The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America s Philosopher of Freedom
Jefferson is the central figure in American histor... read full description
reviews
Jan 13, 2009
Ladypoet33
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When I first got this book, I was very intimidated by it. It looked as fat and boring as a text book.
I finally cracked it open about a month ago, and found it was full of stories. Not boring facts...but stories about Thomas Jefferson sources are from his letters and writings.
I just finished it yesterday and LOVE it. One of the best book I have ever read. Now on to Benjamin Franklin...
LadyPoet33
I finally cracked it open about a month ago, and found it was full of stories. Not boring facts...but stories about Thomas Jefferson sources are from his letters and writings.
I just finished it yesterday and LOVE it. One of the best book I have ever read. Now on to Benjamin Franklin...
LadyPoet33
Mar 22, 2011
Jeff
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This book was amazing. I love the approach that it took to Thomas Jefferson. There are so many books at there that purport to know who Jefferson was and present an interpretation of him. This book did not try to interpret him at all. The premise behind this book and the reason for the title of "The Real Thomas Jefferson" was that we will get the most accurate picture of him if we let him speak for himself. Most of the book is drawn from letters that he, himself, wrote. There are a
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Apr 22, 2010
Jaylee
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I really liked this book. It is a compilation of quotes and excerpts of Thomas Jefferson's writings. Instead of summarizing Thomas Jefferson's life and accomplishments from his own perspective, Mr. Allison ties quotes together and gives factual background info so that Thomas Jefferson can tell his own story. I really learned a lot about Thomas Jefferson and I've gained a whole new perspective on colonial history.
After reading this book, I had a new desire to study hard and learn to b More...
After reading this book, I had a new desire to study hard and learn to b More...
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Jun 23, 2009
Alison
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It is shameful that more people do not take the time to read books on our Founding Fathers that are truthful instead of defamatory. Our school textbooks would teach our children (as it did me) all the untruths produced by political parties, only hoping to win votes while disaffirming the virtue of another. For instance, the slave Sally Hemmings that we read about constantly in biographies on TJ is a complete falsification of the truth. Not only was she known to be TJ's nephew's mistress, but the
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Sep 08, 2008
Travis
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This was a very informative book. I read it to my kids (it is pretty easy-going). One of the parts of this book that surprised me, surrounded his early education.
Thomas Jefferson's parents were keenly interesting in his education and instilled inspired requirements in him to work diligently and consistently on his education. They sent him to a Scottish minister for 5 years where he was required to study the classics along with Greek, Latin, and French. He was pretty fluent by the ti More...
Thomas Jefferson's parents were keenly interesting in his education and instilled inspired requirements in him to work diligently and consistently on his education. They sent him to a Scottish minister for 5 years where he was required to study the classics along with Greek, Latin, and French. He was pretty fluent by the ti More...
Jun 26, 2010
Jennifer
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An excellent book. Beautiful detail about both Jefferson's personal and political life.
Favorite quotes:
"It is a part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by reason and contrivance."
From the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798:
"Resolved, that the several states composting the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government; but that, by a compact u More...
Favorite quotes:
"It is a part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate, to surmount every difficulty by reason and contrivance."
From the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798:
"Resolved, that the several states composting the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government; but that, by a compact u More...
Feb 03, 2008
Jill
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I loved learning more about this man, I had no idea how close the presidential race for him was, and how many times they re-cast their ballots until they finally got the majority vote. I liked how virtuous he was, and how steadfastly he kept his daughters in his mind and heart. It's so sad to hear about what really went on at home; he had a wonderful, talented wife and six children - but in time, they all died, three of their children in infancy, one as a young five year old (shortly after the
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Jun 09, 2011
Susan
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I appreciate the style of the author in that there is no historical fiction entwined throughout. I have read several books about Jefferson that were historical fiction and although I gleaned quite a bit from them about the man, this one is based strictly on documentation. It is a very nice balance. I will say that this book has answered some gnawing questions I have had about this most enigmatic man. I am sovoring my read.
Apr 08, 2011
Lydia
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Enjoyed this as much as the other ones about our founding fathers. Good second half full of quotes but mostly enjoy reading the stories about their life. I learned quite a bit about Thomas Jefferson. Especially his younger years and then again his later years. Found a lot of what he did fascinating...including how early he introduced certain anti-slavery bills even to his state government. Incredibly smart person.
Apr 26, 2010
So I ordered two books before I went to VA. One on Thomas Jefferson and one on George Washington. I am finally in the mood for some more history. I can say that now I know about Thomas's short comings I can read it better. Also, if someone went over my life with a toothcomb, to write a biography, they would find a few incidences where I didn't behave my best.
Mar 20, 2011
Tiffany
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Wonderful book. I read it a while ago, so I can't give a great review, but I remember feeling very inspired while reading it. Its non-fiction, so its not a page turner, but for what it is, I remember being pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me to get through... (but I like history and founding fathers/constitutional stuff!)
Jan 18, 2010
Doran
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This biography is not nearly as good as The Real George Washington, but it is still worth recommending to everyone. This book uncovers a great deal about Jefferson, the life he lived, and the kind of man he was.
It is my belief, after reading this book, that Thomas Jefferson is exactly the kind of president the United States so badly needs today.
It is my belief, after reading this book, that Thomas Jefferson is exactly the kind of president the United States so badly needs today.
Jul 20, 2008
Kimbolimbo
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Excellent book. I didn't have to worry that I was reading the tabloids or exaggerated speculations about this great man. This book was fact, upon fact, upon fact from the letters, writings, testimonies, and actions of Thomas Jefferson and his associates/family. Some of the rumors and accusations about TJ were discussed and debunked.
Thomas Jefferson is pretty much one of the greatest men to walk the earth. I would love to meet him one day, but I don't want to be a nuisance since h More...
Thomas Jefferson is pretty much one of the greatest men to walk the earth. I would love to meet him one day, but I don't want to be a nuisance since h More...
Mar 01, 2008
Rob
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This book seems to me to have been written with an agenda - to immortalize Jefferson and set him apart with iconic status. Jefferson is one of my favorite founding fathers and played a huge role in the founding of our country. This book, however, glorified those roles beyond what they might have been, left out any character flaws and questionable conduct, and painted him as a larger-than-life demigod. It also made John Adams out to be a horrendous individual. This book poorly referenced sour
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Aug 09, 2011
Karen
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The book is a marevelous revealing of the loving, loyal, valiant man who participated in the building of this great nation. His faith in God was a driving force in his life and he always sought for truth.
Jan 15, 2010
Susan
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Great help in my family history research of this period. Loved the documentation and am impressed with Thomas Jefferson. I should have known his character was good by the documents he prepared in life.
Feb 15, 2009
Pat
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Its a great book about a truly great man. He among others of the fathers of our country should not be forgotten. I am so glad I read this book. Now I know Thomas Jefferson so much better than before and can say that there was hardly a better man born. The end of the book has an appendix of some of his writings it makes up nearly half of the book so don't be intimidated by its size. His writings are well worth reading however.
Jul 06, 2010
Kandace
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I didn't think I would enjoy this as much as The Real George Washington. I loved it and have gained a greater appreciation for Thomas Jefferson. He was an amazing man.
Mar 15, 2008
Dara
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Can I just say I love this man! I think of him as my own grandpa. I was working on the "Jefferson Independence Jubilee" fireworks program while reading this book, and I really can't begin to put on paper the deep respect, adoration and gratitude I feel for him. All I can say is that I want to be like him and some happy day I will meet him.:) Read this book. Through it, the hearts of the children are turned to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers are already turned to us. Get t
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Mar 15, 2011
Lauryn
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he is such a humble amazing man PLEASE READ THIS BOOK i learned so much in i think in 5 days
Jun 09, 2011
Nicole
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Nicole I would really give it 4.5 stars. My only problem was that it was that I wanted to know more:)I enjoyed reading his opinions straight from his mouth.
Dec 14, 2010
Ian Dolan
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Typical biography. Jefferson was an interesting and ridiculously smart man.
Nov 15, 2010
LeeAnn
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This is a wonderful biography. The author allowed the person of Thomas Jefferson to shine through by using many of his own words and writings rather than submitting him to their own fanciful imaginations as so many so-called biographers are wont to do.
Many examples are brought forward to illustrate his life and character to give the reader (me) tremendous fodder to feed on and consider my own goals and habits! in establishing new habits in my own live. He makes me want to do better and pursue More...
Many examples are brought forward to illustrate his life and character to give the reader (me) tremendous fodder to feed on and consider my own goals and habits! in establishing new habits in my own live. He makes me want to do better and pursue More...
Jan 17, 2012
Christy
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Ya, I think this book glorified Thomas Jefferson a little too much, but I really liked it anyway. With all the defamation the Founders get, I feel it is justified.
One of the things I appreciated most was that his character was vindicated and the whole Sally Hemmings situation explained. This needs to be on the evening news at the time of the next Jefferson Family Reunion.
Being a follower of a Thomas Jefferson Education, I already had an appreciation of his broad and de More...
One of the things I appreciated most was that his character was vindicated and the whole Sally Hemmings situation explained. This needs to be on the evening news at the time of the next Jefferson Family Reunion.
Being a follower of a Thomas Jefferson Education, I already had an appreciation of his broad and de More...
Mar 25, 2010
Valerie
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This book was very insightful to the life of Thomas Jefferson.Like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson was not only a great politician, but also a great inventor,friend,and wonderful humane being who did all he could for mankind. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about our founding fathers.
Feb 18, 2008
Jane
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After I read "The Real Benjamin Franklin" I thought there could be no other man who did more for the new American Republic than he. Then I read "The Real George Washington" and realized I had found a man who had equaled Franklin. After reading "The Real Thomas Jefferson" I discovered that the three of them in their own way were indispensable to our country. These books are wonderful. (Each has an alphabetical collection of quotes from the man on various subjects tha
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