Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

~ Adrienne Koch (Author) "At the age of 77, I begin to make some memoranda, and state some recollections of dates and facts concerning myself, for my own more..." (more)
Key Phrases: ordinary legislature, regal government, happy talent, Great Britain, States General, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The architect of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the U.S., Thomas Jefferson provided a rich treasure house of historical information in his journals, addresses, and letters. This distinguished selection of his writings is now available in trade paper.

From the Inside Flap

On the occasion a dinner honoring Nobel Prize recipients, John F. Kennedy characterized his guests as "the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

Mr. Jefferson, as he is still referred to at the University of Virginia, which he founded and designed, was a brilliant statesman, architect, scientist, naturalist, educator, and public servant.

Jefferson provided "the richest treasure house of historical information left to us by any single man" through journal entries, notes, addresses, and 70,000 letters. This first paperback edition of the Koch-Peden selection of his writings, published during the 250th anniversary of his birth, provides an engaging and timely representation of his thoughts.

Included in this volume are the autobiography (including the Declaration of Independence), travel journals, biographical sketches of some of his notable contemporaries, important public papers, Notes on Virginia -- his only published book -- and a generous selection of his letters on both public and private matters. The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson is a distinguished and important compilation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 691 pages
• Publisher: Random House; Rep edition (August 17, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679748946
• ISBN-13: 978-0679748946
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,469,706 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jefferson the " American Mind", April 6, 2003

By	G. F Gori "Jeffersonian libertarian" (Manteca, ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

This study is a wonderful compilation of the life and writings of Thomas Jefferson. The introduction by Koch and Peden of Jefferson's long and fruitful life is rich and complete. Jefferson's greatness shines forth in the pages of this volume. His Anas, Autobiography, Essay of the Anglo Saxon language, Notes on Virginia, And his numerous public papers and letters show the reader the depth of this great man. Koch and Peden clearly admire Jefferon which is a welcome respite from the sad and anti-intellectual deconstructionist philosophy of modern historians. No PC here. For a student of Jefferson, or someone attempting to familiarize themselves with his ideals, this is a great buy!

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A excellent anthology for your library, September 14, 2000

By	Baltic Books "Vic" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

We added this book to our library when I was doing research for a doctoral project on Racism. In one volume, is Jefferson's autobiography, travel journals, essays, biographies of other historical figures, notes and correspondence. It is a wealth of material into a foundation stone personality of our American identity.

Lately Jefferson has drawn fire because of his position on slavery and his philandering activities as a plantation owner. Still, within this volume you can observe the full story historical context provides.

In my favorite passage in connection with the slavery issue he writes,

"And can the liberties of a nation be though secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of thepeople that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that considering numbers,nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events; that it may become probably by supernatural interference! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in such a contest." (Notes on Virginia, Query XVIII; p. 278 Modern Library Edition)

I think every family should have a copy of this volume in their library. It is enlightening, powerful and life changing material.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Look into the mind of Jefferson, August 6, 2008

By	S. LEIGH "former National Guardsman" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

Because the letters and other writings have been written in the English of Jefferson's time, the book is somewhat difficult to read. I had to read it slowly to take in Jefferson's ideas and feelings. The book includes the Declaration of Independence which spells out the reasons for the American colonies to declare independence from Britain. Jefferson's letters to John Adams are included as well. Adams and Jefferson were long time friends but became disconnected later in their lives. Finally, they make amends close to the end of their lives. There are also letters to a French woman who Jefferson was in love with while he was Ambassador to France. One of the most interesting concepts was Jefferson's idea of the separation of church and state. Jefferson believed that the religion should not intermingle in the affairs of the state. As Ambassador to France, Jefferson learned about the problems of authoritarian rule of a king over the common people. Jefferson was appalled at the poor representation and meager powers of the civilians of France compared to the powers of the King of France. Overall, this book is a good inside look at the ideals, beliefs, and feelings of one of the founding fathers of the United States.