded splendidly in his aim of recovering the reputation of John Jay as a major founder. His biography is a reliable and clearly written account [and] makes a persuasive case for including Jay among the first rank of Revolutionary leaders."--Gordon S. Wood in the New York Review of Books, "Walter Stahr's excellent new biography should re-establish Jay's standing as one of America's great statesmen. It portrays Jay's life with a balance and command of the material worthy of the subject."--Weekly Standard
