Customer Reviews

Jefferson Himself: The Personal Narrative of a Many-Sided American

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Bernard Mayo has provided a lot of material from the pen of Thomas Jefferson in this book.

Mr. Mayo narrates the circumstances or gives some background on the subject of that particular chapter.

Some of Jefferson's opinion may come as a surprise.

Among them are religion, prayer, and fasting.

One issue that Jefferson took exception with was the idea of a monarchical government. He was pitted against Alexander Hamilton on a number of occasions and that is detailed in his writings.

Among the quotes that I found of most interest were:

"As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun." Page 18.

"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves therefore are its only safe depositories." Page 89.

As to be expected, Jefferson was eloquent in his writings and as the previous reviewer stated, you can learn what Jefferson's opinion was on a variety of subjects by reading his written word.

This is a book worth reading for historical study and a founding father's viewpoint.

Mayo presents a well-rounded view of the politician and the man using letters and other writings of Jefferson himself. In fact, it presents so many facets of Jefferson and his life that it is difficult to focus on anything in particular in review. I enjoyed most the chapters: "Washington's Secretary of State", "The Struggle for Democracy", and "Philosopher-President". In these a reader can "live" history by becoming intimately familiar with Jefferson's extraordinary mind and his relationships with others who created our republic. It is, in my opinion, a much better introduction to Jefferson than a biography could be.

The book is also an excellent reference to confirm or debunk representations made about Jefferson's stands on issues that have become controversial in our time.