Thomas Jefferson

by R.B. Bernstein

Thomas Jefferson designed his own tombstone, describing himself simply as "Author of the Declaration of Independence and of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia." It is in this simple epitaph that R.B. Bernstein finds the key to this enigmatic Founder--not as a great political figure, but as leader of "a revolution of ideas that would make the world over again." In Thomas Jefferson, Bernstein offers the definitive short biography of this revered American--the first concise life in six decades. Bernstein deftly synthesizes the massive scholarship on his subject into a swift, insightful, evenhanded account. Here are all of Jefferson's triumphs, contradictions, and failings, from his luxurious (and debt-burdened) life as a Virginia gentleman to his passionate belief in democracy, from his tortured defense of slavery to his relationship with Sally Hemings. Jefferson was indeed multifaceted--an architect, inventor, writer, diplomat, propagandist, planter, party leader--and Bernstein explores all these roles even as he illuminates Jefferson's central place in the American enlightenment, that "revolution of ideas" that did so much to create the nation we know today. Together with the less well- remembered points in Jefferson's thinking--the nature of the Union, his vision of who was entitled to citizenship, his dread of debt (both personal and national)--they form the heart of this lively biography. In this marvel of compression and comprehension, we see Jefferson more clearly than in the massive studies of earlier generations. More important, we see, in Jefferson's visionary ideas, the birth of the nation's grand sense of purpose.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, American History, Presidents, Politics, Biography Memoir

253 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2003

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

***1/2
A balanced, introductory biography with a good eye for historiography, which leaves you wanting more on most counts.

Only a few of the political crises wore my patience thin, such as the first generation evolution of the presidential election system, the first bank of America or Jefferson's conflict with the juridiciary. They cannot fully be denied attention, as the often Jefferson vs. Hamilton centered, republican vs Federalist debate is instrumental in understanding the political adolescence of the U.S. all the way up to Reconstruction and beyond.

Current events musing:

Two and a half centuries later [this year] the Federalist philosophy has become a necessity in a global, post industrial world. Will it accommodate a return to isolationism? Jefferson's metaphor with the tree of liberty & the blood of patriots, based upon him witnessing the pre-jacobite phase of the French revolution under the apparent guidance of the liberal aristocracy ... has been adopted by some very twisted heirs.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good narrative style overview of who Thomas Jefferson was, what he excelled at and what was difficult for him. Just enough information and direct quotes to cover this fascinating person's life and also give a good idea about the who the other players in politics were at the time and what they were doing or trying to accomplish.

[Susanclouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say I knew very little about Thomas Jefferson. I am also surprised and a little dismayed when our heroes don't think, act, respond to their world in the way we as Americans would or should respond. Being the perfect humans we all are. But that's just the point. Thomas Jefferson was very human and flawed. Yet he had a brilliance and a passion that has endured over 200 years though sometimes minimally.

I could never figure out why we in 2012 look back to 1776 and wonder why our founding fathers did not grant full women rights, free the slaves, vanquish child labor or just, "Do the right thing." I do have an understanding that many of our founding fathers regretted not being able to abolish slavery and knew that in some near distant future the matter would be dealt with and probably with violence. It was not going to go away without a fight.

This book is basic and easily understood. It speaks in a simple way of all the accomplishments of Jefferson, the proudest being his establishment of the University of Virginia and the writing of the constitution of Virginia. After all, he was a Virginian before he was a Patriot.

So if you want a light reading novel of some of the greatest events that occurred in American History, this would be a fine novel to read.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

-from: The (US) Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776


"I advance it therefore as a suspicion only, that blacks, whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time and circumstances, are inferior to the whites in the endowments both of body and mind. It is not against experience to suppose, that different species of the same genus, or varieties of the same species, may possess different qualifications. Will not a lover of natural history then, one who views the gradations in all the races of animals with the eye of philosophy, excuse an effort to keep those in the department of man as distinct as nature has formed them? This unfortunate difference of color, and perhaps of faculty, is a powerful obstacle to the emancipation of these people."

-from: Notes on the State of Virginia , penned by Thomas Jefferson, and first published in 1787


As these two quotations make plain, Thomas Jefferson – an aristocratic Virginia planter and an ardent republican populist, a believer in universal freedom and an entrenched slaveholder who considered people of African descent (and women) inherently inferior – was a man of contradictions. The attempts, over the years, to reconcile those contradictions, and to come to terms with the meaning of Jefferson’s life and work, and the legacy it has left us, here in America and around the world, has produced an incredibly prolific body of work, with volume upon volume dedicated to analysis of his actions, his philosophy, and his character. In our own times, Jefferson’s role as a slaveholder, and the ethics of his relationship with his slave, Sally Hemmings, seems to have become a particular focus. Given that this is so, it can sometimes feel rather daunting, to the more casual reader (ie: the reader not intending to pursue graduate studies in history), to attempt to find a balanced presentation of his story. Certainly, when we went looking for a good work on Jefferson, to use as the third title in our newly formed 'Presidential Book Club' - a group set up to correct deficiencies in member's knowledge of American history, by reading, chronologically, a biography for each of the presidents - we struggled to find one that was suitable. There is no equivalent volume, in Jeffersonian studies, it would appear, to Ron Chernow's Washington: A Life , or David McCullough's John Adams .

This brief introduction to Jefferson, with 198 pages of actual text, was the title we eventually settled upon, having read that it served as a good introductory work on this important man, providing all the basic facts of his story, with the minimum of polemical asides. That has proved to be the case, so I suppose I must account myself satisfied with the results. Bernstein succeeds, I think, in his object (given in his introduction) of presenting Jefferson in the context of his time and place, and steering a course between those who would "praise Jefferson for his aspirations," and those who would "damn him for his failures." Setting out the broad strokes of his subject's life, he adheres to his central thesis: that Jefferson was (and wished to be seen as) a man of ideas, and it is in that arena that we must focus our attention. The result is a narrative that gives a good outline-view of Jefferson's life, and devotes as much time to his public persona and writings - notably, the US Declaration of Independence, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom - as to his personal affairs.

Despite being convinced that Bernstein's Thomas Jefferson succeeds at what it sets out to do - indeed, what we were looking for as readers, in the first place - I can't say that I found it outstanding, especially when compared to our forgoing tiles ( Washington: A Life , John Adams ). In many ways, I felt that I was reading the same material over again, given the extensive treatment of Jefferson that is offered in the McCullough book, and came away wondering whether a more polemical work - something like American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson - might not have been more informative. Still, hindsight is 20/20, and I can't really fault the book for not being something it never claimed to be. If nothing else, I came away from it with a clearer view of its subjects simultaneously glorious and shameful legacy. As Bernstein puts it: "The clash between his professed ideals and life's realities is as bitter as the clash that it exemplifies, between the nation's creed - which he did so much to shape - and its history."

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise biography of Thomas Jefferson, covering the entire span of his life.

So after reading the magnificent John Adams by McCullough, I didn't think I could stomach a bio on .Jefferson because that book went into a lot of detail about Jefferson that really convinced me of his jerkiness. Yet I continue on with this crazy, epic goal of reading a few bios of the presidents in order until I finish, so I found this book on Jefferson that was hailed the best short bio of Jefferson and it actually was very good. In just shy of 200 pages, it gave a snapshot of the major turns of his life and showed that he was indeed a complex person, which I could appreciate. I also was surprised to consider how much of a "renaissance man" Jefferson was with regard to his talents and abilities, not to mention his intellect. However, of course he had many, many flaws. I was shocked to see him carelessly live beyond his means, and disappointed regarding his views on women and black people. I kinda missed the ins and outs that I got about Adams (and Jefferson) in McCullough's book, but I didn't miss the extra 500 pages to read. Probably this book was a 3.5, but it gets an extra .5 for being so nicely concise.

[Heddy Panik · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more about the events during Jefferson's presidency than about him. It reads like a history book, nevertheless it is very informative.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading 1776, George Washington and John Adams, I was ready to expound upon my knowledge of our third President and writer of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson is an immortal hero for Americans, and often that status comes with a lofty purity that is difficult to actually live up to. In R. B. Bernstein’s abbreviated biography, I felt I got to know the real person that Jefferson was, rather than the icon.

Jefferson was clearly a passionate man. He had a love for learning and enjoyed erudite discussions with knowledgeable men of his time. He even extended those discussion’s to Abigail Adams, but it is fairly clear that, like most men of his era, he felt that women were of an inferior mind to men. His passions, however got him into trouble. He would stand firm on an issue (for instance his belief in a very limited Federal Government), write scathing critiques of anyone who disagreed with him, and later, when he had to bend his own beliefs (for example, when he approved the Louisiana Purchase although many in Congress felt this power was not granted to the Federal Government) his public would never let him live it down. He clearly was not the pragmatic man that Washington or even Adams was.

Jefferson wrote much about his dislike of slavery and felt that it should be abolished. Yet he owned hundreds of slaves and never set a single one free. I believe it was likely a weakness of character. Jefferson wanted to create an image of being one of the planter elite, and so he continually burdened himself with large debts. The assets with which he could guarantee payment of those debts, included his slaves, and he likely felt that freeing them would make him appear untrustworthy (as opposed to the honorable gentleman he wished to be perceived as) to his creditors.

Regardless of his personal shortcomings, his gifts to Americans (and mankind) are immeasurable. The concept of a republic, free from aristocratic rule, and freedom for all men is one that has spread like wildfire across the globe. Jefferson didn’t come up with the idea, but he helped to promote it. His words in our Declaration of Independence have been used to establish new democracies in other countries. Thomas Jefferson was a Governor of Virginia, the first U.S. Secretary of State,and our 3rd U.S. President. He founded the University of Virginia, established lucrative trade treaties and more than doubled the size of the United States.

While this is by no means a definitive biography, it’s a good start. There was a six volume biography written by a historian in the 1980′s, but given the fact that there are over 40,000 letters written by or received by Jefferson, it’s a monumental task for any biographer. 3 1/2 stars.

[Christopher Litsinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writer of the Declaration of Independence, notably two-faced, father of illegitimate children with his slave (the half-sister of his wife), Defender of States rights, A man who deplored the idea of overstepping constitutional authority, and yet did so many times during his presidency. There's a lot of interesting things to be said about Thomas Jefferson.
After reading John Adams, which paints a very negative picture of Jefferson, I was curious to read this.
This book sets out to tell the story of a controversial man from an unbiased perspective, a trick that it mostly pulls off. The book might have been more interesting if it had chosen a bias and it certainly could have done with more depth. It was filled with short descriptions that would send me running to google for details, like: "While American and French warships clashed on the high seas" without explaining which side started it or exactly what was going on or where.
Overall, the book left me feeling a bit like I learned more about Jefferson's life from John Adams than I did from this.

[David Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson" by Bernstein is a short, but comprehensive examination of one of America's founding fathers. Bernstein delves into Jefferson's complex character, his political philosophy, and his role in shaping the early United States. The book provides a balanced portrayal of Jefferson, highlighting his accomplishments as well as his contradictions, particularly regarding his views on slavery. Overall, it's a thorough biography, given its length, that offers insight into the complexities of Jefferson.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of Thomas Jefferson. I have to admit that I was drawn to it initially because it was on the shorter side and the last presidential biography I read took me ages to get through, but once I started reading I found this book to be very well written with a lot of great information. This biography had a balance of personal and professional information on Jefferson and the pacing made it a relatively quick read.

I found it very interesting to see some of Thomas Jefferson's point of view on the lower points of his friendship with John Adams after reading the other side of the story; and another side as well, as Abigail played a role in the dynamic of this relationship. I was also surprised to learn that Jefferson's wife asked him not to remarry on her deathbed, which I think sheds a different light on the rumors of his alleged relationship with Sally Hemings.

Jefferson accomplished so much during his life in the formative years of the United States and Bernstein does an excellent job of outlining his successes and his weaknesses.

Overall, I thought this was a great biography and would be enjoyed by those who aren't typically drawn to nonfiction.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, concise biography. I really enjoyed it. Bernstein neither apologizes for nor ignores Jefferson's shortcomings. He presents a very well-balanced view of the man and doesn’t get caught up in superfluous details.

I found this biography to be really accessible and I enjoyed the balance Bernstein was able to strike between Jefferson’s personal and professional lives. He did a great job of identifying the major events in Jefferson’s life without going overboard with details.

The one thing I was disappointed that Bernstein didn’t spend a little more time addressing was the conflict with Adams. Especially after reading McCullough’s biography of John Adams, I was expecting to learn a little bit about Jefferson’s view of his relationship with Adams. Besides that though, I was really pleased that I picked this biography of Jefferson to continue my Presidential Challenge!

[Pamilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise (198 pgs) biography of the contradictory life of Thomas Jefferson. I found it interesting to read what he considered his greatest accomplishment--The University of Virginia. He was instrumental in all aspects of the school, and when his secular University opened its doors, "it was one of the happiest and proudest days of his life." Hence, the inscription on his tombstone--Here was buried the Author of the Declaration of Independence and of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia. There is much to read about this fascinating man, and I think this book covered his life masterfully. One other tidbit--check out the Jefferson Bible.

[Courtney Umlauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introductory biography of Jefferson. Well written and easy to follow, and more importantly, Bernstein took a more balanced approach to the controversies surrounding the third president. So far what I've read about Jefferson in other presidential biographies has given me a very bad impression of him. This book didn't completely change that opinion, but it did give me a more well rounded view.

[Chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review will not necessarily follow the usual format. When it comes to the Presidential biographies that I am reading, I would like to write first about the president himself, consisting of what their life was like and his eventual presidency, through what I have learned in the text. Next, I would write a review on the text itself. I cannot do this however, since this book feels so...underwhelming.

At a scant 200 pages of actual narrative, this is one of the shortest biographies that one can find on any president anywhere, and this is so incredibly sad, given the man we have to work with. If one word could describe Jefferson, it would be enigma. He was a man who called slavery a sin, yet owned slaves himself, wrote the Declaration of Independence and still held people in bondage. He was a staunch racist yet slept with Sally Hemmings. He was a strong Anti-Federalist, yet he made the single largest land purchase in US history, while also using a system of finance to fund it that he had railed against for decades. In short, Jefferson was a man whom people far better educated than I would struggle to understand. One would think that even reading this short biography would help to resolve some of this confusion.

Sadly, though, it did not. This is mostly a cliff notes version of Jefferson's life. What would take a chapter in any other biography takes about five pages here. Friends that Jefferson had known since boyhood, and whom Jefferson called one of the best people of Virginia? The friend is name dropped, at best and we feel little impact of their relationship. The time of Jefferson abroad, serving as foreign minister to France? Given a few pages, at most. This means that, while we are given ample historical context to events, including theology, foreign policy, and law practices at the time, we never really get to know the man the book is named after. This can leave my journey with the Jefferson in this text feeling somewhat hollow and unfulfilled.

But can I really blame the book? What did I expect when I find that it has a less than 300 page count, including the appendix? As I seem to constantly have to remind myself, I suppose that I should rate this book based on what it is, rather than what I want it to be. On this case, I would say that this book is just not for me. It often goes over basic history that I know already know, while giving Jefferson a scant mention at best. The only reason that I am reading this specific bio of Jefferson at all is because I had to buy it for college, and only read a chapter of it. That said, if you are someone who has not read a history book in many years, then this may be a good book to pick up. For me, however, this text is one that I give a two out of five. Now I can get rid of this and proceed with Madison. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[Karenbike Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I visited Monticello and The University of Virginia. This was the perfect book to read after those visits. First, it is not a daunting tome with too much information. This biography trots along giving all the highlights before you get bogged down in too many details. Second, there are just enough interesting highlights to let the reader into the setting, personalities, conflict, and thinking of the people involved. And finally, Jefferson is revealed as a real person: a deep thinker, lover of science, idealist who believes in the common man and hope for the American Experiment, flawed about scandals with women, given to unreasonable tempers and grudges against the Federalists, and unsuited to be the glad handing type of President. This less than 200 page book shows the major struggles and rewards of his life and the monuments built to recognize him: the nickel, Mt. Rushmore, and the Jefferson Memorial in DC.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another biography geared for the general public. I purchased this one at the Monticello gift shop. The narrative is concise but includes all major events and aspects of Jefferson’s life. From his time in the Virginia House of Burgesses to Secretary of State to third President of the nation, we learn of his strong feelings about what politics should and should not be. After being reminded of the challenges of his presidency, I understand more why he chose to leave that off of the epitaph of his grave marker. This book also discusses his difficult view of slavery, including his relationship with Sally Hemings.

If Ellis’ American Sphinx or Meacham’s The Art of Power are too heavy for your liking then Bernstein’s work is an excellent way to learn more about this Founding Father.

[Natalie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that R.B. Bernstein did a very good job showing the intricate life of Thomas Jefferson in his book "Thomas Jefferson". The book not only talks about Thomas Jefferson's life in politics, but also his personal life. It has many interesting facts, quotes, articles and images. It also has descriptive detail which makes it a more engaging read, unlike reading a boring textbook that just lists the facts. At times the book can be a bit slow and hard to understand, but this sometimes helps to make it a good challenge. I almost guarantee that you will learn something new about Thomas Jefferson if you read this book!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short biography of a fascinating gentleman farmer from Virginia. The book covered his many accomplishments, as well as discussing his challenges and shortcomings.

A good read that avoids the pitfalls of a dissertation.

I usually avoid biographies that attempt to judge the actions of historical figures through the prism of current views, as though current views are absolutes — that might themselves become quaint or unsettling views 200 years down the road. This book did a fair job of covering the good and the bad in the context of the times without rendering judgement.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good concise biography of Thomas Jefferson. I would have liked more details on the events in his life and I felt as if Bernstein flew through several of the major elements, but as an overview? As a survey on Thomas Jefferson it was good. Best of all it was not fawning over the man like he was a decedent of the almighty. One day, I'll find a longer work on Jefferson and give it a go. For now, it's on to Madison!

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernstein provided a succinct, unbiased overview of Jefferson - neither lauding him nor vilifying him - just simply describing him and the times he lived in. The founding fathers were neither "Gods or Demons" but they were the men who formed the foundation of our nation. Seeing how issues and concerns they had have manifested themselves in the 21st century adds to the fascinating trip this book walks you through.

[Bob Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson: The Revolution of Ideas

A most detailed and scholarly biography of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Written in a style and format that was easy to follow and understand.
From gentleman farmer and slave owner to writing the Declaration of Independence, to President of the country, this book was very illuminating.
Jefferson was conflicted about human rights, slavery, and his ownership of slaves.
Well worth reading.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I thought this discussion did not have enough depth. In the second half of the book, however, I did find several interesting points. Overall it is an easily read and useful summary, though it does contain some flaws. Its tone is somewhat sympathetic yet it is balanced in its presentation of the positive and negative facts of Jefferson’s life.

[Franklin Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson by R.B. Bernsetein is an absolute gem that takes readers on an enthralling journey through the life and accomplishments of one of America's most iconic figures. This meticulously researched and masterfully written biography offers a comprehensive and intimate portrait of Thomas Jefferson, shedding light on his complexities, ideals, and lasting legacy.

[Ty Turley Trejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Great, quick introduction and overview to TJ's fascinating and flawed life. Thought it was well-balanced and even-handed in its representation of the man. Was inspired by the principles and vision that has made this country.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written

Really enjoyed this book. I learned quite a bit about Jefferson that I didn’t know. Well written and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in history or Jefferson.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting summary of his life

This is not the most detailed, in-depth biography I have ever read, but as a summary, top-level review of Jefferson's life, it does the job well. The writing flows, and three are plenty of interesting tidbits included.

[Joseph Holm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introductory, good timeline.

[Jason Robert Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct and readable, this is a great introduction to Thomas Jefferson. Start with this volume and dig deeper if you still need to know more.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent summary of Jefferson's life, accomplishments and disappointments. A very enigmatic man. Great for our upcoming visit to Monticello.

[Mark Walsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a good book but perhaps best thought of a summary of events over the course of Jefferson’s life.