Jefferson, A Monticello Sampler

by Rick Britton

Rick Britton has been writing about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello for over a dozen years. His well-received Jefferson pieces have appeared in newspapers and magazines all across the Old Dominion. Based largely on that work, this book presents an eclectic and captivating collection of Jefferson essays. Within its pages you'll Jefferson's influence on Albemarle, his native county; the British raid that came within a hairsbreadth of capturing Jefferson; slavery along Monticello's Mulberry Row; Jefferson's friendship with Italian vintner Filippo Mazzei; his wide-ranging scientific pursuits; William Clark's 1807 trek to Big Bone Lick, Ky., in search of Mastodon bones; Jefferson's efforts toward exploring the West; the all-but-forgotten Freeman and Custis expedition; Jefferson's slavery correspondence with Edward Coles; Lafayette's 1824 visit to Monticello; Jefferson's founding of the University of Virginia; his amazing architectural legacy; and the early years of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, the organization that owns and operates Monticello.

Genres: History

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2008

Reviews

[Emily Mellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book about one of my favorite presidents, but I could really only get into a few of the sections. Some of the things I read were very interesting, but each time I put the book down, I had to force myself to pick it up again. It felt like work to get through. I think it could have been written better, so that the stories and information, once sampled by the reader, actually called to the reader and compelled further reading. Maybe someone else will love it. I wanted better for a book about the genius of Jefferson.

[Jack Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book. As the title suggests, it is a "sampler." It offers various vignettes about Jefferson's life and times. Anyone interested in history will fine something to like.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the distinct pleasure to attend three lectures by the author, Rick Britton at Michie Tavern in the shadow of Monticello this past winter. I believe he is one of our community's best spokespersons to keep the history of Mr. Jefferson, Monticello and the University of Virginia's history alive for this and future generations. I love his clear and entertaining eloquence. His well documented details and conversational style writing makes reading history a pleasure.

[Karla Hogge · Rating 4 out of 5]

History really isn't my thing, but after hearing the author tell some wonderful stories around a bonfire one evening, I decided to give his book a try. This book is simply written in a way that interests a non-historian into reading more. Rick Britton did a very good job at writing about Thomas Jefferson through some wonderful essays.

[Glenkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Charlottesville resident and alumni of UVa, I thought I'd heard it all about Jefferson. Rick Britton proved me wrong. Fascinating discussions.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collections of well done essays about snippets of Jefferson's life by Rick Britton. I read it in about 3 days. Very enjoyable.