Principle and Interest: Thomas Jefferson and the Problem of Debt

by Herbert E. Sloan

This major new work looks at what debt meant to Thomas Jefferson and how that affected his political career and the early history of the American Republic. Sloan argues that Jefferson was always obsessed by in the public sphere because he felt that it robbed people of their
independence, and in the private because he was dogged by debt throughout his life. The book depicts Jefferson as a typical representative of the Virginia gentry, subject to debt during this period, but also as a tireless warrior against public debt, first as governor of Virginia and later as
President of the United States. Sloan also discusses the role of debt in the American Revolution and Jefferson's vision of political power as the means of redressing economic power that he felt was in the hands of creditors.

Genres: History, Economics

Hardcover

First published November 23, 1995

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information, but poorly written and organized. A decent editor could’ve cut this book in half, and a good one could’ve made it a pamphlet.

Still would recommend if you want to learn about Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with debt, both public and private.

[Lauryn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into a not so often discussed character flaw of Thomas Jefferson.