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Jefferson
In 1826, Thomas Jefferson was laid to rest at Monticello beside his wife and daughters. His epitaph, which he composed, reads, "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia."
Jefferson's tombstone does not bear a word of his political accomplishment - forty years as an officeholder, Virginia assemblyman, Continental congressman, ambassador to France, secretary of state, vice president, and president of the United States. He felt that these were honors the people had given him, and he wanted no credit for them. But the three accomplishments chiseled into the "coarse stone" he specified for his monument were his gifts to the people of the United States. They sum up Jefferson's vision of a nation of free people with the education and culture to preserve and enjoy their freedom. Here is his story.
Jefferson's tombstone does not bear a word of his political accomplishment - forty years as an officeholder, Virginia assemblyman, Continental congressman, ambassador to France, secretary of state, vice president, and president of the United States. He felt that these were honors the people had given him, and he wanted no credit for them. But the three accomplishments chiseled into the "coarse stone" he specified for his monument were his gifts to the people of the United States. They sum up Jefferson's vision of a nation of free people with the education and culture to preserve and enjoy their freedom. Here is his story.
241 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 30, 2019
JEFFERSON by Davidson Butler can be classified as both a biography and a history book. It is written in a manner that is easy to read and understand and is not just dry facts. I enjoyed the book which covers the life of Thomas Jefferson as both a person and a political figure.
I rated this book three stars because there is very little information about the author available and a list of sources is not given for the book. If those were available, I would likely rate it 4 stars. Assuming the book is indeed factual, I learned a lot about Jefferson's personal life and balancing his early political career with family needs including a wife that seemed to suffer from depression and was often sick as well as the death of multiple children. On the political side, I never realized the degree of animosity between Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. While the book covers his political accomplishments as an officeholder, Virginia assemblyman, Continental congressman, ambassador to France, Secretary of State, Vice President and President of the United States, it also covered his proudest accomplishments of authoring the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and becoming the father of the University of Virginia. Additionally, it showed how accomplished Jefferson was in other aspects of life including as an inventor, architect, paleontologist and much more.
This biography is compact and rather short, but was filled with a lot of information. It is slanted favorably towards Jefferson and against his detractors and opponents. It does show other themes such as regional differences, the power of the press, the origins of political parties and much more.
I rated this book three stars because there is very little information about the author available and a list of sources is not given for the book. If those were available, I would likely rate it 4 stars. Assuming the book is indeed factual, I learned a lot about Jefferson's personal life and balancing his early political career with family needs including a wife that seemed to suffer from depression and was often sick as well as the death of multiple children. On the political side, I never realized the degree of animosity between Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. While the book covers his political accomplishments as an officeholder, Virginia assemblyman, Continental congressman, ambassador to France, Secretary of State, Vice President and President of the United States, it also covered his proudest accomplishments of authoring the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and becoming the father of the University of Virginia. Additionally, it showed how accomplished Jefferson was in other aspects of life including as an inventor, architect, paleontologist and much more.
This biography is compact and rather short, but was filled with a lot of information. It is slanted favorably towards Jefferson and against his detractors and opponents. It does show other themes such as regional differences, the power of the press, the origins of political parties and much more.
February 27, 2014
The American icon.
Disheartened by the vitriolic actions and inactivity of our non-representative congress, I have lately taken to reading the biographies of our greatest presidents. It seems, throughout our entire national history, our rowdy but well meaning representatives seldom agreed on anything. The troubling constant being the unrelenting struggle of the entitled to wrest self determination from the working class. The universal mark of greatness was the strength with which these great presidents bullied, cajoled, babysat, and inspired, a motley collection of elected delegates to put aside personal gain in the interest of the greatest good. I found it refreshing to discover how steadfastly Jefferson stood for the common man, peace, polite political discourse, true religious freedom, and the abolition of slavery. Here was a man who truly believed and practiced the immortal words he penned as our national Declaration of Independence. This is an easy must read.
Disheartened by the vitriolic actions and inactivity of our non-representative congress, I have lately taken to reading the biographies of our greatest presidents. It seems, throughout our entire national history, our rowdy but well meaning representatives seldom agreed on anything. The troubling constant being the unrelenting struggle of the entitled to wrest self determination from the working class. The universal mark of greatness was the strength with which these great presidents bullied, cajoled, babysat, and inspired, a motley collection of elected delegates to put aside personal gain in the interest of the greatest good. I found it refreshing to discover how steadfastly Jefferson stood for the common man, peace, polite political discourse, true religious freedom, and the abolition of slavery. Here was a man who truly believed and practiced the immortal words he penned as our national Declaration of Independence. This is an easy must read.
March 19, 2014
This was an interesting book, and Thomas Jefferson has always been one of my favorite Presidents. I did a report on him in third grade, and I have always read all I could about him. This book will be a must read for all history fans, and it is filled with details & interesting facts.
March 22, 2020
History is alive
It is sometimes hard to visualize that our heritage comes for
people who made tremendous sacrifices and brave decisions This book is well written and helps I. making our history come alive.
It is sometimes hard to visualize that our heritage comes for
people who made tremendous sacrifices and brave decisions This book is well written and helps I. making our history come alive.
May 8, 2018
Almost puerile in its fanboy simplicity, this book reads more like a hagiography than an historical biography. It's not that the author misstates any facts but that he elides over the complexities that are what made Jefferson so truly great.
June 4, 2018
When Integrity Mattered
In this engaging story about Thomas Jefferson, the author paints a portrait of one of the most prominent men of the American Revolution.
In a light readable style, this story moves along through the various highs and lows of the life of Thomas Jefferson. From the American Revolution up to his successful presidency, what we get here is a rounded portrait of Jefferson that is full of his achievement as well as his personal struggles back home.
In a time when trust in our political leaders is low, it's refreshing finding a leader in Thomas Jefferson who merits our respect. In his respectful, humble leadership I find an example of a leader for all of us.
In this engaging story about Thomas Jefferson, the author paints a portrait of one of the most prominent men of the American Revolution.
In a light readable style, this story moves along through the various highs and lows of the life of Thomas Jefferson. From the American Revolution up to his successful presidency, what we get here is a rounded portrait of Jefferson that is full of his achievement as well as his personal struggles back home.
In a time when trust in our political leaders is low, it's refreshing finding a leader in Thomas Jefferson who merits our respect. In his respectful, humble leadership I find an example of a leader for all of us.
August 9, 2019
This is a fairly short overview of the life and accomplishments of Thomas Jefferson. It is very pro-Jefferson, and not nearly in depth as some of the other biographies of Thomas Jefferson that are out there. Despite that, it provides a different perspective and some information that is missing in many of the other books, including Jefferson's prolific interest in science and his inventions as gifts to the world. It is a quick and worthwhile read for those interested in the man who may be our greatest President, but more importantly, our greatest visionary.
September 2, 2019
President Jefferson
This bibliography presented a complete and insightful description of Thomas Jefferson and of his life and accomplishments. The biographer presented a very adequate chronology and the implications of Jefferson's personal, political and civic lives. I feel well informed by reading this book. Truly a great value in return for the modest cost. Thanks.
This bibliography presented a complete and insightful description of Thomas Jefferson and of his life and accomplishments. The biographer presented a very adequate chronology and the implications of Jefferson's personal, political and civic lives. I feel well informed by reading this book. Truly a great value in return for the modest cost. Thanks.
March 1, 2022
Historical correct in most instances. Jefferson is one of my most favorite Presidents and people. I have visited his home and holdings numerous times. When you know his background, he is a totally amazing person with knowledge vastly beyond the times. If you have a chance to get to know this man, do so. You will be astonished.
May 9, 2018
Readers digest biography
Writing basic and simplified. Seems to be written more for middle grade students,
Not as objective as should be for a biography. The author injects many personal opinions, feelings, and personal judgements.
Writing basic and simplified. Seems to be written more for middle grade students,
Not as objective as should be for a biography. The author injects many personal opinions, feelings, and personal judgements.
June 12, 2018
A very pleasant history
This was a well written account of Thomas Jefferson's life...from his marriage to his death. Sally hemming was mentioned at one point but largely left out of this book 😕
This was a well written account of Thomas Jefferson's life...from his marriage to his death. Sally hemming was mentioned at one point but largely left out of this book 😕
February 12, 2019
At 86 i learned
Even at my advanced age, i learned so much i never knew.
I always admired him as a founder and father of the constitution but grew to love him through these words. It seems to me the author must love him also.
Even at my advanced age, i learned so much i never knew.
I always admired him as a founder and father of the constitution but grew to love him through these words. It seems to me the author must love him also.
October 17, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse of this great man! He was a pioneer in so many ways and he and Adams passing away on July 4th only could be providential.
Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse of this great man and the fact he and Adams passed away on July 4th only providential.
Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse of this great man and the fact he and Adams passed away on July 4th only providential.
May 17, 2017
Concise Bio
This account of the life of Thomas Jefferson and his accomplishments. It is a good biography without perceived dramatization. Enjoy the Heritage Series.
This account of the life of Thomas Jefferson and his accomplishments. It is a good biography without perceived dramatization. Enjoy the Heritage Series.
May 14, 2018
Enjoyed this book
May 21, 2018
Excellent!
Spellbinding! A delightful history of the nation's third president, author of the Declaration of independence, and the great enabler of the Western Expansion.
Spellbinding! A delightful history of the nation's third president, author of the Declaration of independence, and the great enabler of the Western Expansion.
September 3, 2019
Jefferson has lessons for today
Let your personal behavior set a standard for others.
Respect and engage your opposition.
Stimulate a quality Press.
...and very readable.
Let your personal behavior set a standard for others.
Respect and engage your opposition.
Stimulate a quality Press.
...and very readable.
May 16, 2022
Short, easy to read, concise book hitting some of the highlights of the political life of Thomas Jefferson.
August 18, 2025
Amazing men with a great vision
It is a great biography, with lots of details of his achievements and how he lived with his principles. I learned something new from his life.
It is a great biography, with lots of details of his achievements and how he lived with his principles. I learned something new from his life.
February 23, 2019
This book gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of Thomas Jefferson. Well-written book! One of the best books I have read so far this year.
What a tribute to Thomas Jefferson!!
What a tribute to Thomas Jefferson!!
May 18, 2014
An engagingly written biography, this book focuses on Jefferson's life starting with the beginnings of revolution in the early 1770s. I either never learned, or have forgotten in the 35 years or so since primary school many of the facts and events about Jefferson, probably one of our most intelligent and honorable leaders - a far cry from many of today's politicians. It was interesting to note, though, that many of the dirty politics practiced today were in full force, and perhaps even more virulent, in the early days of our nation.
March 12, 2014
I can never get enough of Thomas Jefferson. Hadn't expected to learn anything new, but I did. Sheds some light on the moral conflict of Jefferson's ownership of slaves. Also presents an interesting narrative of his presidency.
June 17, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of insight into personal life of a very interesting historical figure.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews