The Portable Thomas Jefferson

by Thomas Jefferson, Merrill D. Peterson (Editor)

Includes A Summary View of the Rights of British America and Notes on the State of Virginia complete; seventy-nine letters; "Response to the Citizens of Albemarle," 1790; "Opinion on the Constitutionality of a National Bank," 1791; and many other writings.

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

589 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

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

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Peter Corrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating is based not on Jefferson's writings per se but rather on the format. Perhaps not a valid criticism but as a reading experience perhaps not optimum. First off are his only two printed works, 'A Summary View of the Rights of British America' (1774) and 'Notes on the State of Virginia' (1785) which stand pretty much on their own, Both make interesting reading, although the mass of detail in 'Notes' can get somewhat tedious. I especially enjoyed the sections on 'Climate' and 'Rivers'! A number of public papers and addresses are then presented, including the Declaration and inaugural addresses. Then come the letters which are many and varied but have only slight references to put them into context. That really slowed the reading as I was forced to Wikipedia repeatedly to find out who these guys (almost all men, with a few exceptions including the famous Head and Heart letter to Maria Cosway) were and more about the actual issue was that was being addressed. Given Jefferson's astounding range of interests and areas of inquiry it could be a letter on political theory, law, farming, industry, architecture, education, religion, slavery, foreign affairs, advice to youth, even the nature of 'misinformation' (his term) and what might be called 'fake news' a subject he returned to often. His criticisms and analysis of news and newspapers and their inability to tell the truth could easily be applied to today's 'media' with but little embellishment. Anyway, a few notes on the subject of each letter would have at least made for a smoother reading experience. Altogether however, this is a rewarding foray into the always busy and intensely curious mind of one the most influential Americans and lays a solid groundwork to embark on a first-class biography in 2023. Now which one?

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like his writings, but I'm still not much of a Jefferson man. And it's not just because today's hapless Democrats claim to carry his torch. I'm more of a Hamilton man myself, though today's hapless Republicans don't really carry that torch particularly well either.

But the guy did write the Declaration of Independence.

[Drew Jaehnig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books - The Portable Thomas Jefferson is an illuminating collection that brings together the vast writings, letters, and essential documents of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Edited by Merrill D. Peterson, this volume provides a comprehensive view of Jefferson’s political philosophy, personal reflections, and his contributions to the formation of the United States. It offers a profound glimpse into the mind of a man who was not only a president but also a philosopher, diplomat, and intellectual force. However, I recommend readers approach this work piece by piece, allowing themselves time to digest Jefferson’s complex ideas rather than attempting to consume it all at once.

Thomas Jefferson’s legacy is integral to the foundation of the United States, and The Portable Thomas Jefferson offers a window into his pivotal role during some of the most transformative moments in American history. Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, also served as the third President of the United States, playing a key role in the nation’s early development, particularly in expanding the U.S. through the Louisiana Purchase and supporting agrarian ideals. His correspondence with contemporaries like John Adams, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin reveals the philosophical debates and challenges faced by the Founding Fathers in shaping the new republic.

Moreover, Jefferson’s writing reflects the complex and contradictory nature of his personal beliefs, especially when viewed against the backdrop of slavery, a system he publicly opposed yet participated in as a slaveholder. This duality runs throughout his life and works, raising important questions about the ideals of liberty and equality that shaped the American Revolution. In many ways, this collection allows readers to engage with the broader historical narrative of the Enlightenment and its influence on the founding of America, as well as the moral dilemmas that accompanied its realization.

At the same time, Jefferson’s era was one of political and intellectual ferment, not only in America but globally, as revolutionary ideas spread across Europe and beyond. His engagement with the French Revolution, as well as his writings on religious freedom and the separation of church and state, capture the broader Enlightenment debates that were reshaping societies worldwide. The Portable Thomas Jefferson serves as a repository of these ideas, offering readers a direct link to the ideological struggles of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Merrill D. Peterson, the editor of this volume, was an esteemed Jefferson scholar, and his curation of Jefferson’s works is both thoughtful and thorough. Peterson carefully selected pieces that not only showcase Jefferson’s political brilliance but also his more personal and philosophical reflections. The collection includes famous documents like the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, alongside private letters that reveal the inner workings of Jefferson’s mind and his views on education, government, and individual rights.

One of the strengths of The Portable Thomas Jefferson is its breadth. Readers are offered a chronological journey through Jefferson’s life, from his early political musings in the 1770s to his later years spent corresponding with old friends and rivals. The letters to John Adams in particular offer a fascinating insight into their reconciliation after years of political antagonism, providing an intimate look at two of America’s great statesmen. Additionally, Peterson’s introductory notes help guide readers through the historical and personal contexts of Jefferson’s writings, making the collection accessible to those who may not be familiar with all aspects of early American history.

This anthology also reflects the diversity of Jefferson’s interests beyond politics. His musings on architecture, education, and agriculture demonstrate his Enlightenment ideals and his commitment to the betterment of human society through reason and knowledge. Jefferson’s writings about Monticello, for example, show his passion for architecture and land cultivation, further humanizing this figure often regarded solely for his political contributions.

Since its publication, The Portable Thomas Jefferson has been praised for its ability to encapsulate the wide-ranging intellect of its subject. Readers and scholars alike appreciate the access it grants to Jefferson’s mind, offering both an academic resource and a reflective piece of literature. While not without its critiques—particularly regarding Jefferson’s views on race and his complicated legacy as a slaveholder—this collection is still regarded as an essential volume for anyone seeking to understand American history and political thought.

Despite the admiration for the book’s comprehensiveness, it is important to acknowledge the challenges readers may face when engaging with this material. Jefferson’s writings are, at times, dense and deeply philosophical. This is not a book meant to be read in one sitting. As Jefferson himself was a methodical thinker, his works are best approached one document at a time. This allows the reader to digest the context, reflect on the arguments, and appreciate the subtleties of his thought process. Attempting to read the collection in one continuous stream would likely be overwhelming, and could lead to a diminished understanding of Jefferson’s deeper intellectual contributions.

The reception of Jefferson’s legacy itself has been a subject of ongoing debate, particularly in light of modern reassessments of his role as a slave owner. Yet, the writings contained within this volume continue to serve as foundational texts for those interested in the ideals of liberty, democracy, and the complicated realities of America’s founding. While we must engage critically with Jefferson’s contradictions, his contributions to the philosophical and political architecture of the nation remain indispensable.

The Portable Thomas Jefferson is a compelling and invaluable resource that offers a comprehensive exploration of one of America’s most influential figures. Merrill D. Peterson has curated a collection that not only showcases Jefferson’s intellectual range but also invites readers to grapple with the complexities of his legacy. For those interested in American history, political theory, or Enlightenment philosophy, this is a must-read, but it is best consumed in individual pieces, allowing time to reflect on each document’s significance. This approach will ensure that readers can fully appreciate the nuances of Jefferson’s thoughts and the lasting impact they have had on shaping the United States. #thomasjefferson #americanhistory #FoundingFathers #politicalphilosophy #portablethomasjefferson #historicaldocuments #merrillpeterson #LibertyandEquality #TheEnlightenment

[Rhonda Koppelmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for content - not necessarily for enjoyment

[Ashok · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're not going to find me recommending the portable Nietzsche, but this edition works for students and scholars. You not only get the notes on the State of Virginia, the Declaration of Independence complete with the parts edited out by others (it's from his Autobiography, if I remember correctly), but you also get a host of public papers and addresses (the First Inaugural is of especial note, as it is very well-constructed) and a host of letters, some of which are very famous: the one declaring "separation of church and state," another saying "the earth belongs in usufruct to the living," and so on.

I can't really emphasize how useful this edition has been to me personally. I've mused on plenty of writings within it, most recently the letter to William Ludlow, 9/6/1824.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compilation for understanding the thinking of a very paradoxical figure of history. I know many others have been the same, but the richness and diversity of Jefferson's writing on display here is a general inspiration to live an industrious life, inquire into new subjects with diligence, and apply lessons of the past to the present with great care and critical thinking. Jefferson's own personal faults are a sad mark on his very many great arguments. I found myself jiving with his callbacks to Plutarch in resisting political populism and avoiding setting any precedent for political tyranny. I smelled a lot of Plato in his obsession over the proper education system (which I think is arguably its own contradiction to a lot of other things he believed). I was also surprisingly touched by his writings to his nephew and ward, Peter Carr. It is a sad and tragic thing to me that he was not at all a Christian, but I am nonetheless glad to have had a sizable helping of his writing.

[Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book to pick up if you don't know much about Thomas Jefferson and want to begin learning about the man. I believe Jefferson had only two major works published, (Notes on the State of Virginia and A Summary View of the Rights of British America), which are both included--as are a collection of some of his most interesting letters. The depth and breadth of the man's interests, knowledge and involvement in his time are astounding. What a life.

Joseph Ellis's American Sphinx is next on my list of Jefferson books.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson wrote beautifully no matter his topic.

[Abraham Bravo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumped around