Thomas Jefferson, A Character Sketch

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

Biography. According to Wikipedia: "Edward Sylvester Ellis (April 11, 1840 – June 20, 1916) was an American author who was born in Ohio and died at Cliff Island, Maine. Ellis was a teacher, school administrator, and journalist, but his most notable work was that that he performed as author of hundreds of dime novels that he produced under his name and a number of noms de plume. Notable works by Ellis include The Huge Hunter, or the Steam Man of the Prairies and Seth Jones, or the Captives of the Frontier. Internationally, Edward S. Ellis is probably best known for his Deerhunter novels widely read by young boys up to the 1950s (together with works by James Fenimore Cooper and Karl May). In the mid-1880s, after a fiction-writing career of some thirty years, Ellis eventually turned his pen to more serious works of biography, history, and persuasive writing."

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Edward Sylvester Ellis was an American author who was born in Ohio, and died at Cliff Island, Maine. He served as editor of Public Opinion (a daily newspaper), Golden Days and Holiday (both children's magazines). He specialized in boys' stories, inspirational biography, and history for both children and adults. He was a major author during the era of inexpensive fiction of the nineteenth century (dime novels).

Besides books published under his own name, Ellis' work was published under various pseudonyms, including:

Captain James Fenimore Cooper "Bruin" Adams
Boynton M. Belknap
Captain Latham C. Carleton
Capt. R.M. Hawthorne
Lieut. Ned Hunter
Lieut. R.H. Jayne
Captain H.R. Millbank
Billex Muller
Lieut. J.H. Randolph
Seelin Robins
Emerson Rodman
E.A. St. Mox

Reviews

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a response to Hamilton. I have always had great admiration for Thomas Jefferson, and I didn't particularly like the characterization of him in Hamilton. It was good to be reminded that Jefferson, despite his faults, was an amazing man who played a vital part in the founding of our country.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of articles, speeches, and sayings by and about Thomas Jefferson, and used to give you a character sketch of the man who helped found the United States of America.

[Donna Peake · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me this quote says it all about TJ's character: " Never to engage, while in public office, in any kind of enterprise for the improvement of my fortune" Thomas Jefferson

Too bad todays politicians don't follow this rule.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book wasn't entirely of Thomas Jefferson. It seemed like there was a lot about John Adams and Washington in there and it was like a comparison of him to those guys. Little strange in that regard. It was ok and had some good parts and a few things that weren't known to me in the past, but not a lot of substance to really read all the way through. I kind of had to skip a few things. I got it free on my kindle, so can't beat the price...

I don't recommend reading though.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book with a bunch of good information but rather difficult to read. poorly organized with the author jumping around in time quite a bit and repeating several events. Made it difficult to get a feel for the actual progression of events. Still recommended as a good primer into the life of Jefferson.

[Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book if you enjoy biographies

I choose 3 stars because I believe it is a well written piece but I am not a big fan of biographies. It is well written and easy to understand, I recommend to have a higher comprehension level though. Again well written piece just not my favorite genre.

[Durgaprasad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America presents his life in a very brief and concise manner. It deals with what inspired him and what ultimately made him. His daily schedule, which is provided in the book is legendary as much as it is inspiring. A very good read.

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonder how Thomas Jefferson was seen in the 19th century? This gives a number of sketches that lay that out. There were a number of anecdotes that I was unfamiliar with, which alone made this worth reading.