Product Description
In this small jewel of a biography, readers will become acquainted with the mind and temperament of Thomas Jefferson as written by the greatest of Jefferson scholars. Dumas Malone, author of the unrivaled six-volume biography, Jefferson and His Time, brought fifty years of research and scholarship to the writing of this essay. It is a life story told with great respect and without hero worship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Thomas Jefferson: A Brief Biography
Nice concise history of Thomas Jefferson.I found it not too indepth but a quick read.

Who better to write the article........
.....than the man who wrote the encyclopaedia? This little (48 page) book had its genesis back in the 1930s when Dumas Malone got stuck with the job of editor of the "Dictionary of American Biography". Then, 50 years later, he revised it to to be published in the form we see here. Normally, such a thing would not rate mention, much less five stars, BUT, Dumas Malone was the greatest Jefferson scholar that ever lived, and the forward was written by Merrill Peterson, the second greatest. Now, I could write a very good 50 page article on Mr. Jefferson, but I barely belong on the same planet as these guys.

What we have here is the most basic life of Jefferson, touching all the high (and some of the low) points of his public life. From cradle to grave, it's ALL here, but in the merest outline. The name "Maria Cosway" is not mentioned, so we lose the "head and heart". Citizen Genet, Alexander Hamilton, John Marshall, and Aaron Burr all get appropriate notation. John Adams gets a bit more, which is proper. Betsey Walker gets named, and apologized for; Sally Hemings and James Callendar are noted, and dismissed with due scorn. The debt problems, sadly, have to be here, and they are. And the books, books, books......

In the fifty years between the first and second appearances of this article, Dr. Malone wrote the six volume "Jefferson and His Time", one of the two greatest works of biography in the English language (the other being Dr. Freeman's "RE Lee"). And, Dr. Peterson wrote the 1000+ page "Thomas Jefferson & the new nation", MAYBE the greatest one volume bio of anybody ever written. The present edition is published by the TJMF, to sell in the gift shop at Monticello. (GREAT gift shops, by the way). For a lot of folks, it's enough. If you want more, try the works of Noble Cunningham, or Joe Ellis. {FORGET Fawn Brodie}!! Why do I bother with a long review of an article?....Dumas Malone. (I even have a small bio of him that I wrote published on Find a Grave). Of course, Malone and Peterson's long works are definitive, but their length will deter most readers. ... Read more

Product Description
Thomas Jefferson speaks for himself, in words that have retained their force, eloquence, and relevance to the present day. 64-page hardcover pocket gift book with dust jacket, 3-1/4'' wide by 5-3/8'' high. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

One of the Greatest Political, and non Political Minds of the Millenium.
This book has all of the best quotes from Jefferson, and should be a must read for any intelligent being.Plus its rare, so get it while you can. It's even a pocket book that you can take with you, and pull it out when you need it, it also includes sketches of his house, and photo's and paintings, and its hardcover, so my advice is get it.

A Window Into a Mind
"Thomas Jefferson: His Life and Works" is a window into one of the greatest minds to ever enlighten the American continent.This short book is divided into eight sections, each dealing with a different aspect of Jefferson life or outlook.Each section begins with a brief introduction followed by a collection of quotations from Jefferson's writings.Some are drawn from well known public writings, such as the Declaration of Independence, whereas others are to be found in Jefferson's private correspondence.In most cases the source of the quotation is given, inviting the reader to conduct further study.

In the study of collections of quotations such as this, I often find the greatest insights not in the points which the speaker intended to make but in lessons to be learned by the contrast between the speaker's implied assumptions and the accepted standards of our day. An example of this is found in this book is Jefferson's statement on the public assemblies from which: "there would be excluded...women who, to prevent deprivation of morals ambiguity of issue, could not mix promiscuously in the public meetings of men."When I read statements such as this I think that, perhaps, the morals of our day do not compare unfavorably with those of past generations.

Overall I consider this book to be a good introduction into the mind and life of Thomas Jefferson.While only scratching the surface of his thought, it does provide a sources for some quotations with which to leaven our speech as well as providing an encouragement for further study. ... Read more

Product Description
Much has been written about Thomas Jefferson, and with good reason: He was the architect of our democracy, a visionary chief executive who expanded this nation’s physical boundaries to unimagined lengths. But Twilight at Monticello is entirely new: an unprecedented look at the intimate Jefferson in his final years–from his return to Monticello in 1809 after two terms as president until his death in 1826–that will change the way readers think about this American icon. Basing his narrative on new research and documents culled from the Library of Congress, the Virginia Historical Society, and other special collections, Alan Pell Crawford paints an authoritative, deeply moving portrait of the private Jefferson–the first original depiction of the man in more than a generation.

Though physical illness and family troubles, Jefferson remained a viable political force, receiving dignitaries and corresponding with close friends, including John Adams and other heroes from the Revolution; helping his neighbor James Madison during his presidency; and establishing the University of Virginia. It was also during these years that Jefferson’s idealism would be most severely, and heartbreakingly, tested. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

An Enjoyable Read
What an enjoyable read. Brings to light the Jefferson of Virginia, not the Jefferson of America. A great man with faults like all men, Jefferson proved that love of family can blind the most brilliant. Kudos to Mr. Crawford for a well written, detailed account of this founding father.

Twilight at Monticello:Final Years of Thomas Jefferson
Have been purchasing every quality Jefferson book for my personal research on someone I've admired for some time.Copiously taking notes, and this detailed background material was quality and interesting reading.

Worth the Read
A very good book. A fairly easy read (I finished it in a single cross-country flight) however very difficult in the sense that the ending of one of our greatest Founders was so very tragic.Jefferson was a great man who deserved a better end.I thought I had pretty much read it all and knew a lot about his life, but this book was a revelation.

Fills in a picture of the man and his post public service years
Alan Crawford's "Twilight at Monticello" fills in the often overlooked portion of Thomas Jefferson's life -- the period after he left the national stage. Conventional biographies of Jefferson focus on his role and years in the Revolutionary War, as ambassador to France, and as president and treat his final years as a footnote.Crawford makes this period of Jefferson's life the focus of the book.

Crawford focuses on how Jefferson lived his life at Monticello in his post-presidential years, on his relationship with his family members, his mounting debt problems, and his drive to create the University of Virginia, which Jefferson himself considered to be one of his greatest contributions. It paints a picture of a land-rich, money-poor member of Virginia's aristocracy with liberal, for the time, views on democracy and republican values.Crawford's narrative on Jefferson's relationship with his extended family, and the relationship the family members had with each other, is a reminder that there's good and bad in any family.And it shows how his philosophy on church, state, and religion was a key factor in his drive to create the University of Virginia as a secular institution based on enlightenment principles.

About the only complaint I have about the book, and it's minor in the grand scheme, is that some chapters come across more as footnotes as opposed to integrated parts of the greater narrative -- it comes across as disjointed at times.However, these vignettes do serve the purpose of filling in the picture of Thomas Jefferson.

Another Interesting Study From Crawford
Alan Pell Crawford's Twilight at Monticello is something of a sequel in both tone and subject to his earlier book, Unwise Passions: A True Story of a Remarkable Woman---and the First Great Scandal of Eighteenth-Century America.As was the case with his previous work, Crawford utilizes a member of the Randolph clan (in this case, Thomas Jefferson) to make some salient comments about life today.In particular, Jefferson's struggles with debt seem painfully familiar to anyone who has been even casually following events over the past year.

However, instead of being a thinly veiled polemic, Crawford creates a portrayal of Jefferson that's both nuanced and admiring.Crawford pulls few punches in showing how Jefferson professed a set of ideals, but frequently acted in a manner that was contrary to those stated principles.Crawford derives a plausible explanation for the dichotomy between Jefferson's words and actions: which is that while Jefferson always strove to change the world to meet the ideals he was professing, he sensibly dealt with a situation using the standards of the time when "reality" presented an opportunity or challenge that needed to be addressed before these ideals were realized.Thus, Crawford shows that Jefferson was less of a hypocrite than his critics charge and more of a pragmatist.This explanation has relevance to today's politician or policy maker.

The term "graceful" has been used elsewhere to describe Crawford's writing, and I can't think of a better adjective to employ.Crawford gracefully shows Jefferson with all of his strengths and shortcomings to give the reader a good picture of the subject.It isn't a perfect study (I didn't think the brief introduction on Jefferson's early years and presidency was needed...serious Jefferson students already know the material presented, and the casual/new Jefferson student isn't given enough material to make a lasting impression).Still, Crawford once again produces a historical analysis that does credit to its subject and provides valuable lessons for the reader.
... Read more

Product Description
Goodbye, D.C.! Hello, Monticello!

While painting a closet in the White House, KC discovers an old box full of handmade toy horses that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. KC and Marshall go to Monticello, Jefferson’s home, to return the horses, but just after they get there, the box with the horses inside disappears! They have to explore historic Monticello, with its dank wine cellar, tiny dumbwaiter elevator, and spooky family cemetery to track down the thief before the horses are gone for good! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book in a great series.
Got it for my son who devours these books. Same excellent quality as all the other books in the series.

thanks
This book will be a gift for a grandson for Christmas next week.His dad says he will enjoy it! ... Read more

Product Description
Collection Of Recipes Which Jefferson Gathered While American Minister In Paris. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

New insight to President Jeffreson
When asked to give a speech on Thos. Jefferson's Cookbook, I thought, Onrecipes"Upon getting the book and reading it, I found it most fascinating and a whole new look at Jefferson.Even the recipes are enlightning and thanks to Jefferson we have macaroni and vanilla.

Thomas Jefferson Cookbook
I was excited to get this book.It was a birthday present for my husband who is into cookbooks right now.He loved it.We all enjoyed reading the old-fashioned language, directions and recipes.The price was the best I found anywhere.

A taste of the 1800's
A good look back into Jefferson's time and at some of the French recipes he brought back from Paris.Most of the recipes are quite tasty today.

Too Modern For Me
What I thought I was getting was a series of recipes taken from the account books of Thomas Jefferson.What I got was updated 20th century recipes for the modern reader.They are okay though there are mistakes in techniques and ingredients but for someone not into pure food history one should pass by. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is intended for ages 3 to 6 years. Young readers will enjoy discovering the life of Thomas Jefferson on their own through humorous watercolours and informative, easy-to-read text. ... Read more

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Product Description
The first of five volumes in a full-length biography of Jefferson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

outstanding scholarship and fascinating, if sometimes dry and outdated
This offers the best of what academics can do:it is utterly rigorous with every assertion footnoted, makes an effort to cover everything of import, and is beautifully written in the flowing if elliptical style of the time (1948).This covers the first 41 years of a truly remarkable life of privilege and achievement:his extraordinary scholarship, his early law career and entry into politics as a super-talented legislator, his authorship of the Declaration of Independence, and his controversial governorship during the Revolutionary War (having poorly prepared, he fled).These events are covered very well, as are his overt positions on political and religious freedom, the economy (he liked yeoman farmers more than manufacturers and disliked aristocratic privilege), and human rights.

However, for the most part, the book is a bit of a slog as a reading experience.There are so many details that much of it is of interest only to professional historians, not for lay readers like myself.Though it never gets bogged down in academic trivia, it is often difficult to discern the broader outlines of what was going on.Thus, the reader needs to be at a fairly advanced level of historical knowledge:the basics of the French Indian War and even the Revol. War are rarely mentioned, indeed, the context of Jefferson's accomplishments and career are lost in the details.

In addition, the author appears unaware or unwilling to wrestle with the controversies and hypocrises that are evident today, such as his opposition to slavery while keeping his slave mistress, Sally Hemings, and the rest of his slaves (they formed his "capital" afterall).Indeed, I never really felt that the author got below the surface to the essence of the man, though much early documentation was lost in a fire.Indeed, I often think that the author was naive, accepting at face value that Jefferson's political persona (of disinterest in power, of a promoter of democracy and freedom, etc.) - he was brilliantly manipulative to the point of genius in my opinion -reflected his true beliefs.As such, the book prefers to cover what is "objective" and documentable, only rarely going beyond the conventional wisdom for interpretations of historical precedent that would be relevant to today.

Recommended with these caveats.

Highly recommended
I am currently attempting to read a biography of every President. For Washington and Adams, I settled for one volume biographies, the latter which was fortunate enough to be the Pulitzer Prize winning effort of David McCullough. After researching the available biographies for Thomas Jefferson I decided to plunge into the six volume work of Dumas Malone, partly because I did not find a one volume effort which I felt adequately delved into all the aspects of Mr. Jefferson's life in which I was interested, but mostly because as a University of Virginia alumni and admitted Jefferson admirer I wanted to read the most comprehensive and definitive biography available.

Thankfully, I have not been disappointed. (Note: This critique refers only to the first volume, Jefferson The Virginian. I will review each volume separately as I complete it.) The book is surprisingly readable and written in a very straightforward and engaging prose. Surprisingly, this first volume, if anything, is less detailed than I would have wished, especially regarding Jefferson's early life. As Mr. Malone recounts, Jefferson's home at Shadwell burned in 1770 and many documents that would have shed more light on Jefferson's early life were lost.

The other notable quality of this work is, though ultimately encompassing more than 3000 pages of text, each chapter has a narrow and well organized focus limited to 10-20 pages. This allows for quick reads of short chapters, which makes the reading of this large work more manageable and also aids in better retention of information.

There is not much I can criticize of Mr. Malone's work, at least as it pertains to this volume. Obviously Mr. Malone is a Jefferson admirer, and that should be taken into account by the reader, although I can find no example where this is so pronounced as to circumvent a fair presentation of his exhaustive research, leaving the reader to ultimately decide for themselves. It should also be noted that this book was published in 1948, so obviously some scholarship since then may be missing (notably the children he fathered with his slave, Sally Hemings, which would not pertain to this volume in any event). Finally, it should be noted that Mr. Malone assumes a working knowledge of Revolutionary history. For example, the text mentions important events such as the Stamp Act, Townshend duties, and various battles, but makes no attempt to expound upon them in detail beyond what is required for the purpose of the biography.

In summary, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a thorough study of the life of Thomas Jefferson. While a vast and comprehensive work, it is so well written and organized as to be easily accessible to all.

Detailed account
VERY detailed account of Jefferson during the his life in Virginia. Although it had in depth description of the political structure, the people, and Jefferson's involvement in the politics of the United States and Virginia, it did not include a very detailed account of his personal life as is best depicted through letters. Surprisingly, despite Jefferson's extensive correspondence during the 41 years that the book covers, this correspondence was not used sufficiently to shed further light on Jefferson's personal life and intimate thoughts. Additionally, Dumas Malone did not focus enough on one of Thomas Jefferson's greatest contribution - the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

One of the hallmarks of American scholarship
What can be said about this monument to Jefferson scholarship?I am sure that somewhere in universities around the United States there are "scholar squirrels who want to put down this invaluable resource in Jefferson studies.It is always the way that mice attempt to gnaw at lions.This is not a perfect work (and my remarks refer to all of the books in the series as a whole), there are somethings, namely Sally Hemmings references which are wrong and will not sit well with American 21st century mores.There is the issue of slavery which was handled much differently 50 years ago than it is now.
Jefferson is not worthy of our interest because of Sally Hemmings and because he kept slaves.Jefferson is great because of the Declaration of Independence and his fight for the rights of man.While it may have been hypocritical to preach liberty and keep slaves, it is doubtful that slavery ever would have been abolished if Jefferson had never gained the prominence that he did.This book and the others that follow show why we should continue to honor the public man even though his private side may have been wanting.

At the Threshold of Greatness
Malone, once called "the greatest Jeffersonian of them all", originally conceived this biography in four volumes.By the time he published the last book in 1982, at age 89, it had grown to six volumes.It remains the standard life of Jefferson, an indelible and important portrait of a great man, flaws and all, by a great scholar.

JEFFERSON THE VIRGINIAN begins things with Jefferson's birth into a family of much distinction.His father Peter was a noted surveyor and a man of inordinate physical strength who nevertheless died fairly young (in his fifties).The book covers Jefferon's education at William and Mary (at a time when formal education was not a widespread thing, even among the gentry), his law practice, his beginning the construction of Monticello (which would preoccupy him right up until the time of his death), his terms in the Virginia House of Burgesses (one of which was served after his governorship), his writing of the Declaration of Independence (his initial version, a scathing indictment of King George, had to be toned down by his compatriots), and his controversial governorship (in which he sustained much of the blame for the British army's inroads into the Old Dominion state).It ends with his appointment as an American ambassador to France.

Obviously this is no primer on Jefferson.Malone spares no detail.His prose is fastidious, elegant, and easy to read, although you may find yourself putting the book down from time to time to absorb what you have just read.Overall, Jefferson emerges here as a man naturally scholarly and reclusive, content to build his home, pursue his studies, and tend to his family, who is pushed into action by the obligations of his caste and by his own fervent patriotism.

Malone has been criticised for writing a virtual hagiography of Jefferson, ignoring the "darker" aspects of the man's personality.In other words, unlike Fawn Brodie, Malone did not reduce his subject to some psychological cripple and sex deviate. The charges are balderdash.Malone DOES recognize Jefferson's flaws (e.g., his lack of a sense of humor and his sometimes indecision in taking action).He simply refuses to turn Jefferson into a whipping boy for his own ideological preoccupations.

This is as complete a contemporary biography as we will probably ever get of this great man. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
At a time when the American educational system is in crisis and the family is under attack, the tried-and-true principles handed down through the ages, herein called Thomas Jefferson Education, are fostering the revival of a culture of leadership and liberty. As a result, the family is being restored to its rightful place as the basic unit of a prosperous and free society; and the prospects for American education are looking brighter than ever.These incredibly helpful articles read, at times, like a letter from a friend, at times like an entry in a journal of Education or Child Development, and even, at times, like we're overhearing a conversation. But in every case it is relevant, accessible, and empowering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Inspiring
I didn't think I needed this book after reading Phases of Learning, but the ideas in here are inspiring and a great "spring board" for me to find ways that this works for my family

Very helpful
I am glad I got both this book and "A Thomas Jefferson Education"Both were very helpful.I will be continuing to study them

outstanding resource
There are many useful "how we do it" chapters in this book.Each addresses specific areas within the Thomas Jefferson Education.I am not implementing every single area put forth in TJE (at least, not yet :) ), so it was very helpful to flip to a specific chapter and then put together my own plan of action using ideas from Dian. Very much worth the investment!

TJ Ed broken down
What I love about this book is that it really breaks down HOW to do TJ Ed by letting you look into the lives of a TJ Ed family and see how all the components are implemented.I HIGHLY recommend this book if you are serious about integrating the TJ Ed lifestyle into your family/homeschool life.It gives descriptions of everything from how to integrate chores into your daily life with your kids to transitioning to practice scholar to spelling and more.

All these examples have really helped me give over more to my kids and allow them the opportunities to really take charge of their education and life.

Answers the "But How do I DO it?" Question
This book completely changed the way I think about education, both for me and my children (and my husband, come to that).It describes the "factory model" on which the modern American educational system is built, and explains that this way of thinking about education was designed only to provide basic literacy to those who could not afford a better, classically based education.We have substituted the inferior for the superior as a culture, and are paying the price in every aspect of our lives.
Because of the brilliant and clear, well reasoned writing by Mr. De Mille, I have been inspired to turn off the dreaded TV, organize my home, and return to the study of the great works of Western Civilization, from Euclid to Hugo (and beyond)in the hopes of becoming a better citizen and inspiring my family to follow suit in becoming the stewards of their own educational destinies.Every homeschooling parent must read this book, but I would go further and say that every parent must read this book, and perhaps every individual committed to a functioning democracy - because that is what this book is really about.I was not inclined to homeschool my children (who are not yet school-aged) before I read this book, and although I am now considering it, I know that they will benefit from a Thomas Jefferson Education in their lives regardless of where they spend their days.If you enjoy this book, buy and read Mr. De Mille's other works, including the Home Companion, which is a practical application ofthe Thomas Jefferson Education ideology in a family, and the Core and Love of Learning audio series, which is also excellent in that it provides even more detail for those stages of development. ... Read more

Product Description
In Thomas Jefferson On Wine, John Hailman celebrates a founding father’s talents as a wine connoisseur and provides unprecedented insight into a seldom explored facet of this great man. In both his personal and public lives, Jefferson wielded his considerable expertise and influence to change the views of his friends, fellow founding fathers, and the American public on the pleasures and refinements of wine.

An international wine judge and former wine columnist for the Washington Post, Hailman discusses the particular wines Jefferson sought, the ways in which Jefferson’s tastes developed, and how Jefferson became one of the great wine connoisseurs of the early American republic. His recommendations governed the president’s table before and after his tenure there. Thomas Jefferson on Wine explores the third president’s fascination with scores of wines from his student days at Williamsburg to his lengthy retirement years at Monticello, using mainly Jefferson’s own vivid words from hundreds of immensely readable and surprisingly modern letters on the subject.

Hailman examines Jefferson’s five critical years in Paris, where he learned about fine wines at Europe’s salons and dinner tables. The book uses excerpts from Jefferson’s journals, as well as his letters to friends and wine merchants, whose descendants still produce the wines Jefferson enjoyed. Vivid contemporary accounts of dinners at the White House allow readers to vicariously experience the enjoyment of fine wine. The book concludes with an overview of the current restoration of the vineyards at Monticello and the new Monticello Wine Trail and its numerous world-class Virginia wineries. In Thomas Jefferson On Wine Hailman presents an absorbing and unique view of this towering historical figure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

superbly cooked TJ and wine soup
Truly a book for lovers of TJ and wine. So thick in facts, history, TJ and wine that it comes off as a highly readable and quaffable technical manual. Some parts get into such minuscule detail that a book on any other subject would become trivial. This one, on the other hand, becomes twice as interesting. It is because the author analyzes the details and connects them across TJ's life and history. If devil is in the details than TJ's wine life is pure evil. The record-keeping stoic as he was he left us with all his cellar purchases, but almost without any indication how he felt about wine. This is the book that divulges his feelings, interest and love for wine and does it well. Unimaginable amount of research went into this book as the subject hasn't been addressed before. That only adds to it allure.

Better than I thought it would be !!
I bought this book a couple of weeks ago because it looked interesting. I really enjoyed reading this book from the very first page !! Has alot of interesting facts and I also learned alot about wines from Thomas jeffersons era. Also has alot of history about Jefferson that I was never aware of. Get this book if you can,.......... I am glad that I did !!

First class wine in 1776
Good read.This book provided an historical perspective I had not been exposed to before.The insight provided as to the difficulties of shipment, payment, location of goods, etc. was unique.This book is something of a biography of Jefferson and an insight into life and commerce in the late 1700's

Gift not read by donor
Book purchased as gift for our son's birthday in September.
Book received in excellent condition in good time.

History by the glass
What I was hoping for and got was a historical perspective on the man relative to the events of his time and how wine was viewed, served and distributed.In general the book isa great mix of all three although at times the inventory lists of wine in Jefferson's possession do not yield enough clues about him.Sometimes they are just lists.For those that want to try to at least purchase a little bit of history, the book is helpful in identifying French wineries that are still in existence from Jefferson's time.Some winery terms used to today are explained in the context of Jefferson's.The use of his letters to people are cool but sparse.Could have used more. ... Read more

Product Description
Offers a concise introduction to Jefferson's political philosophy, and aims to make a contribution to a prevailing historiographic controversy: was Thomas Jefferson a Lockean liberal or a classical republican? Sheldon claims that his thought followed a rich variety of theoretical traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dr. Sheldon's Genius
I have had Dr. Sheldon for several classes, and his books are amazing. He has written many works that any Political Science major would grow from reading. Dr. Sheldon has an amazing grasp of Thomas Jefferson and his Encyclopedia of Political Thought is the most complete volume I have ever seen.

Good
This work provides a good survey of Jefferson's political thought, as well as an excellent piece concerning the intellectual battle over the classical republican paradigm.This piece, by the way, is well worth the price ofthe book.Nevertheless, although this is a worthy work, it pales incomparison to David N. Mayer's "The Constitutional Thought of ThomasJefferson."If you are truly interested in Jefferson's politicalthought, Mayer's is the foremost work on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most remarkable men ever to have crossed America's political stage. The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello reveals more than 150 of the objects Jefferson acquired, reflecting not only Jefferson the statesman but also Jefferson the architect, amateur scientist, connoisseur, and historian.

The articles range from invaluable historical treasures such as the lap desk on which the Declaration of Independence was composed and Gilbert Stuart's portraits of Jefferson to the Mandan buffalo robe that was part of his collection of Native American artifacts and the silk damask-upholstered chairs he purchased in Paris. In all, it is a collection that mirrors both the mind of America's greatest statesman and the tastes and styles of a time in history when the American people secured their own independence and offered the world an example of a free people in a democratic state. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Jeffersonian must have!

What a book! If you are planning on visiting Monticello or learning about Thomas Jefferson, you must have this book! This is like having Thomas Jefferson's accounting book with you. Many, if not all of Jefferson's personal effects are cataloged in this book!

Thorough and Excellent!
If you are interested in Thomas Jefferson or Monticello, this is aterrific book.Over 150 of Jefferson's personal possessions arephotographed and documented with detailed explanations and provenance ofthe items.Covered are varied objects such as works of art, china,portraits, scientific instruments, natural history specimens, and personalobjects.This book really illustrates how varied Jefferson's interestswere.A very fascinating book! ... Read more

Product Description
"I am going to Virginia," Jefferson wrote late in 1793. "I am then to be liberated from the hated occupations of politics, and to remain in the bosom of my family, my farm, and my books." Although Jefferson's liberation from public life was to prove temporary, in 1794 he did enjoy and extended interlude from political service. He set himself to applying the results of a lifetime of studying and experimenting with agricultural theories on his own farms. The letters, notes, and drawings that Jefferson left to posterity record his contributions to scientific agriculture.

The heart of these records is the Farm Book, a journal of plantation management that Jefferson maintained from 1774 until just before his death in 1826. The Farm Book, reproduced here in facsimile, is a wide-ranging depiction of the agricultural and industrial activities on Jefferson's plantations, primarily Monticello and Poplar Forest. In Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book, the late Edwin Morris Betts, professor of biology at the University of Virginia, embellishes this agricultural journal with illuminating commentary and relevant extracts selected from Jefferson's correspondence and other memorandum books. Organized topically, the annotations and extracts paint a uniquely complete portrait of plantation life and activity.

Jefferson's records reveal an experimental farm, implementing such innovations as horizontal plowing, a crop-rotation plan, and Jefferson's own revolutionary moldboard plow. In addition, the Farm Book is a window to slave life, containing Jefferson's notes regarding the rations his overseer distributed, the daily tasks required by particular slaves, and the number of yards he purchased for slaves' clothing. The book also portrays the industries pursued by enslaved and free workmen, including the Mulberry Row nailery, joinery, blacksmith's shop, and spinning and weaving house.

Wide-ranging and minutely detailed, Thomas Jefferson's Farm Book provides the most complete record of plantation activity in early America, casting light on the life of the Monticello plantation, its owner, and its inhabitants, both free and enslaved. ... Read more

Product Description
The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth: The Jefferson Bible, written by legendary author Thomas Jefferson is widely considered to be one of the greatest classic and historical texts of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth: The Jefferson Bible is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Thomas Jefferson is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth: The Jefferson Bible would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A Tough Review
This content of the book is very good. It's very interesting reading this collection of Jefferson's favourite verses from the Bible, categorized chronologicallyfrom Jesus' conception until his death. I am begrudgingly giving the book 5 stars rather than 4 because I want to support and encourage this type of thing, however I found quite a few typographical errors in the beginning of the book and they used a quote from Wikipedia which makes my skin crawl as I have a particular loathing towards it when it's cited as a legitimate source. However, this is my own bias getting in the way and I didn't want it to reflect on the actual content of the book. It's a great book to read, reflecting on the human side of Jesus and not on the 'miraculous' side, a word I am using quite literally.

Forgotten Books offers free, online versions of their books. If you're skeptical, just go to their site and take a look for yourself and judge whether it's worth the money or not. Despite my complaints, I still enjoyed it and it will join the line of books I will continue to enjoy re-reading.

A Must Have Read
Thomas Jefferson was not a deist as interpreted by progressives and others wish to paint him today.This book was published with utmost care to preserve the intent of the original works.This book was not published by Wilder Publications, thank goodness, (Wilder Pub. saw that their "The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation" book (also found on Amazon) contains a DESCLAIMER in the front, I and many others found objectionable. The disclaimer is not found on the "Look Inside" view.

Interesting.
I bought this book on a whim, as I had heard about the Jefferson Bible and was interested to read it.The book is, quite simply, a "trimmed" version of the Gospels found in the New Testament.I would certainly agree that these books require trimming, as this also serves the dual purpose of reconciling (read: omitting) the many discrepancies between them.

I feel this book would appeal to three markets: 1) Those interested in the study of Jeffersonian history, 2) those interested to see what the character of Jesus has to say without all the supernatural nonsense muddying things up, and 3) those who are interested in religious curiosities (myself being among the latter).

The book is an interesting take on the Gospels, and I feel Jefferson was way ahead of his time.While I don't feel the need to read the book from cover to cover, I'm glad it's on my shelf as a reference.Well worth the money paid.

Nothing more than an edited Bible.
Disappointed to hear from my friend (who received this as a gift) that it's nothing more than a bible with certain parts excluded. Also chose gift wrapping and later found out it was poorly wrapped.

Informative
I think Jefferson's approach is practical and common sense based. He treats jesus as a man with faults but an unfailing teacher. The mystery, theatrics, and magical attributes to Jesus are stripped away leaving us with the basis of Jesus' ministry and teachings. This is something anyone interested in religion should take the time to read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Henry Adams does it!
This volume and its sister on the Administrations of James Madison are both excellent! The prose style is flawless; the volumes are so readable that the narrative carries you along without any consciousness of effort on your part. The research, even though done long ago, holds up well even today. James was one of the first to do a lot of research in archives around the world and the facts are well-researched. The diplomatic history of these administrations is subtle and detailed.

Contrary to the view of some historians, the work is not an Adams family attack on Jefferson and Madison. In fact, quite the contrary. He gives what I consider a balanced view of their admininstrations. Jefferson is a more exciting character than Madison and therefore the first volume of the two has more sparkle in that regard, but you come away with a clear view of what they were trying to accomplish, how they succeeded or failied, and what it all means.

The early chapters on America in 1800 are the clearest and most concise review of what America was in 1800, before these administations began. That America was transformed by the events that occurred in these sixteen years goes without saying.

The account of the activities of Aaron Burr is a little masterpiece, worth the cost of the book in itself.

I give these books five stars each.

Adams himself is a fascinating subject.

History of The United States During The Administrations of Thonas Jefferson
This is a very thorough examination of the US from 1801-1809. It was written in the 1880's but is fairly easy to read. It's very interesting to see the political discussions going on 200 years ago, particularly when it's being discussed 100 or so years ago.

Classic American History
The first volume of Adams' History of the United States, covering both Jefferson administrations, should be read by anyone with a deep interest in early American history. Adams' style might be deemed archaic, or perhaps even boring by some modern readers, but this history is so tightly packed with information, so compelling in its story line and so derivative of archival information, rather than secondary material, that it probably should be considered the first of all works on Jefferson. There is material in here you simply can not find in the works of other authors; even Dumas Malone.

While it is certainly arguable that Adams was fighting his ancestors' political battles in his work, his unprecedented scholarship in American history puts the burden of so arguing on the claimant. My own opinion is that Adams was merely fair and delved deep, and this approach is not always appreciated when dealing with our forefathers. Some would just rather not know.

Like other great works, right from the beginning, Adams will arouse your interest in not just Jefferson, but also other historical characters of whom you might not have even heard before.

Adams continued his history with the Madison Administration, which continued the unparalleled research and writing, and I equally recommend it with one caveat. Much of that second work, which is even longer, was naturally devoted to the War of 1812 and is quite descriptive when it comes to ships, troops and their movements. For example, he frequently gives detailed measurements of ships, even compares those about to do battle, and lists the troops in each battle, how many killed, wounded, etc. Much of this detail might bore many modern readers, but, some will find the depth of material refreshing and fulfilling. I expect those reading this will know which they are.

For that reason, if you find David McCullough books about as hard as you want to work in delving into history (and I'm not slighting him; just comparing styles) do not waste your time with this book - you won't finish half of it. If, however, you've read someone like Will Durant and enjoyed bathing in the detail, or you want to know as much about Jefferson's presidency as possible without sitting in the Library of Congress for years yourself, you will share my convictions as to the value of this absorbing work.

Celebration of American fragility and survival
Adams' great history is a reminder of the fragility of the American experiment, and the enduring miracle of the survival of the Union during those formative years.

Garry Wills' recent resurrection of the Adams' histories (see my review at Henry Adams and the Making of America) spurred me to go back to the originals of which this is the first half (see my review of History of the United States During the Administrations of James Madison (Library of America)).I was struck by

--the condescension of British and French diplomats to the admittedly brash and bathetic American efforts.

--the barefaced treason of Aaron Burr, and how nearly he succeeded.

--the equally bold treasonous threats by the New England states (twice during Jefferson's terms) to secede, a fact often conveniently forgotten by Northerners quick to blame the South for the Civil War.

--Napoleon's"shock and awe" political leadership that managed the stage of world politics, diplomacy and war for two decades.

My favorite book EVER
Its not going to win reviews as a paper back book. This is the best history book I have ever read. I have looked at some of the reviews here stating its too long. I would have liked it longer, it is a serious history book to make is shorter would remove some very important facts regarding our history. Well put together and edited. If I could I would give it 10 stars. This is a must read for any teacher who calls him or herself a history teacher, However sadly I doubt many of our public school teachers have ever read it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jefferson's Academical Village
I thought this was a very nice tribute to Jefferson and the University of Virginia campus, and that it does a nice job of documenting the history of the evolution of its architecture, as well as the controversies which have surrounded this aspect of Jefferson. The book is beautifully printed, and makes a nice gift to anyone who has warm feelings for UVA. ... Read more

Product Description
An illuminating analysis of the man whose name is synonymous with American democracy

Few presidents have embodied the American spirit as fully as Thomas Jefferson. He was the originator of so many of the founding principles of American democracy. Politically, he shuffled off the centralized authority of the Federalists, working toward a more diffuse and minimalist leadership. He introduced the bills separating church and state and mandating free public education. He departed from the strict etiquette of his European counterparts, appearing at state dinners in casual attire and dispensing with hierarchical seating arrangements. Jefferson initiated the Lewis and Clark expedition and seized on the the crucial moment when Napoleon decided to sell the Louisiana Territory, thus extending the national development. In this compelling examination, distinguished historian Joyce Appleby captures all of the richness of Jefferson's character and accomplishments.
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Customer Reviews (20)

Good and thoughtful overview, though suffused with liberal angst.
Professor Appleby has provided a generally thoughtful overview of the life, thought, and public service of our third president. She presents a thoughtful examination of his contradictions, such as being a champion of freedom but not including slaves or advocate of states' rights while increasing the power of the federal government when it suited him. However, in the end, there is just too muchhand-wringing about his failure to live up to (21st century) liberal standards. She continually harps about his failures in regard to race and gender, but what more exactly was he supposed to do, given the times he lived in? How long would he have lasted in any public capacity (or even stayed alive) if he had freed all the slaves, stopped settlers from moving to Indian lands, and appointed women to high office? What's next? Will the next generation of historians attack Jefferson (and other founding fathers) for their failures to protect the environment, enforce animal rights, and promote gay marriage? What ever happened to judging historical figures by the standards of their times? This should at least be as an important of a factor as judging them by the standards of ours, should it not?

Very disappointing
After reading Charles Calhoun's "Benjamin Harrison" I decided to purchase other volumes in this series. I was very disappointed in this volume.

First, there was very little insight on his life prior to becoming president and did not examine the details of his presidency. She seems to want us to believe that everything that Jefferson done was to save the US from the "tyranny" of the Federalist Party. Everything that Washington and Adams did as president was to produce a monarchy and create an elitist class in America. In contrast, everything that Jefferson had done was to reverse the policies of these two "bad" presidents. As Appleby discussed the actions of Jefferson this pattern was followed, first she described how it was done before by his predecessors and how their actions was an attempt to create an elitist society, then what Jefferson did to reverse these trends and how it showed that he was more in touch with the common man, and then she would examine how members of the Federalist Party would balk at his actions. A typical example of this would be how he handled the president's annual address to congress (now known as the "State of the Union). Washington and Adams delivered this in person as the monarchs of Europe had done. When Jefferson became president he insisted on delivering the finished speech to congress which brought the ire or the Federalist Party. There is no mention that since Woodrow Wilson, besides a few exceptions, every president has delivered that State of the Union in person.

Secondly, the organization of the book seemed very haphazard. In the chapter on the 1804 reelection she jumped around between his views on slavery and the contradiction of his being a slave owner, attacks on the Federalist Party, Aaron Burr, and a brief mentioning of the actual election. These events would have been better viewed if they had presented in separate chapters instead of a being jumbled together.

Thirdly, she showed the main characters in terms of black and white. Jefferson was the savior of the union, Washington wanted to become a king, Adams was a cranky old man who wanted the leaders of the country to be separated from the common "rabble", Hamilton was a manipulator who was not afraid to be a bully to get his way, and Burr was a traitor to his party, his president, and his country. Everyman has his flaws and no one is perfect, but Appleby downplays the contributions of other men and only shows their flaws to build on to Jefferson's contributions to the country. She even went as far to hint that the deaths of Washington and Hamilton were helpful to Jefferson's presidency.

There are many other flaws with this book that have already been examined in other customer's reviews. For all of its failings I would not recommend this book.

Actually Learned Just As Much About Jefferson From The "John Adams" Installment
To be fair, this third installment of The American Presidents Series from Joyce Appleby does indeed provide some interesting information about both the personal life and administration of our nation's third President, Thomas Jefferson.

However, in terms of understanding the position of Jefferson in the context of the birth of our young nation, the "John Adams" installment of "American Presidents" is actually just as effective (if not more so) in defining the most important aspects of Jefferson's thoughts, philosophies, and actions towards politics.The disputes between Adams (pro-government) and Jefferson (almost no-government intrusion) laid the backbone for party politics in the United States, and while reading this book I never really felt as if Appleby gave Jefferson a fair shake in laying out "his side of the story".

Thus, I still recommend reading this book for the useful information it expouses about other aspects of Jeffersonian America, but if (like I was) you are looking for a continuation of the fascinating Adams/Jefferson philosophical battle, you may be disappointed.

Our great third president.
Rule by the aristocrats or rule by the common man (except blacks and Indians)charaterized the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson.Jefferson defeated Adams because of the perception of aristocracy on Adam's part.The author does a good job of focusing on both Jefferson's presidency and the rumors of his alleged affair with S. Hemmings.I think the author was fair in her portrayal of our third President.He was both a great President, a profound thinker, but also a hypocrit.He cried out for freedom, but yet expelled Indians beyond the Mississippi.He spoke of freedom, but yet sold and kept slaves.I think the author did a great job of talking about Jefferson's disparities.

This is a nice read about our third President.I like the American Presidents series.

A compelling portrait of "the most controversial of presidents"

I have read and reviewed most of the volumes in The American Presidents Series for which the late Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. served as general editor at the time when Joyce Appleby's brief biography of Jefferson was first published (2003). In the "Editor's Note," Schlesinger explains that the aim of the series is "to present the grand panorama of our chief executives in volumes compact enough for the busy reader, lucid enough for the student, authoritative enough for the scholar. Each volume offers a distillation of character and career." As is also true of the other volumes, this brief biography one examines the essential events and meaning of Jefferson's life without oversimplification or generalization.

The challenges that Appleby faced and somehow overcame were complicated by the fact that, in her words, Jefferson was "the most controversial of presidents...because the contradictions in his ideals still affect Americans profoundly. They touch on natural rights, race, and the proper balance between liberty and equality in democratic rule. Jefferson sought change, innovation, novelty, but he was decidedly not a deracinated intellectual, writing incendiary tracts in a garret like Thomas Paine. Rather, he was an insider, repeatedly elected to high office, by his peers the slave-owning planters of Tidewater Virginia. It's safe to say that rarely if ever has a man with such radical bent won so many elections from such an electorate. Solving this puzzle strains our imagination." With meticulous care but at a brisk pace, Appleby examines the key relationships in Jefferson's life, notably with adversaries such as John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Callender, and (on occasion) John Marshall and George Washington with whom he served for two terms as his nation's first vice president. She also devotes what seems to me to be an appropriate portion of her attention (Pages 73, 74-76, and 140) to Jefferson' relationship with Sally Hemmings.

Frankly, I have almost no interest in this subject but was eager to share Appleby's thoughts about Jefferson's ambivalence about slavery.Here is a composite of brief excerpts from her narrative:"There is no doubt that Jefferson considered Negroes inferior to whites. He said so in his one book, Notes on the State of Virginia, but he also blamed slavery for the degradation of the enslaved and explicitly affirmed that human liberty was based on natural rights, not on intelligence...In the abstract, slavery scratched at his conscience, but in practice, Jefferson accepted the institution pretty much as he found it, going along with the norms of his fellow planters. He treated his slaves as possessions, offering their labor to his sons-in-law as gestures of generosity. He personally got rid of slaves whom he considered insubordinate, and he sold slaves when he was short of money." It was not until 37 years after Jefferson's death that President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and not until 1954 that the U.S. Supreme Court declared segregation unconstitutional. However contemporary Jefferson's ambivalence about slavery may have been at that time, at least among his peers, it is impossible to ignore hypocrisy; that is, the discrepancy between the values that his prose affirms and the values of his behavior.

I do agree, however, with Joyce Appleby's concluding observation that "it would be a grave error of historical judgment to underestimate the significance of Jefferson's successful assault on the venerable dogma of natural inequality that was based on the belief that most men and women were created to be the hewers of wood and drawers of water for the `favored few.'" I congratulate her on consolidating so much historical material within a lively narrative of only 157 pages, and doing so without oversimplification or generalization.Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out the sources she provides in her "Selected Bibliography." ... Read more

Product Description
This Companion forms an accessible introduction to the life and work of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Essays explore Jefferson's political thought, his policies towards Native Americans, his attitude to race and slavery, as well as his interests in science, architecture, religion and education. Contributors include leading literary scholars and historians; the essays offer up to date overviews of his many interests, his friendships and his legacy. Together, they reveal his importance in the cultural and political life of early America. At the same time these original essays speak to abiding modern concerns about American culture and Jefferson's place in it. This Companion will be essential reading for students and scholars of Jefferson, and is designed for use by students of American literature and American history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An indispensable book for anyone studying or teaching Thomas Jefferson
I have written a biography of Thomas Jefferson, and thus I have a stake in this controversy, but I admire profoundly the achievement of Frank Shuffelton in assembling and editing this indispensable volume.Its authors comprise a galaxy of the best scholars writing on Jefferson and his time, and this book is a lucid, responsible introduction to the man, his thought, and his world.Indeed, it is precisely because these scholars do not have an axe to grind that this book is so dang good.

Let me say, because of the first review here, which takes a part for the whole, that the Jefferson-Hemings relationship and its historical significance form but one thread of the complex tapestry of Jefferson scholarship.This book surveys the whole tapestry and distills it with grace and skill.Its examinations of everything from Jefferson's foreign policy to his relationship with John Adams are enlightening and challenging in the best sense.

I am sorry that Dr. Herbert Barger's review was the first one to appear here.I hope that my review will give Amazon customers and prospective readers a better sense of what this book is like and how valuable it is.

A Distorted Book for Our Students
The author, a well known researcher and Jefferson commentator, is VERY remiss in aiming this book at our future students. Mr Shuffelton and the other contributors are remiss in suggesting that Thomas Jefferson fathered slave children in my estimation. A panel of 13 prominent scholars released the Scholars Commission Report which found NO proof of TJ fathering any slave child. So after reading this book one is inclined to believe that Thomas Jefferson not only fathered slave children but history must be changed.

If used in our educational systems it will "indoctroniate" our youngsters into believing false information. As Annette Gordon-Reed, one of the writers, has said in her latest book that Thomas Jefferson fathered 7 children.........an outrageous and preposterous unproven statement.

I highly recommend this book not be used in our educational systems.

Herbert Barger
Jefferson Family Historian
Assistant to Dr Foster on the DNA Study ... Read more