Questions About American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about American Sphinx, please sign up.

Answered Questions (3)

I'm not a scholar, just looking for a good read to follow "Alexander Hamilton," which I enjoyed. If I read just one Jefferson biography, should it be "American Sphinx" or "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" -- and why?

Russ Grossman Having read both, I can tell you, if you want a complete Jefferson biography, read the Art of Power. However, American Sphinx explores how and why Jef…moreHaving read both, I can tell you, if you want a complete Jefferson biography, read the Art of Power. However, American Sphinx explores how and why Jefferson handled the most important moments of his life. It's not a complete biography, but definitely a great companion to the Art of Power. There's another one I haven't read yet called Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty I'd like to check out as well.(less)

flag

Which book on Jefferson is better, Meacham's or Ellis's?

Russ Grossman I don't think it's a question of "better." They are very different. Meacham wrote a full scale biography of Jefferson, where Ellis focused on his thou…moreI don't think it's a question of "better." They are very different. Meacham wrote a full scale biography of Jefferson, where Ellis focused on his thought processes and feelings about why he did what he did at the most important moments of his life. I'm glad I read both - gave me a more complete picture of the man.(less)

flag

It seems to me that Jefferson's view of "agrarian American" is still relevant many peoples mind and imagination today. It's still expressed in daily conversations, arts and media (television, movies and current literature). Ellis express's that its time has passed in his finally chapter and epilogue. Why can't people just let go of this? Any opinions?

Russ Grossman I think it's about going back to our roots. We're a nostalgic people, and our country began with farming. We still depend on it for meat and dairy and…moreI think it's about going back to our roots. We're a nostalgic people, and our country began with farming. We still depend on it for meat and dairy and other things. Maybe it's a combination of those things? Especially in the media, we like things with a golden glow to make us feel better - simpler times, etc. I would guess it has to do with that.(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more