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George Wythe of Williamsburg
Book by Blackburn, Joyce
- GenresBiography
Hardcover
Published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 16, 2023
I've read biographies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, as well as a number of books about founding fathers who didn't go on to become presidents. George Wythe appears in all of them. Unfortunately, there's a shortage of documentary evidence of Whythe's life.
This slim tome (143pp of text) attempts to tell his tale. Because of the shortage of a written record, Blackburn has to resort to some speculation. I don't really have a problem with the speculation she engages in: she's up-front about it, and she explains why she feels her speculations are correct.
Wythe was a lawyer, but he was foremost a teacher. Blackburn makes the case that he fundamentally influenced Jefferson's outlook. Despite the age difference, he and Jefferson became life-long friends.
I feel that Wythe was an important figure in the movement toward independence. If you're at all interested in the story of the founding of the USA, his is a story that merits discovery.
This slim tome (143pp of text) attempts to tell his tale. Because of the shortage of a written record, Blackburn has to resort to some speculation. I don't really have a problem with the speculation she engages in: she's up-front about it, and she explains why she feels her speculations are correct.
Wythe was a lawyer, but he was foremost a teacher. Blackburn makes the case that he fundamentally influenced Jefferson's outlook. Despite the age difference, he and Jefferson became life-long friends.
I feel that Wythe was an important figure in the movement toward independence. If you're at all interested in the story of the founding of the USA, his is a story that merits discovery.
December 7, 2021
I got this book from a friend and read it with great interest. I had not heard of George Wythe before reading this book and was amazed to learn about his mentoring and teaching Thomas Jefferson, working for the courts in Williamsburg and then in Richmond, attending and signing the Declaration of Independence, his plantation in Elizabeth City County and his marriage and wife, Elizabeth. This was a very informative book. The ending was a total surprise. Really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
April 30, 2009
While reading this I could tell that Joyce Blackburn was inspired and definitely impressed by George Wythe. I got the impression that his moral character was without question faultless, and his knowledge and wisdom astounding. He was a great man.
May 14, 2009
The writing style was OK, but what made this book shine was the man, George Wythe.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews