Thomas Jefferson : Writings :
Autobiography / Notes on the State of
Virginia / Public and Private Papers /
Addresses / Letters (Library of
America) by Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson's Writings: Some Additional Observations
The most comprehensive one-volume selection of Jefferson ever
published. Contains the Autobiography, Notes on the State of Virginia,
public and private papers, including the original and revised drafts of the
Declaration of Independence, addresses, and 287 letters.
Personal Review: Thomas Jefferson : Writings :
Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and
Private Papers / Addresses / Letters (Library of America) by
Thomas Jefferson

The persons who reviewed this wonderful book have done a fine job. My
review intends to point out some aspects of the Writings unmentioned by
the other reviewers.
First, Jefferson was a GREAT stylist. He's a delight to read.
Second, in his little Autobiography he shows the Declaration of
Independence as he originally wrote it, shows the additions, the major
deletions, and the finished product. I was amazed at how he was furious
with England for enslaving Africans. The king, says Jefferson's original,
"has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred
rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never
offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another
hemisphere...." And even more in that vein. Unfortunately, Congress
deleted all that.
Third, his detailed "Notes on the State of Virginia" (good reading) display
something of the broad range of Jefferson's interests, and the depth of his
knowledge. They also give strong hints as to why he sent out Lewis and
Clark -- and had them well prepared -- as well as Zebulon Pike and, on the
Red River, Freeman. I recommend that immediately after reading the
Notes, turn to J's 1803 letter of instruction to Merriwether Lewis. It's just
an amazing piece of work: less than seven pages of the book -- and
Jefferson planned the whole Lewis and Clark expedition BEFORE he had
acquired the Louisiana territory.
Fourth, I got a charge out of the variety of the matters he dealt with when
he was President. In a single year, 1803, for instance, he was grappling
with the nation's division between democracy, which he championed, and
aristocracy, which he viewed the Federalsts as working toward; he found
time to write a serious missive concerning his views of Jesus as opposed
to the major Greek and Roman philosophers and the Jews; he instructed
William H. harrison regarding Jefferson's deep policy regarding the
Indians; he focused upon agriculture -- the successful use of gypsum in
Louden County, VA; reduction of the costs of government, and of course
the Louisiana Purchase. Wow!
Fifth, his writings to John Adams, and Abigail, may tantalize some of us
into reading both ends of their correspondence.
Of course, there's much, much more. After I got well into Jefferson's
writings, I was compelled to buy the Library of America edition of
Madison's writings -- a dangerous situation for anyone who wants to spend
leisure time doing other things than reading great works from our Founding
Fathers.
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:

Thomas Jefferson : Writings : Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public
and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters (Library of America) by Thomas Jefferson 5 Star
Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!