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72nd out of 148 books
—
100 voters
The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America's Philosopher of Freedom (American Classics Series #1)
The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America s Philosopher of Freedom
Jefferson is the central figure in American history, and...he may yet prove to be the central figure in modern history. So stated noted historian Henry Steele Commager. And as the English novelist Samuel Butler once wrote, Though God cannot alter the past, historians can. His observation is espec
...morePaperback, 709 pages
Published
June 1st 1983
by National Center for Constitutional Studies
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This is a comprehensive book, touching on many key aspects of Jefferson's life. It corrects the record about some popular myths including TJ not being a Christian (He was, and proclaimed himself as much so as any person who ever walked the face of the earth. He even edited, wrote, published his own version of Jesus biblical life and leanings.) and the misnomer claiming he was an advocate of "separation of church and state." He seems to have been cautiously careful about this issue to ensure that...more
Jan 13, 2009
Ladypoet33
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone
Recommended to Ladypoet33 by:
Lehi
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
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 also excerpts fr...more
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 be a great sc...more
After reading this book, I had a new desire to study hard and learn to be a great sc...more
I had hopes this book would be non-partisan, as it advertised. Unfortunately it was about as strongly partisan as a book can be. Jefferson is one of the most important people in American history and it seems as though no author or historian as of yet will tell both sides of the controversies surrounding him w out bias. I found myself checking Wikipedia for the other side of the story so that I could at least understand it. Perhaps Chernow will write one!
Luckily, Jeffersons own writing is brillia...more
Luckily, Jeffersons own writing is brillia...more
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...more
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 time he hit 14...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 time he hit 14...more
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 under the style and title of a Constitution fo...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 under the style and title of a Constitution fo...more
Feb 03, 2008
Jill
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jill by:
George Wythe College
Shelves:
george-wythe-college
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 m...more
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.
1 like · like · see review
I typically do not love biographies, but I truly loved this one. I found it very well written and paced in a way that kept the reader engaged. The first half of the book goes through Thomas Jefferson's life while the second is a reference for topics and what he wrote or thought about them. Both are worth the shelf space to keep handy.
I'm thankful to have read about this great man. I enjoyed learning what he was passionate about and what motivated him. I wish I would have read this sooner. I wish...more
I'm thankful to have read about this great man. I enjoyed learning what he was passionate about and what motivated him. I wish I would have read this sooner. I wish...more
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.
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!)
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
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Every single person
Shelves:
read-in-2008
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 he was basically...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 he was basically...more
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 sources...more
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dry reading, but very informative.I can't wait to get to the Ben Franklin & George Washington books in this series, too.
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 to know our fou...more
he is such a humble amazing man PLEASE READ THIS BOOK i learned so much in i think in 5 days
Fascinating insights into the life of a brilliant man. Allison footnotes profusely.
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.
Typical biography. Jefferson was an interesting and ridiculously smart man.
Just OK, but lacking in scholarly detail and research to my mind.
What wonderful men. These our founding Fathers.Awesome and Inspiring!
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 m...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 m...more
Mar 27, 2009
Philip Jensen
added it
Very well done debunks the myths about him.
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Oct 13, 2008 01:34pm