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Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's: Three Men, Five Great Wines, and the Evening That Changed America
The Constitution was two years old and the United States was in serious danger. Bitter political rivalry between former allies and two surging issues that inflamed the nation led to grim talk of breaking up the union. Then a single great evening achieved compromises that led to America's great expansion. This book celebrates Thomas Jefferson and his two guests, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, and the meal that saved the republic. In Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's, you'll discover the little-known story behind this pivotal evening in American history, complete with wine lists, recipes, and more.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 29, 2020
Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's: Three Men, Five Great Wines, and the Evening that Changed America by Charles A. Cerami is concentrated in 1790 when Thomas Jefferson has returned from five years as Ambassador to France after agreeing to be Secretary of State to President George Washington. At that time the nation's temporary capital was New York City. John Adams was Vice-President, and also working with the president was James Madison, floor leader in the new House of Representatives following his success during the opening session of the first Continental Congress. Alexander Hamilton was leading the new Treasury Department and had become a very close adviser to the president. Jefferson realized that there were issues that threatened to tear the new and struggling democracy apart unless a compromise was reached regarding the passage of the "Assumption Bill" as proposed by Hamilton ensuring that the national debt would be paid with the states proportionately sharing the burden. It was at that point that Jefferson invited Hamilton and Madison to dinner in an attempt to persuade Hamilton to the compromise proposed by both Madison and Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson had been known as a most gracious host in his beloved Monticello and tried to do the same in his temporary residence in New York City. The many courses and the fine wines from both France and Italy are detailed much later in the book, as well as the three men agreeing on the best course of action for the country, each vowing to bring their different factions along to the proposed compromise. There is some controversy whether this dinner ever took place, but it was interesting reading and a good overview of that pivotal time in our history. In addition, there are some recipes from Monticello, a must for all foodies.
". . . . Jefferson vigorously pursued the gallant attempt to be an elegant short-term host in his temporary quarters in New York City. Even in that limited time, there was more than one dinner at Mr. Jefferson's that would affect the nation--and that would reverberate in the history of the United States."
". . . . Jefferson vigorously pursued the gallant attempt to be an elegant short-term host in his temporary quarters in New York City. Even in that limited time, there was more than one dinner at Mr. Jefferson's that would affect the nation--and that would reverberate in the history of the United States."
February 26, 2010
Despite some weaknesses, this short history was really a pleasure to read and refreshing. I'm not sure how the author rates as an historian but his account of the struggles between Jefferson and Madison on the one hand and Hamilton seems sufficiently factual to be credit-worthy. Although Cerami injects gratuitous praise for Chernow's biography of Hamilton, it was a pleasure to find that an author can still be published who doesn't join anti-Jefferson campaign. None of the three - Madison, Hamilton, or Jefferson - escapes strong disapproval. The failure of the three exceptional men to work as a team is a tragic story that I'm sure has been a recurring theme in history. But it is still the story of a tragic waste.
The author is apparently not a constitutional law scholar. He accepts as given certain matters regarding the Constitution -- such as judicial review -- that are in fact conclusions that can be credibly challenged and often have been. Still, I was won over by what seemed to me a balanced and sincere effort to present an account of the personal interactions that resulted in passage of Hamilton's "assumption bill" and a decision to create the District of Columbia on the Potomac.
The author is apparently not a constitutional law scholar. He accepts as given certain matters regarding the Constitution -- such as judicial review -- that are in fact conclusions that can be credibly challenged and often have been. Still, I was won over by what seemed to me a balanced and sincere effort to present an account of the personal interactions that resulted in passage of Hamilton's "assumption bill" and a decision to create the District of Columbia on the Potomac.
June 12, 2012
If you are someone who doesn't know much about this time period and wants to learn more, this book is a very digestible way to understand this information. If you are someone who already knows much about this time period, much of this book will be repetition of things you already know. The "Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's" only comprises one chapter of the book, and while the reader can tell the author firmly believes this dinner changed the course of history, he spends a significant amount of time going off on tangents about other historical events/players. Despite its flaws, an enjoyable read that doesn't take much time to finish.
June 6, 2022
The main reason this book gets as many stars as it does is for its choice of topic. But it makes a number of assertions and characterizations that are both broad and not supported by evidence or argumentation, and likely not supportable. He also frequently claims to know what various characters were thinking at various times thought it can only be supposition
There also appears to be a bias in favor of Hamilton, Washington and the rarely-lauded Roger Sherman, but against Jefferson, Madison and Adams.
The narrative often has trouble staying on course. For example, a discussion of the debate over where to locate the nation's capital wanders into irrelevanceis such as archaeology, Phoenicians and even paleontology. In fact there's little structure to the narrative. It's sort of like a rainyafternoon when you're stuck inside with your uncle on Thanksgiving. He's read a couple books on a topic and is going to tell you everything he remembers. Each fact or story reminds him of another one, related or not, and he constantly deviates from his page or repeats himself to tell them.
There is a lot of padding as well. After a while the beginning of each chapter seems to repeat the main points of a previous one, as if the author had taken a long break and were now trying to remember where he had been going. An editor really should have removed these bits.
The account of the dinner must be 95% made up. Jefferson wrote only a few lines about it, yet we have a complete account, including wines and food served! Unfortunately, some readers won't even realize this unless they happen to consult the end notes in the back of the book. This book isn't a history at all, but an historical fiction! I certainly plan to shelve it as such.
This is a good reminder to avoid histories by journalists using primarily secondary sources. Stick to actual historians.
There also appears to be a bias in favor of Hamilton, Washington and the rarely-lauded Roger Sherman, but against Jefferson, Madison and Adams.
The narrative often has trouble staying on course. For example, a discussion of the debate over where to locate the nation's capital wanders into irrelevanceis such as archaeology, Phoenicians and even paleontology. In fact there's little structure to the narrative. It's sort of like a rainyafternoon when you're stuck inside with your uncle on Thanksgiving. He's read a couple books on a topic and is going to tell you everything he remembers. Each fact or story reminds him of another one, related or not, and he constantly deviates from his page or repeats himself to tell them.
There is a lot of padding as well. After a while the beginning of each chapter seems to repeat the main points of a previous one, as if the author had taken a long break and were now trying to remember where he had been going. An editor really should have removed these bits.
The account of the dinner must be 95% made up. Jefferson wrote only a few lines about it, yet we have a complete account, including wines and food served! Unfortunately, some readers won't even realize this unless they happen to consult the end notes in the back of the book. This book isn't a history at all, but an historical fiction! I certainly plan to shelve it as such.
This is a good reminder to avoid histories by journalists using primarily secondary sources. Stick to actual historians.
April 27, 2019
Once America won its freedom from Great Britain it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were many disagreements about our final form of government, paying for war debts, and even where to put the capitol city. And it is well known that Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson each had strong feelings about how these and other issues should be resolved. Generally, Hamilton was for a larger central government which the others opposed. Thomas Jefferson came up with the idea of having the others over for a quiet, elegant, and private dinner where they could discuss the issues and see if they could reach a common agreement. The courses and the timing were such that the servants would bring dishes in and then leave them alone so that they were not able to overhear what was discussed. Many states had differing opinions about how debts should be handled as some had almost none outstanding after the war and other had significant amounts. Some states wanted the prestige as well as the important government jobs that would accompany having the nation's capitol within their borders. The author describes the specific courses that were prepared and served as well as the discussions of each of the issues and how they were eventually resolved with results that each of them felt comfortable supporting. It was an interesting look at how some of the wrinkles were ironed out in the early stages of the new independent America.
August 16, 2018
Interesting, but not really enthralling, view of early American politics and personalities. The centerpiece is an intimate dinner hosted by Thomas Jefferson to craft a compromise between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton which resulted in the location of the young nation's capital and it assuming the states' war debts. The information will probably be new to all but history experts.
July 22, 2011
This had the potential to be illuminating; it failed.
In the early, formative days of the American republic, the disagreements of the individual founders portended more than they would now. The fresh slate of America was easily stamped, but easily damaged as well.
One such fissure formed between Hamilton and Jefferson. The issue concerned the rightful division of powers between the state and federal governments. Jefferson, Hamilton and Jefferson's ally James Madison met for the titular dinner to discuss the matter.
The historical implications of this dinner are obvious, and Cerami wastes none of it, stressing the grand moment of this one event. It's a neat hook for a short book; it allows us to see these figures in a more personal light. It also allows Cerami to comment on the elegance of the occasion, which he enjoys: the food and wine are detailed course by course, and the book culminates in a collection of historical recipes. I enjoyed all this for it's own sake, but it sat uncomfortably with the political storyline. The two aspects feel out of context with each other. Cerami doesn't skimp on the politics, but he doesn't seem to enjoy the historical and political background of the titular dinner as much as the dinner itself. As a result, neither did I.
The meeting and its repercussions in American history are hastily and incompletely summarized in a short conclusion that's not much use. As a result, it's hard to see that the occasion was as noteworthy as Cerami claims it is. I only really got half this book; the other half is tacked on and too easily drops off in favor of the more enjoyable- but less substantive- side.
In the early, formative days of the American republic, the disagreements of the individual founders portended more than they would now. The fresh slate of America was easily stamped, but easily damaged as well.
One such fissure formed between Hamilton and Jefferson. The issue concerned the rightful division of powers between the state and federal governments. Jefferson, Hamilton and Jefferson's ally James Madison met for the titular dinner to discuss the matter.
The historical implications of this dinner are obvious, and Cerami wastes none of it, stressing the grand moment of this one event. It's a neat hook for a short book; it allows us to see these figures in a more personal light. It also allows Cerami to comment on the elegance of the occasion, which he enjoys: the food and wine are detailed course by course, and the book culminates in a collection of historical recipes. I enjoyed all this for it's own sake, but it sat uncomfortably with the political storyline. The two aspects feel out of context with each other. Cerami doesn't skimp on the politics, but he doesn't seem to enjoy the historical and political background of the titular dinner as much as the dinner itself. As a result, neither did I.
The meeting and its repercussions in American history are hastily and incompletely summarized in a short conclusion that's not much use. As a result, it's hard to see that the occasion was as noteworthy as Cerami claims it is. I only really got half this book; the other half is tacked on and too easily drops off in favor of the more enjoyable- but less substantive- side.
January 19, 2017
Ya know, I think I got a pretty good idea of the circumstances surrounding the famous dinner Compromise of 1790 from this book. However, the dinner itself was only covered in one chapter and filled with conjecture trying to pass itself off as fact. Absolutely NOTHING in this booked is cited and the author likes to insert dialogue that is also un-cited, so the reader is left guessing as to if it is a real quote or simply artistic license. The title of the book is very misleading; as I said, the dinner is only discussed in one chapter. No one knows what food was served there, but the author likes to believe he knows. However, he does not state in the chapter that he is simply using recipes used at Monticello and hoping they were maybe served that night. No, you have to find that out by turning to the back of the book and reading that in some strange "author's notes." The book is misnamed and misleading. It's more about Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison during the Washington administration. Would not reccomend unless you are looking for a fairly simply overview of the before and after of "the room where it happens."
May 1, 2014
The title is misleading….somehow I expected more about the dinner. Not sure what….but a bit more than one little chapter.
Otherwise…this book was fine for me since I forgot most of my history and prefer small doses & more anecdotal.
I was not aware of all the friction between Jefferson and Hamilton with Washington trying to keep the peace. I did enjoy the debates on how they ended up with Washington, DC being the capital. There was many other issues....which in my school days were so boring…and now being OLDER, I can appreciate and understand.
Otherwise…this book was fine for me since I forgot most of my history and prefer small doses & more anecdotal.
I was not aware of all the friction between Jefferson and Hamilton with Washington trying to keep the peace. I did enjoy the debates on how they ended up with Washington, DC being the capital. There was many other issues....which in my school days were so boring…and now being OLDER, I can appreciate and understand.
November 14, 2011
About 3/4s of the way through, I quit reading this book because I was tired of the author twisting himself into knots trying to make all of the founding fathers look good all of the time. The founders were human; they made mistakes and occasionally behaved badly, just like the rest of us. Get over it, already.
Too bad, because the economics and politics of the situation have some remarkable parallels to today's situation.
Too bad, because the economics and politics of the situation have some remarkable parallels to today's situation.
May 20, 2012
One of the best books I've ever read, The way that this whole dinner helped to form a nation, Cerami made me feel like I was watching every piece of this story unfold. Great book!
October 5, 2017
When I first saw this book, I became uncontrollably excited--I would finally be able to read about the events surrounding my favorite song, the "Room Where it Happened" in the hit musical production, Hamilton. Well. Fast forward 157 pages later (I couldn't even finish the book) and here I am, disappointed and let down by this novel.
Don't get me wrong--Cerami beautifully articulates the background of the characters involved, making them seemingly alive. The explanations for the compromise including the why, when, where and how left me completely satisfied and throughly enthralled. However. This author tends to deviate from the subject of the story-- the COMPROMISE. There are bits and pieces written, that are relevant to the time period, but do not have anything to do with what first encouraged me to pick up this book. I couldn't even finish this novel because it got to a point where it was just annoying. I could almost hear my literature teacher reminding us about THEME--that every little bit that we write has to relate back to the THEME. Because this novel did not do so, it was rather annoying.
Though I am disappointed, the author truly does a wonderful job detailing and shading in the events that led to our capital becoming Washington D.C., changing American history forever.
Don't get me wrong--Cerami beautifully articulates the background of the characters involved, making them seemingly alive. The explanations for the compromise including the why, when, where and how left me completely satisfied and throughly enthralled. However. This author tends to deviate from the subject of the story-- the COMPROMISE. There are bits and pieces written, that are relevant to the time period, but do not have anything to do with what first encouraged me to pick up this book. I couldn't even finish this novel because it got to a point where it was just annoying. I could almost hear my literature teacher reminding us about THEME--that every little bit that we write has to relate back to the THEME. Because this novel did not do so, it was rather annoying.
Though I am disappointed, the author truly does a wonderful job detailing and shading in the events that led to our capital becoming Washington D.C., changing American history forever.
September 22, 2019
With my 12-year-old daughter obsessed with the Hamilton musical (we listened to it so many times I can sing all of the parts, in harmony with her) I knew I had to learn more about this remarkable man and the equally remarkable men surrounding him. Since her favorite song is "The Room Where it Happened", naturally, I started with Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's. I was not disappointed! Although the author takes liberties in some areas, i.e. describing the menu and wines in detail and specific reactions in conversation, he bases them on observations he noted in other documented accounts. The dinner itself is only a small part of the book, as it was only one night, but the book is about so much more than just the meal. Cerami is very detailed on what led up to this unlikely trio working together and follows up on its lifelong ramifications. Without all of what came before and what happened after, it would have simply been conjecture because, after all, no one else was in the room where it happened.
April 2, 2024
Please accept my RSVP for dinner! Fascinating read! The contrast between today's political currents and those of the turn of the 19th century are very small indeed. Some of the nation's top founding fathers were not immune from mud-slinging, slanderous, petulant behavior and the reader will find many scandalous tidbits served up on a platter throughout the book. Particularly interesting was the realization that these men in history - Jefferson, Madison, Washington, Adams, and Hamilton - were prone to emotional upheavals, depressions, and sometimes even bouts of anxiety disorders just like those in power today. The famous dinner only lasts one chapter, but it propels the nation into the creation of the national bank and the final decision of the location of the Washington, D.C. Would definitely recommend this to all history buffs and Founding Father aficionados!
August 16, 2018
Less about the actual meal, and more about the minds gathered over dinner. This is a good introduction for Hamilton fans to find out more what happens in "The Room Where It Happens", providing a balanced view of Hamilton, Madison, and Jefferson. More hardcore history fans may find this short, maybe not enough. But it was good enough for me, wetting my appetite for more historical accounts for future reading. And some how I blanked out on the recipes? Eh, the men are the main course, and I am not complaining.
December 2, 2019
Another that Winston and I had "read" to us via audio.
More fascinating history that kept our attention up to and including the very last minutes. "I never knew that", was a frequent comment. "Run that back a few minutes" - often requested by either of us to be sure we didn't miss a word or a context.
Not actually as much info on the wine - but the facts of the guests and the dinner conversations outweigh that disappointment. ~ Smile ~ Also covers much ore "territory" and info than just the dinner party. excellent history reading.
More fascinating history that kept our attention up to and including the very last minutes. "I never knew that", was a frequent comment. "Run that back a few minutes" - often requested by either of us to be sure we didn't miss a word or a context.
Not actually as much info on the wine - but the facts of the guests and the dinner conversations outweigh that disappointment. ~ Smile ~ Also covers much ore "territory" and info than just the dinner party. excellent history reading.
November 4, 2019
The book is well written, with strong characterization and well reasoned interpretations. The book focuses on the rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson & Madison. While the dinner is the central aspect, the author covers their full careers, focusing on their time in Washington’s cabinet.
The author assumes zero knowledge of his readers for this period so it would be a good place to start exploring this key point in American history.
The author assumes zero knowledge of his readers for this period so it would be a good place to start exploring this key point in American history.
December 30, 2020
This book focused on the life and career of Thomas Jefferson during the time between the Presidency of George Washington and his own. I was expecting more time to be spent on the Assumption plan proposed by Alexander Hamilton, but it took up maybe a chapter of the book. There was a lot of time spent on the rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson, though. Even though it was not what I expected, it was an easy to read history. The writing was fluid and did not read like a textbook. The stories were interesting, and the author attempted to refrain from bias.
July 25, 2017
If you pick this up hoping for some riveting dinner conversation between some founding fathers', you will be disappointed. The book delivered some interesting interpersonal relations and their motivations during the pivotal point in time. People who have read on Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison prior will possibly glean new details as their lives intertwined through time.
February 7, 2018
Finally finished. Lots of info on Hamilton, Washington, Madison, and Jefferson. Well folks, politics haven’t changed much as far as personalities go. BUT, and it is a big BUT, the men who wrote our Constitution and began our government DID put their personal disputes aside for their country. Something today’s politicians know nothing about country first.
February 11, 2019
Much of this is retread for me except for Washington relying so much on Hamilton, blech, and Jefferson aligning so much with Maddison. I'm now off to spend some much need and belated time with Madison, hopefully, able to ignore his wife who people love, yet made Mary Todd Lincoln look mellow after her husband's death.
January 30, 2025
Very easy to follow story about how Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton decided on a capitol and then a national bank. The title is misleading. The chapter about the dinner is only 13 pages long. How the three of them got along and how little President Washington had to do with these decisions was interesting. The book lost a star because he repeated things making me think it was new things.
August 25, 2018
Compelling insight about how adversaries can hold on to their principles and yet work thing out. I think we used to call that compromise!
Nothing saccharine about this deal each attempted to play the other - and still America WON!
Nothing saccharine about this deal each attempted to play the other - and still America WON!
May 1, 2019
this book should be read if you want to learn about behind the close door about the setup of our country. It's amazing that the foundation for this republic came from a dinner in New York City in 1791.
February 10, 2023
Full of interesting history, yet badly edited. And the title leads one to believe that the dinner will be the main event in the narrative, but that is not the case. Granted, there are very few facts known about the dinner. But the title is deceiving.
November 5, 2023
This book explains the Dinner Table Compromise when Thomas Jefferson invited James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to dinner to discuss Hamilton’s debt assumption plan and where the Nation’s Capital would be. Solving Assumption and Residence would set America on a course to greatness.
July 5, 2024
I do enjoy books that explain history to me but I don’t feel like it should take 229 pages to let me know that Jefferson, a Republican, and Hamilton, a Federalist, did not get along. There were some interesting details in here but at times I struggled to get through it.
September 2, 2024
It was certainly informative, and definitely well written, but it just didnt grab me and hold on to me. A good book for a high school or college student to read to prepare to write a paper on early post-revolution America.
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October 31, 2021Book Club 2020
March 5, 2022
One of the most interesting books I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews