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The Real Thomas Jefferson
The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America s Philosopher of Freedom
Jefferson is the central figure in American history, and... he may yet prove to be the central figure in modern history. So stated noted historian Henry Steele Commager. And as the English novelist Samuel Butler once wrote, Though God cannot alter the past, historians can. His observation is especially applicable to our changing perceptions of great historical personalities, most of whom are relentlessly reinterpreted by each new generation of biographers. It is doubtful whether many of these renowned characters of yesteryear would even recognize themselves in some of the publications devoted to them today.
There is no better example of this kind of metamorphosis than Thomas Jefferson, author of the American Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. Since his death in 1826 he has been alternately vilified and deified in numerous forms by writers of varying motivations. In The Real Thomas Jefferson, by allowing Jefferson to explain his life and ideas in his own words, we have tried to ensure that his spirit, not ours, will breathe in these pages — so that all who read them will become acquainted with Jefferson himself, not another second-hand interpretation of him. His biography appears in Part I, and Part II brings together the most insightful passages from his writings, arranged by subject.
Jefferson is the central figure in American history, and... he may yet prove to be the central figure in modern history. So stated noted historian Henry Steele Commager. And as the English novelist Samuel Butler once wrote, Though God cannot alter the past, historians can. His observation is especially applicable to our changing perceptions of great historical personalities, most of whom are relentlessly reinterpreted by each new generation of biographers. It is doubtful whether many of these renowned characters of yesteryear would even recognize themselves in some of the publications devoted to them today.
There is no better example of this kind of metamorphosis than Thomas Jefferson, author of the American Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. Since his death in 1826 he has been alternately vilified and deified in numerous forms by writers of varying motivations. In The Real Thomas Jefferson, by allowing Jefferson to explain his life and ideas in his own words, we have tried to ensure that his spirit, not ours, will breathe in these pages — so that all who read them will become acquainted with Jefferson himself, not another second-hand interpretation of him. His biography appears in Part I, and Part II brings together the most insightful passages from his writings, arranged by subject.
709 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 24, 2009
It is shameful that more people do not take the time to read books on our Founding Fathers that are truthful instead of defamatory. Our school textbooks would teach our children (as it did me) all the untruths produced by political parties, only hoping to win votes while disaffirming the virtue of another. For instance, the slave Sally Hemmings that we read about constantly in biographies on TJ is a complete falsification of the truth. Not only was she known to be TJ's nephew's mistress, but the man who conjured this lie did so in anger at not getting a job from the President. Yes, this lie has been in circulation since the early 1800's and the man responsible went on to commit suicide. He was rarely believed back in his own days because the people had access to the writings of Jefferson, he being the President. They knew his virtues and morals. When asked why he wouldn't prove the falseness of these tales he simply replied that it was a right to have free press, and he wouldn't take that away after spending his lifetime trying to gain liberty for his country. There is no way you can read his autobiography and letters (over 90,000 in his lifetime) without knowing he had a deep belief in God, and would never sway form his integrity.
January 13, 2009
When I first got this book, I was very intimidated by it. It looked as fat and boring as a text book.
I finally cracked it open about a month ago, and found it was full of stories. Not boring facts...but stories about Thomas Jefferson sources are from his letters and writings.
I just finished it yesterday and LOVE it. One of the best book I have ever read. Now on to Benjamin Franklin...
LadyPoet33
I finally cracked it open about a month ago, and found it was full of stories. Not boring facts...but stories about Thomas Jefferson sources are from his letters and writings.
I just finished it yesterday and LOVE it. One of the best book I have ever read. Now on to Benjamin Franklin...
LadyPoet33
March 1, 2008
This book seems to me to have been written with an agenda - to immortalize Jefferson and set him apart with iconic status. Jefferson is one of my favorite founding fathers and played a huge role in the founding of our country. This book, however, glorified those roles beyond what they might have been, left out any character flaws and questionable conduct, and painted him as a larger-than-life demigod. It also made John Adams out to be a horrendous individual. This book poorly referenced sources and did an equally poor job of quoting Jefferson's exact words. I really need to read another book on this man that is more objectively written. Recommend anyone wanting a Jefferson bio do the same.
June 2, 2019
I have admired Thomas Jefferson for a long time. There was a lot about him I didn't know, and I find him so fascinating. This book tells his story in a way that makes you just love him. I'm sure there are faults and weaknesses and mistakes made as any mortal that aren't really included. It might be nice to know some of those to better relate to him. But overall, I really enjoyed learning all about this brilliant advocate of freedom. He definitely is an inspiring example of an enthusiasm for learning and doing good.
September 6, 2019
This book was an amazing portrait of the real Thomas Jefferson, whose character in recent years has been so tarnished. He was an amazing man who did so much for the country. He was deep religious and his family was always his greatest loved. He served in public life for most of his adult life, but he would have much preferred the quiet farm life. My respect and admiration for this Founding Father has grown by leaps and bounds from reading this book. I would highly recommend it to everyone. It contains so many firsthand accounts from his writing, family letters, and friends and colleagues. If you want to know the real Thomas Jefferson you have to read these first hand accounts.
April 22, 2010
I really liked this book. It is a compilation of quotes and excerpts of Thomas Jefferson's writings. Instead of summarizing Thomas Jefferson's life and accomplishments from his own perspective, Mr. Allison ties quotes together and gives factual background info so that Thomas Jefferson can tell his own story. I really learned a lot about Thomas Jefferson and I've gained a whole new perspective on colonial history.
After reading this book, I had a new desire to study hard and learn to be a great scholar. I realized how important it is that I make good choices now while I am young so I will be wise and respected when I am older. I think the scripture about Moroni is very applicable to Thomas Jefferson. "If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni(Thomas Jefferson), behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17)
This book is really quite long and it definitely isn't a novel but I think it is still very interesting. I think that it is important to try to understand the great minds that founded this country so we can uphold the values that they founded it upon.
The first half is the story of Thomas Jefferson's life and the second half is basically a quote book organized by topic. I used this section and a similar section in The Real George Washington when I wrote my scholarship essay and it was very helpful.
After reading this book, I had a new desire to study hard and learn to be a great scholar. I realized how important it is that I make good choices now while I am young so I will be wise and respected when I am older. I think the scripture about Moroni is very applicable to Thomas Jefferson. "If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni(Thomas Jefferson), behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." (Alma 48:17)
This book is really quite long and it definitely isn't a novel but I think it is still very interesting. I think that it is important to try to understand the great minds that founded this country so we can uphold the values that they founded it upon.
The first half is the story of Thomas Jefferson's life and the second half is basically a quote book organized by topic. I used this section and a similar section in The Real George Washington when I wrote my scholarship essay and it was very helpful.
June 5, 2012
This is a comprehensive book, touching on many key aspects of Jefferson's life. It corrects the record about some popular myths including TJ not being a Christian (He was, and proclaimed himself as much so as any person who ever walked the face of the earth. He even edited, wrote, published his own version of Jesus biblical life and leanings.) and the misnomer claiming he was an advocate of "separation of church and state." He seems to have been cautiously careful about this issue to ensure that USA would NOT become a nation of a national religion.
This is interesting and broken up sufficiently to ensure its readability and retaining general interest. Still, I found it insightful and laborious to get through. But if one is to read just one book on Jefferson, this might be a good candidate. It is less interesting, but perhaps less PC than taking the tour at Monticello, where docents are obviously trained and astutely warned to avoid the issues of Christianity, intimacy with a certain slave woman, and Christ's presence in TJ's life and decisions.
This is interesting and broken up sufficiently to ensure its readability and retaining general interest. Still, I found it insightful and laborious to get through. But if one is to read just one book on Jefferson, this might be a good candidate. It is less interesting, but perhaps less PC than taking the tour at Monticello, where docents are obviously trained and astutely warned to avoid the issues of Christianity, intimacy with a certain slave woman, and Christ's presence in TJ's life and decisions.
February 3, 2008
I loved learning more about this man, I had no idea how close the presidential race for him was, and how many times they re-cast their ballots until they finally got the majority vote. I liked how virtuous he was, and how steadfastly he kept his daughters in his mind and heart. It's so sad to hear about what really went on at home; he had a wonderful, talented wife and six children - but in time, they all died, three of their children in infancy, one as a young five year old (shortly after the mother) while TJ was away in France - yikes. He had two children left! And yet he served his country and put them first, when he had already retired permanently to his home.
It's cool to see how diverse his knowledge truly was from astronomy to architecture, music to farming - law and politics to education. I appreciate the profound impact he had on our country - at least a great deal more than I did before the read.
It's cool to see how diverse his knowledge truly was from astronomy to architecture, music to farming - law and politics to education. I appreciate the profound impact he had on our country - at least a great deal more than I did before the read.
June 26, 2010
An excellent book. Beautiful detail about both Jefferson's personal and political life.
Favorite quotes:
"It is a part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by reason and contrivance."
From the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798:
"Resolved, that the several states composting the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government; but that, by a compact under the style and title of a Constitution for the United States, and of amendments thereto, they constituted a general government for special purposes [and:] delegated to that government certain definite powers, reserving, each state to itself the residuary mass of right to their own self-government; and that whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void and of no force."
I could go on and on, I highly recommend this book.
Favorite quotes:
"It is a part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by reason and contrivance."
From the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798:
"Resolved, that the several states composting the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government; but that, by a compact under the style and title of a Constitution for the United States, and of amendments thereto, they constituted a general government for special purposes [and:] delegated to that government certain definite powers, reserving, each state to itself the residuary mass of right to their own self-government; and that whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void and of no force."
I could go on and on, I highly recommend this book.
June 9, 2011
I appreciate the style of the author in that there is no historical fiction entwined throughout. I have read several books about Jefferson that were historical fiction and although I gleaned quite a bit from them about the man, this one is based strictly on documentation. It is a very nice balance. I will say that this book has answered some gnawing questions I have had about this most enigmatic man. I am sovoring my read.
November 16, 2012
Fascinating insights into the life of a brilliant man. Allison footnotes profusely.
September 7, 2014
Not a bad book at all. Focuses more on Jefferson's public vs. private life which is as Jefferson would have wanted it.
January 13, 2023
Excellent work! In one comprehensive volume the public life of Thomas Jefferson taken from his personal correspondence and views of others at the time they knew him, one gets to know our third President intimately! Well written, wonderfully researched, and including an extensive correlation of his views by topic. I wish this was a high school textbook. There is so much to know, and much of it debunks the rumors of his being an atheist or at best a Deist; explains in detail his views on slavery and all of his efforts to remove slavery from the budding nation; tells in his own words his views of his fellow founding fathers including Washington,Adams and Madison. And for those who think Hamilton is right up there worthy of praise, there is much evidence here (although this is something I knew from other scholarly works) that Hamilton was more of a Tory than a Revolutionary as well as a danger to the new nation in more ways than one. I was so disappointed that there has been a recent Broadway play about Hamilton when there are so many more worthy candidates for such...especially Washington and Jefferson! This book is a must-read for all who love learning about our nation's history, and for all who love truth.
September 3, 2018
The Real Thomas Jefferson is now known to me, thanks to this book that was mostly written in his own words and the words of Jefferson’s friends and family. Never has a history book touched me so deeply, and reminded me of the importance of character. If you’re fuzzy on the true story of Thomas Jefferson, read this book. It’s very well documented and it will leave little doubt in your mind as to why and how he came to own slaves, and whether he was at heart for the emancipation of all American slaves. It will also clear up any false information you might have about his relationships with women other than his wife. Some books you walk away from feeling entertained but unchanged. This book entertained me, humored me, educated me, and convicted me to be a better person in many ways. I feel blessed to have come across this used bookstore treasure. It will be on my shelf and in my mind and heart for the remainder of my years. Five stars because only five are available. I’d give it ten if I could.
July 28, 2025
One of the ladies in my bookclub picked this book about "The Real Thomas Jefferson" for July. When we saw the length, we thought we might read it over two months; then we got our copies and saw the second half, "Timeless Treasures from Thomas Jefferson" was referential and does not lend itself to reading straight through. The first 334 pages were, however, so that is what we read.
This publication leans towards deification rather than vilification of Thomas Jefferson and his ideas. I don't read a lot of non-fiction, especially political history, but I found this to be easy to read and generally interesting.
I think I was most impressed by the fact that "[He] had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with [his] books, [his] family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon and letting the world roll on as it likes, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give." ... "But is is not for an individual to choose his post. You (President Washington) are to marshal us as may be best for the public good ... my inclination must be no obstacle."
This publication leans towards deification rather than vilification of Thomas Jefferson and his ideas. I don't read a lot of non-fiction, especially political history, but I found this to be easy to read and generally interesting.
I think I was most impressed by the fact that "[He] had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with [his] books, [his] family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon and letting the world roll on as it likes, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give." ... "But is is not for an individual to choose his post. You (President Washington) are to marshal us as may be best for the public good ... my inclination must be no obstacle."
November 6, 2018
The biography itself is a short, but factual, synopsis of Jefferson's life (0nly 318 pgs. and not much detail). It relies primarily on the writings of Jefferson and those close to him. The book does a good job debunking some of the myths surrounding the man, such as his alleged affair with Sally Hemmings. There is a long appendix of alphabetized quotes at the end, taking up over half of the book. It seems like it is more for reference than reading all the way through. I really enjoyed the biography section at the front, despite the fact that it was very short, and not too detailed.
February 9, 2017
I really enjoy reading about the Founding Fathers, their lives and experiences. This was no exception, Thomas Jefferson was an amazing, brilliant, thoughtful person that shaped the way American values are. I really enjoyed at the end the quotes from him organized by topic. This is a really well-written, fascinating series.
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February 12, 2023I’m no expert, but this felt like an unrealistically positive portrayal of Thomas Jefferson. The author deflected, glossed over or completely ignored anything negative about his character or politics. I’m going to try reading Ellis’ biography of Thomas Jefferson to get a second opinion and maybe more balanced portrait of his life.
July 4, 2018
This was a very interesting and insightful book on the life of one of our founding fathers. it keep me interested and the book was hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American history.
February 14, 2021
Good basic info, but it can read like a sales pitch and minimize any controversy or flaw. A good intro, at the least, but one that would benefit from follow up with a deeper look at the man and his peers.
February 7, 2024
If you're a die-hard Jefferson fan, I guess it's OK, but for me this biography is rather boring. I really love US history, but the book just isn't doing it for me. The Real George Washington by the same author is 1,000 times more interesting read that one instead.
July 5, 2017
Inspiring!
February 7, 2018
excellent read for ages 14 and up!
July 17, 2018
Love the founding father's history and this book filled a lot of Jefferson 's history that I didn't know. Great read for history nuts.
July 13, 2019
An excellent book with a very insightful take on Jefferson’s life and devotion to our country. Engaging, with a wealth of additional research at the reader’s disposal via the many footnotes.
December 24, 2019
This book was pretty biased towards Jefferson, and doesn't discuss the thing he did wrong. It is also really boring
June 30, 2020
I liked it.
September 17, 2015
When I first started this book, I had a lot of good background information on Jefferson from the previous two books I had read in the genre (biographies of Washington and Adams), as he had served as a Vice President and Secretary of State for their subjects. This book was the highest rated biography on Goodreads about Jefferson, and also highly rated on Amazon. The book's introduction also stressed how so many of the biographies about Jefferson have an agenda, and how the authors were attempting to write the definitive fair and accurate biography. Unfortunately, then the book began, and it was apparent that the authors all worshipped Jefferson, and were willing to either not mention any negative facts about Jefferson, relegate them to a foot note, or (in the case of the most infamous scandal), discredit it in a page based on such detailed analysis as "it was not in his character to do as he was accused." All that being said, I base my usual presidential ratings off of the book anyways, because I finished it, and because I got a lot of the non-scandalous negative information from my prior biographies.
Born into - Jefferson inherited quite a bit of wealth, property and slaves, and married into even more. He also was healthy (which was not true for most of his family). However, many of Jefferson's attributes were not necessarily helpful (as they were with Washington). This redhaired, soft spoken individual did not command one's attention by presence alone, instead relying on his wit and eloquence as a speaker to do the job. 2.5 out of 5.
Pre-president - Much like Ben Franklin, Jefferson was a man of many interests and succeeded in most of all them. He combined the Washington/Adams careers of lawyer, surveyor, diplomat, farmer, and stateman, but added scientist, architect, inventor and musician. One area in particular that stood out was Jefferson's writings. After reading Adams and Washington's letters, one can't help but be amazed at the difference in both style and form; it is small wonder that Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence as most all of his writings far surpassed those of the authors of this book in terms of clarity. This book glossed over Jefferson's shady dealings with Madison against Washington/Hamilton, although Jefferson was still the best at filling his cabinet position of all those that followed. 4.5 out of 5.
Presidential career - This is where this book really skimped over Jefferson's terms, spending about 50 pages over eight years. High points are certainly the Louisiana Purchase, and repealing the worst acts of the Adams administration; however Jefferson's embargo acts and naval Barbary "war" were both black marks on his second term. Americans were happy however, as the string of republican presidents that followed indicates. 4 out of 5.
Vice President - It's hard to imagine any Vice President that followed to be as bad as Aaron Burr, an individual charged with treason, that went on the lamb after killing Alexander Hamilton and had guises of seceding to start his own country. Made for an interesting read though. 0 out of 5.
First Lady - Poor Martha Jefferson died before Thomas took office, leaving him a widower. She seemed like a nice enough lady, and he never remarried. 1 out of 5.
Post presidency - Jefferson's primary post presidency achievements were serving as the first president of a university and being the nation's most prolific letter writer, which due to his copies of each letter has greatly aided historians. His architectural ideas also continued to contribute to modern design. 3.5 out of 5.
Book overall - What a letdown after the last two (particularly Zernow's awesome Washington book). If you're looking for a book that goes into detail like "then he was elected to the state house" with no explanation beyond that, or that only relays one story regarding Jefferson's slaves (an account of when he returned after a long absence and was greeted by crying and cheers of joy for his return) but skips over his failures to actually do anything as politician or slave owner to aid in his anti-slavery sentiments, then this is the book for you. Also check the footnotes, and see how few scholarly texts are cited. I gave it a 2nd star because it includes Jefferson's writings at the end, but this is not a great choice for fair analysis or in depth history of our third president.
Born into - Jefferson inherited quite a bit of wealth, property and slaves, and married into even more. He also was healthy (which was not true for most of his family). However, many of Jefferson's attributes were not necessarily helpful (as they were with Washington). This redhaired, soft spoken individual did not command one's attention by presence alone, instead relying on his wit and eloquence as a speaker to do the job. 2.5 out of 5.
Pre-president - Much like Ben Franklin, Jefferson was a man of many interests and succeeded in most of all them. He combined the Washington/Adams careers of lawyer, surveyor, diplomat, farmer, and stateman, but added scientist, architect, inventor and musician. One area in particular that stood out was Jefferson's writings. After reading Adams and Washington's letters, one can't help but be amazed at the difference in both style and form; it is small wonder that Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence as most all of his writings far surpassed those of the authors of this book in terms of clarity. This book glossed over Jefferson's shady dealings with Madison against Washington/Hamilton, although Jefferson was still the best at filling his cabinet position of all those that followed. 4.5 out of 5.
Presidential career - This is where this book really skimped over Jefferson's terms, spending about 50 pages over eight years. High points are certainly the Louisiana Purchase, and repealing the worst acts of the Adams administration; however Jefferson's embargo acts and naval Barbary "war" were both black marks on his second term. Americans were happy however, as the string of republican presidents that followed indicates. 4 out of 5.
Vice President - It's hard to imagine any Vice President that followed to be as bad as Aaron Burr, an individual charged with treason, that went on the lamb after killing Alexander Hamilton and had guises of seceding to start his own country. Made for an interesting read though. 0 out of 5.
First Lady - Poor Martha Jefferson died before Thomas took office, leaving him a widower. She seemed like a nice enough lady, and he never remarried. 1 out of 5.
Post presidency - Jefferson's primary post presidency achievements were serving as the first president of a university and being the nation's most prolific letter writer, which due to his copies of each letter has greatly aided historians. His architectural ideas also continued to contribute to modern design. 3.5 out of 5.
Book overall - What a letdown after the last two (particularly Zernow's awesome Washington book). If you're looking for a book that goes into detail like "then he was elected to the state house" with no explanation beyond that, or that only relays one story regarding Jefferson's slaves (an account of when he returned after a long absence and was greeted by crying and cheers of joy for his return) but skips over his failures to actually do anything as politician or slave owner to aid in his anti-slavery sentiments, then this is the book for you. Also check the footnotes, and see how few scholarly texts are cited. I gave it a 2nd star because it includes Jefferson's writings at the end, but this is not a great choice for fair analysis or in depth history of our third president.
March 22, 2011
This book was amazing. I love the approach that it took to Thomas Jefferson. There are so many books at there that purport to know who Jefferson was and present an interpretation of him. This book did not try to interpret him at all. The premise behind this book and the reason for the title of "The Real Thomas Jefferson" was that we will get the most accurate picture of him if we let him speak for himself. Most of the book is drawn from letters that he, himself, wrote. There are also excerpts from letters and writings of people that knew him.
A few things that really impressed me about Thomas Jefferson:
First, I was really impressed by his accomplishments as president of the United States.
1. He worked to repeal the alien and sedition acts. (laws that made it illegal to speak against the government) He pardoned anyone who had been convicted of charges under those acts and remained a champion of the free press despite all the lies that the press told about him.
2. He won a war against pirates in Tripoli who were not allowing ships to enter the Mediterranean peacefully.
3. He negotiated with Napoleon and executed the Louisiana purchase nearly doubling the size of the United States.
4. He paid down a large sum of the debt.
5. He made peace with the Native Americans.
6. He did all this and still was able to significantly lower federal taxes.
I sure wish we could have a president of that caliber today.
Second, I was impressed with his religious beliefs. There are those historians today who wish to pain Thomas Jefferson as a mere deist, one who believes there was a creator but that creator started the universe and walked away. According to Jefferson's own writings, that is not an accurate picture of him. His beliefs were very personal to him, so he wasn't one that was actively preaching Christianity. However, he called himself a Christian and even carried around a version of the New Testament that he made himself by compiling only those parts that are the words of the Savior himself.
Thomas Jefferson even went so far as to say that he believed in the pure Christianity of the Bible and that he believed that there would be a restoration of the ancient Christianity that would take place within the United States. He believed that all Christian sects were corrupt (which is why he never identified with any of them) but that the religious freedom in the United States would allow for "pure" Christianity to return.
The last thing I really liked about Thomas Jefferson was his true desire to just be with his family and study his books. He never really wanted to be a politician but did it out of love for his country.
I definitely recommend reading this book for anyone who wants to know more about who Thomas Jefferson really was. It is a fascinating look at one of our greatest founders.
A few things that really impressed me about Thomas Jefferson:
First, I was really impressed by his accomplishments as president of the United States.
1. He worked to repeal the alien and sedition acts. (laws that made it illegal to speak against the government) He pardoned anyone who had been convicted of charges under those acts and remained a champion of the free press despite all the lies that the press told about him.
2. He won a war against pirates in Tripoli who were not allowing ships to enter the Mediterranean peacefully.
3. He negotiated with Napoleon and executed the Louisiana purchase nearly doubling the size of the United States.
4. He paid down a large sum of the debt.
5. He made peace with the Native Americans.
6. He did all this and still was able to significantly lower federal taxes.
I sure wish we could have a president of that caliber today.
Second, I was impressed with his religious beliefs. There are those historians today who wish to pain Thomas Jefferson as a mere deist, one who believes there was a creator but that creator started the universe and walked away. According to Jefferson's own writings, that is not an accurate picture of him. His beliefs were very personal to him, so he wasn't one that was actively preaching Christianity. However, he called himself a Christian and even carried around a version of the New Testament that he made himself by compiling only those parts that are the words of the Savior himself.
Thomas Jefferson even went so far as to say that he believed in the pure Christianity of the Bible and that he believed that there would be a restoration of the ancient Christianity that would take place within the United States. He believed that all Christian sects were corrupt (which is why he never identified with any of them) but that the religious freedom in the United States would allow for "pure" Christianity to return.
The last thing I really liked about Thomas Jefferson was his true desire to just be with his family and study his books. He never really wanted to be a politician but did it out of love for his country.
I definitely recommend reading this book for anyone who wants to know more about who Thomas Jefferson really was. It is a fascinating look at one of our greatest founders.
February 20, 2017
This book is extremely factual, and therefore a bit dry, but overall an excellent overview of the life, both public and private, of Thomas Jefferson.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews