The Essential Jefferson

by Thomas Jefferson

Through substantial selections from Jefferson's writings--including his earliest writings, Notes on Virginia , and key public papers and personal correspondence--this volume traces the development of his thinking on such fundamental issues as republicanism, constitutionalism, slavery, and the separation of religion from politics. Footnotes identify Jefferson's correspondents and provide useful context.

Genres: History, Philosophy, American History, Nonfiction, Biography

328 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 1994

About the author

Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the American Revolutionary War and prior to becoming president in 1801, Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. secretary of state under George Washington and then the nation's second vice president under John Adams. Jefferson was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels. His writings and advocacy for human rights, including freedom of thought, speech, and religion, served as substantial inspirations to the American Revolution and subsequent Revolutionary War in which the Thirteen Colonies succeeded in breaking from British America and establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.
During the American Revolution, Jefferson represented Virginia at the Second Continental Congress and served as the second governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781. In 1785, Congress appointed Jefferson U.S. minister to France, where he served from 1785 to 1789. President Washington then appointed Jefferson the nation's first secretary of state, where he served from 1790 to 1793. During this time, in the early 1790s, Jefferson and James Madison organized the Democratic-Republican Party to oppose the Federalist Party during the formation of the nation's First Party System. Jefferson and Federalist John Adams became both friends and political rivals. In the 1796 U.S. presidential election between the two, Jefferson came in second, which made him Adams' vice president under the electoral laws of the time. Four years later, in the 1800 presidential election, Jefferson again challenged Adams, and won the presidency. In 1804, Jefferson was reelected overwhelmingly to a second term.
As president, Jefferson assertively defended the nation's shipping and trade interests against Barbary pirates and aggressive British trade policies, promoted a western expansionist policy with the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the nation's geographic size, and was able to reduce military forces and expenditures following successful negotiations with France. In his second presidential term, Jefferson was beset by difficulties at home, including the trial of his former vice president Aaron Burr. In 1807, Jefferson implemented the Embargo Act to defend the nation's industries from British threats to U.S. shipping, limiting foreign trade and stimulating the birth of the American manufacturing industry. Presidential scholars and historians praise Jefferson's public achievements, including his advocacy of religious freedom and tolerance, his peaceful acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France, and his leadership in supporting the Lewis and Clark Expedition; they give radically differing interpretations of his views on and relationship with slavery.
Jefferson is ranked by both scholars and in public opinion among the upper-tier of American presidents.

Reviews

[Kate Wilson]

I enjoyed this, and I am also amazed, as usual, by how intelligent the "common man" was in our earlier days.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of Jefferson's writings. From letters written to friends to memorandums written as President this book gives us a unique insight to the man in his own words. I enjoyed this book. The mind of Jefferson is amazing. Much of what he writes is in stark contrast to the image that is painted of him in the popular culture. How is it that this man was a slave holder yet despised slavery? How is it that this man promoted separation of Church and State yet called upon God in his inaugural addresses? After reading this book I have a strong desire to know more of this man.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential letters and documents written by Thomas Jefferson. There is no better way to understand his positions, hopes, and dreams then by reading his own words written to foreign leaders, generals, friends, and confidants.

I recommend keeping this book at your side while you read the history of the American Revolution and early years of the presidency. It is a great resource to have full text letters and documents to refer to as they are mentioned in historical context.

[Koleneevans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Thomas Jefferson's writings as a collection offerred more insight both into the person and a deeper understanding of the writings themselves.