Customer Reviews

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

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One of the clichés about Monticello is that few houses do so good a job revealing the personality of its builder. But clichés get to be such generally because there's truth to them, and that's definitely the case here. If Thomas Jefferson was one of the most interesting figures in American history (and I think that's unquestionably true), then Monticello may well be one of America's most interesting houses. And for this colorful book produced by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, we are guided through the house and grounds by people who know their stuff.

Specifically, the chapters of this title are written by Monticello's director of restoration, the curator, the director of gardens and grounds, and other experts associated with the Foundation. Large, colorful photos are accompanied by informed commentary and all the requisite history, as well as documentation of the decades of restoration work it has taken to get the house and grounds to its current condition. A book doesn't make up for a visit in person -- if anything, I wished for more photos of the interior, especially of the book room and "cabinet." But for a general overview of the house, grounds, and collection, and an insight into the man himself, this book is hard to beat. I recommend it as a souvenir, as well as a nice companion to a Jefferson biography.

This is a highly informative, well documented book covering all aspects of the design and building of Thomas Jefferson's home, plus insights into why things were done the way they were done, through Jefferson's own notes, sketches and correspondence. Plus,the photographs are exquisite.

This work successfully links the many unique qualities of Thomas Jefferson's personality to the unique qualities of the home that he designed and spent most of his life building and rebuilding. All of the intriguing features of this home are covered.
Anyone interested in this remarkable man and his home who is unable to visit Monticello in person should strongly consider this work.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, an essay in architecture, takes readers on a historical tour of the third U.S. president's cherished home near Charlottesville, Virginia, through well-written text and gorgeous, full-color photography. The book includes floor plans and photographs of Jefferson's original architectual elevations, as well as drawings of the finished building that we are most familiar with today. It describes Jefferson as art collector and plantation life on Monticello's farms, and it explores the four seasons in Monticello's gardens. Published in 2002 by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.

I have toured Monticello, and the stunning pictures in this tastefully put-together book does Monticello proud. Also the writings and diagrams within the book describing how Monticello came about, and something about the genuis patriot who designed it is very well done and most interesting. This book is well worth the price, and would make a wonderful gift.

After visiting Monticello and being awestruck, I could hardly wait to visit again. This book makes me feel as if I am there again. The photography is superb and the text so engaging. I am in love with this book as much as I am Monticello itself. I highly recommend it!!

No need to keep Monticello in memory alone! Return home to Monticello with this exquisitely photographed book produced by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. This is the keep sake sold at Monticello gift shops. Perfect size for a coffee table, but not too large or cumbersome. Spectacular glossy photos of both the interiors and grounds in all seasons! Some photos comprise entire page. Chapters include: Essay in Architecture; A Look Inside; Furnishing Monticello; The Gardens; The Plantation. Also a fantastic "amazon" price for this beautiful, high quality book. Definitely a MUST purchase!

This is a wonderful book for those who have visited Monticello and want a "souvenir" and those who are admirers of Thomas Jefferson and want to know more about his personal life. He was a fascinating man and there is much to be admired.