He does. And this may well be the finest look at him, and the greatest one volume biography in the English language. There are few truly great works of biography, and my list, like the list of most everybody, centers on people I like, and admire...Freeman's massive, multi-volume, studies of Generals Lee and Washington...Robert Douthat Meade's looks at Patrick Henry [two volumes], and Judah Benjamin...Charles Roland's Albert Sidney Johnston...Glenn Robins' Bishop Polk; of course, ANY list, subjective or objective, must have Dumas Malone's six-volume "Jefferson And His Time" at, or near, the top. One man got two of the greatest works? Not surprising; he was quite a man. Peterson and Malone were friends, and colleagues, at the University of Virginia, and had very similar views of Mr. Jefferson; of course, Jefferson has caused a LOT of ink to be used, and always will. The books are good, bad, indifferent, and stupid...with some flat-out lies thrown in. But, there are two truly great biographies available, and one is our subject here....
Thomas Jefferson [1743-1826] crowded more accomplishments, and interests, into one lifetime than seems possible. Yet, for all the huge record he created, both public and private, he remains for us a riddle that we just can't solve. That's true for me, and Dr. Peterson has stated that it's true for him, too. Jefferson can be quoted to "prove" ANYTHING. He who said that "all men are created equal" had some observations on the orangutang. Union was desirable; secession a free choice. Many of the quotes embarass some in our day; with most, we have no earthly idea what he meant, even when we think we do. I may as well state my own theory right here; at least part of the genius of Thomas Jefferson is that he was a man not troubled by contradictions. He was both public and private, theoretical and practical, open and secretive...and it never bothered him a bit.
This is an absolutely outstanding, and very complete, cradle to grave study of Mr. Jefferson. It's ALL here, in detail, from family background on. Details of education, his various "loves" [Betsey Walker is apologized for, and Sally is dismissed], the keys to the founding of America, his repeated "retirements", and "reluctant" returns to public service. Maria Cosway gets plenty of space, though there is no proof that the relationship was anything more than an improper friendship. His service as Minister to France, and his miseries as Secretary of State, and Vice President are looked at in great detail. The breaks with Washington and Adams, the mutual hatred with Hamilton and Marshall, get full coverage. {Marshall, at least, was loyal to America}. Aaron Burr? James Callendar? Yes, they're here, and we wish they didn't have to be.
Two terms as President, one joyous [LOUISIANA!!], one a real pain......Thru it all, books, debts, books, debts, religion, farming, science, architecture, religion? Monticello, more debts, more books, letters, letters, letters.......[he was NOT an athiest]........
Thomas Jefferson wrote the inscription for his own tombstone [the one you can see at Monticello is a replacement, the original having been taken by souvenir hunters]; he wanted to be remembered as the author of the Declaration of Independence, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia; these subjects are all studied at to perfection.
If you want one complete volume on Thomas Jefferson, start, and end, right here. It is total, comprehensive, and very readable. Dr. Peterson is the greatest living Jefferson scholar. Period. However, it is 1,009 pages of small print. I fear that many of the copies sold end up on shelves, collecting dust. Sad. Don't waste your money just to stick it on a shelf so folks can see how smart you are; that insults Dr. Peterson. I usually recommend the works of Joe Ellis, or Noble Cunningham {NOT Fawn Brodie}, and they're very good, but....If you want it ALL, Dumas Malone is readable, and easily available. One way or another, Jefferson deserves your best effort. He invented America, and as noted in my headline, John Adams' last words were absolutely correct...he, indeed, still survives.
ISBN-13: 978-0195019094
ISBN-10: 0195019091
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