Dorothy Payne, Quakeress: A Side-Light Upon the Career of 'Dolly' Madison

"Dorothy Payne, Quakeress: A Side-Light Upon the Career of 'Dolly' Madison" by Ella Kent Barnard is a biography that recounts the life of Dolly Madison, with a focus on her Quaker upbringing and her transformation into a prominent figure in early American society. The book begins by portraying her quiet childhood in Virginia, rooted in Quaker values and traditions. The biography explores her family's history and context within the important events and people of the time. These early experiences shaped her into the respected hostess and figure she became, offering an understanding of how her origins influenced her important role in the social and political landscape of the young nation.