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Thomas Jefferson

r.b. bernstein

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Thomas Jefferson designed his own tombstone, describing himself simply as "Author of the Declaration of Independence and of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia." It is in this simple epitaph that R.B. Bernstein finds the key to this enigmatic Founder--not as a great political figure, but as leader of "a revolution of ideas that would make the world over again." In Thomas Jefferson, Bernstein offers the definitive short biography of this revered American--the first concise life in six decades. Bernstein deftly synthesizes the massive scholarship on his subject into a swift, insightful, evenhanded account. Here are all of Jefferson's triumphs, contradictions, and failings, from his luxurious (and debt-burdened) life as a Virginia gentleman to his passionate belief in democracy, from his tortured defense of slavery to his relationship with Sally Hemings. Jefferson was indeed multifaceted--an architect, inventor, writer, diplomat, propagandist, planter, party leader--and Bernstein explores all these roles even as he illuminates Jefferson's central place in the American enlightenment, that "revolution of ideas" that did so much to create the nation we know today. Together with the less well- remembered points in Jefferson's thinking--the nature of the Union, his vision of who was entitled to citizenship, his dread of debt (both personal and national)--they form the heart of this lively biography. In this marvel of compression and comprehension, we see Jefferson more clearly than in the massive studies of earlier generations. More important, we see, in Jefferson's visionary ideas, the birth of the nation's grand sense of purpose.

253 pages, Paperback

First published September 4,2003

This edition

Format
253 pages, Paperback
Published
September 15, 2005 by Oxford University Press
ISBN
9780195181302
ASIN
0195181301
Language
English
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  • Thomas Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826) was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the third President of the United States (1801 - 1809). At the beginning of the American Revolution, he served in the Contin...

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r.b. bernstein

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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nikiyasha
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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This is a concise (198 pgs) biography of the contradictory life of Thomas Jefferson. I found it interesting to read what he considered his greatest accomplishment--The University of Virginia. He was instrumental in all aspects of the school, and when his secular University opened its doors, "it was one of the happiest and proudest days of his life." Hence, the inscription on his tombstone--Here was buried the Author of the Declaration of Independence and of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia. There is much to read about this fascinating man, and I think this book covered his life masterfully. One other tidbit--check out the Jefferson Bible.
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Roza8o4
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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I loved Thomas Jefferson, I thought he was the greatest until I read about John Adams. Now, I mostly have a "take what you can use and leave the rest" attitude about him. He was a sucky friend, and a major player, but he did accomplish some really cool stuff, like the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, and all the Natural History and Philosophical contributions he made. The guy was cool, smart, and efficient, he just was a back-stabber and a liar. (A true politician.) Great read, this book. Seriously interesting life, and his contributions to our country are huge. I just don't have as much respect for him as I do John Adams.
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romanceirane
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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I've been wanting to read a bio of Jefferson for ages, but always forget about it when I'm in a bookstore. This one was a short, approachable introduction (or re-introduction if you earned your political science degree 20 years ago....) Berstein's approach is even-handed, neither apologizing for or ignoring Jefferson's shortcomings or being overly-critical. He places Jefferson in the context of his time and adds modern-day context at the end.

Jefferson was a man riddled with contradictions, which are explored as much as one can do in 200 pages from his views and practices regarding slavery to the idea that the best way to live ones life was to be a farmer or planter, not a politician.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this book to me was the reminder of how little has changed in American politics since Jefferson's time. The Federalists accused him of being a godless atheist (when actually he was a Christian who believed in the separation of church & state), debates about rising national debt, yellow journalism, and more. I laughed out loud several times thinking, "Wow, that hasn't changed."

Bernstein definitely gives praise where praise is due, recognizing Jefferson as an important American philosopher and writer.

Definitely recommended for anyone wanting an introductory biography or a brief history of the period.
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Roman-dono
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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Well written, but not much depth. As a 'My First Book on Jefferson'- brilliant, 5 stars all the way. Would probably only give it 3 as a enjoyable read myself as it's brevity was frustrating. 4 stars is my compromise vote ;)
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MHAISGARBAGE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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Overall, this is a good book but perhaps best thought of a summary of events over the course of Jefferson’s life.
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dubaifalcon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 26,2025
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This was a fair and balanced look at Thomas Jefferson. History has elevated him and knocked him down. Was Jefferson perfect - no, he was human. Jefferson was a highly intelligent many that was the mind behind the Declaration of Independence - a document which we put more significance on than the Constitution. However, our Constitution had many ideas borrowed from the State of Virginia Constitution which Jefferson helped write. After reading books on Washington and Adams I had lost quite a bit of respect for Jefferson. This book helped me bring back that respect, and also realzie he was only human with greatness and flaws.
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