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.

A short, but through telling of Jefferson's story.

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.

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.

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 ;)

Overall, this is a good book but perhaps best thought of a summary of events over the course of Jefferson’s life.

Introductory, good timeline.

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.

Good concise biography

I’m not exactly sure why, but this was hard for me to follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of Thomas Jefferson. I have to admit that I was drawn to it initially because it was on the shorter side and the last presidential biography I read took me ages to get through, but once I started reading I found this book to be very well written with a lot of great information. This biography had a balance of personal and professional information on Jefferson and the pacing made it a relatively quick read.

I found it very interesting to see some of Thomas Jefferson's point of view on the lower points of his friendship with John Adams after reading the other side of the story; and another side as well, as Abigail played a role in the dynamic of this relationship. I was also surprised to learn that Jefferson's wife asked him not to remarry on her deathbed, which I think sheds a different light on the rumors of his alleged relationship with Sally Hemings.

Jefferson accomplished so much during his life in the formative years of the United States and Bernstein does an excellent job of outlining his successes and his weaknesses.

Overall, I thought this was a great biography and would be enjoyed by those who aren't typically drawn to nonfiction.

After reading 1776, George Washington and John Adams, I was ready to expound upon my knowledge of our third President and writer of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson is an immortal hero for Americans, and often that status comes with a lofty purity that is difficult to actually live up to. In R. B. Bernstein’s abbreviated biography, I felt I got to know the real person that Jefferson was, rather than the icon.

Jefferson was clearly a passionate man. He had a love for learning and enjoyed erudite discussions with knowledgeable men of his time. He even extended those discussion’s to Abigail Adams, but it is fairly clear that, like most men of his era, he felt that women were of an inferior mind to men. His passions, however got him into trouble. He would stand firm on an issue (for instance his belief in a very limited Federal Government), write scathing critiques of anyone who disagreed with him, and later, when he had to bend his own beliefs (for example, when he approved the Louisiana Purchase although many in Congress felt this power was not granted to the Federal Government) his public would never let him live it down. He clearly was not the pragmatic man that Washington or even Adams was.

Jefferson wrote much about his dislike of slavery and felt that it should be abolished. Yet he owned hundreds of slaves and never set a single one free. I believe it was likely a weakness of character. Jefferson wanted to create an image of being one of the planter elite, and so he continually burdened himself with large debts. The assets with which he could guarantee payment of those debts, included his slaves, and he likely felt that freeing them would make him appear untrustworthy (as opposed to the honorable gentleman he wished to be perceived as) to his creditors.

Regardless of his personal shortcomings, his gifts to Americans (and mankind) are immeasurable. The concept of a republic, free from aristocratic rule, and freedom for all men is one that has spread like wildfire across the globe. Jefferson didn’t come up with the idea, but he helped to promote it. His words in our Declaration of Independence have been used to establish new democracies in other countries. Thomas Jefferson was a Governor of Virginia, the first U.S. Secretary of State,and our 3rd U.S. President. He founded the University of Virginia, established lucrative trade treaties and more than doubled the size of the United States.

While this is by no means a definitive biography, it’s a good start. There was a six volume biography written by a historian in the 1980′s, but given the fact that there are over 40,000 letters written by or received by Jefferson, it’s a monumental task for any biographer. 3 1/2 stars.