Thomas Jefferson, Man versus Myth (Pamphlet)

by David N. Mayer Ph.D. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Thomas Jefferson is one of the giants of Enlightenment thought and political activism. Yet to the historical record of his accomplishments, several myths have been added by both admirers and detractors of Jefferson. In this work, historian David N. Mayer investigates several of those myths, including the claims that Jefferson was "the father of American democracy," that he had an extend affair with Sally Hemings and fathered some or all of her children, and that he was an atheist. In addition, Dr. Mayer identifies some of Jefferson's shortcomings despite his genius and many outstanding accomplishments.

About the Author
David Mayer received his J.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He is Professor of Law at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Mayer is the author of The Constitutional Thought of Thomas Jefferson (University of Virginia Press, 1994) and many articles and reviews in academic journals and other publications.

Product Details

• Pamphlet: 31 pages
• Publisher: Ockham's Razor / CEE; 1st edition (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979427010
• ISBN-13: 978-0979427015
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,028,398 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The real Jefferson, January 8, 2008

By	Stephen Hicks (Roscoe, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An excellent essay by a leading historian on what's true and what's false in the various historical accounts of Thomas Jefferson's life. Mayer covers a lot of ground clearly and compactly in 31 pages.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faulty DNA Study Exposed, February 5, 2008

By	Herbert Barger (Ft. Washington, Md. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr, David Mayer, History Professor, and member of the 13 member Scholars Commission Report effectrively exposes the media and Monticello biased hype that it was Thomas Jefferson who fathered Sally Hemings's children. The Monticello "study" is exposed along with Annette Gordon-Reeds's accusations of anyone doubting the truthfulness of Madison Hemings outrageous claims is a racist. He suggests two other excellent books, "Anatomy of a Scandal" and "Jefferson Vindicated", both available from Amazon.

May I please highly recommend all three books in order to learn of the efforts of many to "paint Thomas Jefferson in a bad light." My own long research indicates that he did NOT father any slave children.

Herb Barger
Jefferson Family Historian

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Jefferson, January 26, 2008

By	Rodney L. Evans (Norfolk,VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent monograph on Thomas Jefferson,correctly pointing out that Jefferson was a proponent of a limited government sedulously protecting individual rights and not an advocate of unqualified democracy.He casts doubt on the claim that Jefferson sired the children of Sally Hemings.He doesn't,however,sugarcoat Jefferson but discusses both his strengths and weaknesses,including his mixed record on slavery.This splendid monograph covers many topics,such as his religious beliefs,his fidelity to the Constitution,and his idealism.I strongly recommend it.