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2. AMERICAN SPHINX ~ CHAPTER 1 (27 - 54) (01/08/10 - 01/14/10) ~ No spoilers, please
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A Summary View of the Rights of British Americaby Thomas Jefferson
Ellis goes into extensive detail in describing the influence and details of this pamphlet. We should therefore do the same.
Jefferson's pamphlet, "A Summary View of the Rights of British America" was extremely important to his appointment to the Second Continental Congress, and in his recognition of his writing eloquence.
"The style of Summary View was simple and emphatic, with a dramatic flair that previewed certain passages in the Declaration of Independence... What most readers noticed, however, and Jefferson later claimed was his cheif contribution, was the constitutional argument that Parliament had no right whatsoever to exercise authority over the colonies." pg 34
"The dominant public reaction to Summary View focused on its repudiation of parliamentary authority, because that was the pressing constitutional issue then being faced throughout the various colonial legislatures. What went largely unnoticed was that Jefferson had already moved forward to the next target, the monarchy, which was in fact the only remaining obstacle to the assertion of American independence. To put it somewhat differently, the lenthy indictments against the king that make up two-thirds of the Declaration of Independence were already present in embryo in Summary View." pg 35
I have created and uploaded an epub, mobipocket, and a plain text version of "A Summary View" for those who own digital readers, like the Sony Reader or the Kindle, who want to read it. You can download these documents at the following book link. Also, the online version is below.
by Thomas JeffersonOnline edition:
http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Je...
The First Continental CongressNote:Thomas Jefferson was not in attendance.
The First Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from twelve of the thirteen North American colonies that met on September 5, 1774, at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early in the American Revolution. Called in response to the passage of the Coercive Acts (also known as Intolerable Acts by the Colonial Americans) by the British Parliament, the Congress was attended by 56 members appointed by the legislatures of twelve of the Thirteen Colonies, the exception being the Province of Georgia, which did not send delegates. At the time, Georgia was the newest and smallest province and declined to send a delegation because it was seeking help from London in pacifying its smoldering Indian frontier.
The Congress met briefly to consider options, including an economic boycott of British trade; publish a list of rights and grievances; and petition King George for redress of those grievances.
The Congress also called for another Continental Congress in the event that their petition was unsuccessful in halting enforcement of the Intolerable Acts. Their appeal to the Crown had no effect, and so the Second Continental Congress was convened the following year to organize the defense of the colonies at the onset of the American Revolutionary War. The delegates also urged each colony to set up and train its own militia.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Co...
The Second Continental CongressThe Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that met beginning on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, soon after warfare in the American Revolutionary War had begun. It succeeded the First Continental Congress, which met briefly during 1774, also in Philadelphia. The second Congress managed the colonial war effort, and moved incrementally towards independence, adopting the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. By raising armies, directing strategy, appointing diplomats, and making formal treaties, the Congress acted as the de facto national government of what became the United States. With the ratification of the Articles of Confederation in 1781, the Congress became known as the Congress of the Confederation.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_C...
I had to re-read the section on Summary Views a number of times to make sure I got the logic he (Jefferson) was trying to convey. Essentially, they way I understand it, England had no claim on the colonies since the colonist, having come over in self-financed voyages, were really nothing more than expatriates who have set up their own colonies, ergo, the colonist were never part of England to begin with. This contradicts most of what I always thought in that England’s Monarch specifically endorsed and bank rolled many of the excursions (I may be wrong here – maybe that was Spain’s Monarch) and seems a stretch of logic that goes beyond plausibility but it did give him some notoriety. Apparently, only Jefferson (and one or two others) agreed with the idea but Jefferson stuck with it until the end. Admittedly, I still need to go back and see how the Battle of Hastings in 1066 plays into it. My knowledge of this part of history is somewhat slim but it appears to be the basis for his logic.What stood out most for me is Ellis’ description of Jefferson’s entrance into Philadelphia. He describes it as “in an ornate carriage, called a phaeton, along with four horses and three slaves.” This strikes me as more feudal (think England here) than common man (colonist). He doesn’t mention any other entrances that I recall (it is, after all, a book about Jefferson) but it would seem to me that Ellis was making the point that this was rather unique to Jefferson and is an indicator of how he saw himself – as regal. This is even more interesting given that Jefferson was not originally intended to go to Philadelphia but was an alternate to Randolph.
Jim wrote: "I had to re-read the section on Summary Views a number of times to make sure I got the logic he (Jefferson) was trying to convey. Essentially, they way I understand it, England had no claim on the..."Thanks, Jim for you comments.
I also had to reread the section on Summary Views again.
I had the impression that, given Jefferson was the youngest participant at the Second Continental Congress, and being from Virginia, he needed to make a good first impression. That impression included, "outfitting Jesse, Jupiter, and Richard, his black servants in formal attire befitting the regalia of a proper Virginia gentleman." Yes, very telling of Jefferson's character. pg. 28
Mod
In fact, Thomas Jefferson while serving in France purchased a bunch of phaetons which I guess he liked being seen in and had then transported to America:
http://books.google.com/books?id=NlRg...
It is obvious that Jefferson liked to appear quite dapper:
Thomas Jefferson's Equipages
The story has come down to us that Thomas Jefferson, on the morning of his inauguration as President of the United States, rode to the Capitol unaccompanied and on horseback, dismounted and tied his horse to a rail. This story, may or may not be true, but the narrator of the tale omits to add that Mr. Jefferson, at the time, lived in a boarding-house within a stone's throw of the Capitol, hence necessitating only a short ride; and that he had really ordered a "coach and four" for the. occasion, but the equipage did not arrive in time, the man of whom the vehicle was ordered, jack Eppes, being delayed by a mishap on the road. One historian writes of this episode as follows;
"Mr. Jefferson himself, like Washington, was fond of horses, handsome equipages and handsome dress, despite what has been said of his Republican simplicity. He may have ridden horseback up to the Capitol for his Inauguration, as goes the myth, but he meant to have a fine coach and four for the occasion only Jacky Eppes did not get to Washington with them in season. He may sometimes have been carelessly attired, but often he flashed out in his white coat, scarlet breeches and vest, and white silk hose fit to figure on a Watteau fan."
I was trying to picture this kind of attire in my minds eye.
But his hiring a good phaeton for his ride to Philadelphia (which was much earlier than the ones he got in France) does not surprise me..he was coming quite a way over rough country I imagine in those days - travel was pretty rough and it was not over the roadways we know today and I would think he would want transportation and horses he could depend upon. Washington himself liked the use of phaetons. Jefferson would have at least needed a couple of slaves to handle the horses, and if their was any trouble with the wagon and his luggage..I am not sure what the third servant was for.
He must have made a spectacular entrance. And maybe he wanted everyone to believe that he was every bit as important and successful as Randolph.
Source: http://www.oldandsold.com/articles31n...
It's interesting to see what was the going opinion of a 'good impression', at least in Jefferson's mind. This impression he worked hard to show was very pretentious. His main thesis of blaming the monarchy of England for the policies against the colonists is, seemingly, contradicted by the 'royal' regalia of his first impression of a 'proper Virginia gentleman'.
ok, here is what a "good phaeton" might have looked like in the 1770's. Although Jefferson had one which was probably more ornate, and equipped with 4 horses.
Source:
http://www.history.org/Foundation/jou...
If that isn't royal-looking...I rest my case.
I'm appreciating the fact that TJ was quite adapt in creating an image for himself. Being young, he seems to be favoring the patrician image, the only image he knows growing up. As he gets older, he sheds this to a more simple, non-regal look that the French Revolution creates. This new image plays well to his common man theme against the Federalists. Visitors to the White House and Monticello comment how he answers the door wearing plain, casual outfits.I'm not sure if I totally believe Ellis' statement that Philadelphia would be surprised by his entrance. I thought Philadelphia was pretty sophisticated and a number of wealthy congressmen went in and out.
Thomas Jefferson's physical appearance in 1776Thomas Jefferson was 32 years old, possibly six foot two inches tall, red-faced and heavily freckled, with a complexion that was either scorched or radiant. "He bowed to everyone he met and tended to stand with his arms folded across his chest, defining his own private space and warding off intruders...
His two most distinctive characteristics were his hair and his incessant singing. ...It was reddish blond or sandy red... and he sang whenever he was walking or riding, sometimes when he was reading. His former slave Isaac reported that one could "hardly see him anywhere outdoors, but that he was-a-singin." Bacon confirmed that "when he was not talking he was nearly always humming some tune, or singing in a low voice to himself."
I particurlary liked Ellis' "leap of faith," We can plausibly envision him riding into Philadelpia in 1775 in his phaeton, with his horses and his slaves, a tall and slim young Virginian, with reddish blond hair and a self-consciously diffident air, lounging nonchalantly in his seat, singing to himself." pg 29-30
The only contemporary picture of young Jefferson, a pen and ink drawing by Pierre du Simitiere in 1776, is one I would love to see. If anyone can find it, I would be greatful. Google seems to be failing me this afternoon. I'll have to look around some more later. I also will have to look in our hardcover to see if it's in there as well.But here is a relatively young Jefferson by John Trumbull:
Source:
http://americangardenhistory.blogspot...
Some important notes - Young Jefferson"Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, in Albemearie County, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1743. pg 30
Also, "there is reason to believe that Jefferson's relationship with his mother was strained, especially after his father's death, when, as the oldest son, he did everything he could to remove himself from her supervision." pg 30-31
Jefferson was known as "an obsessive student, sometimes spending fifteen hours with his books, three hours practicing his violin and the remaining six hours eating and sleeping. He was an extremely serious young man." pg 31
"In 1768 he made two important decisions: first, to build his own home atop an 867-foot-high mountain on land that he had inherited from his father; second, to offer himself as a candidate for the House of Burgesses. ...The first decision reflected what was to become his lifelong urge to withdraw into his own very private world. ... The second decision reflected his political ambition and growing reputation ...as well as his emerging stature within the planter elite. ...He quickly became the protege of Peyton Randolph, an uncle on his mother's side ... and Edmund Pendleton. pg 31-32
"From his earliest days in the House he opposed all forms of parliamentary taxation and supported nonimportation resolutions against British trade regulations. pg 32
"His selection to serve on the Virginia delegation in Philadelphia was a fortunate accident. ...he was chosen as a potential substitute for Peyton Randolph - Jefferson was regarded as Randolph's political godson - in anticipation of Randolph's decision to abandon his post at Philadelphia in order to assume leadership of what was regarded as the more important business back in Virginia." (writing Virginia's state constitution) "It would be fair to say that Jefferson made the list of acknowledged political leaders, ... but just barely, and largely because of his ties by blood and patronage with the Randolph circle. If his arrival in Philadelphia in June 1775 marked his entry into national affairs, he entered by the side door. pg 33
Here is a good recommendation which deals with Jefferson and Monticello. I found this at my local library, and the first chapter read extremely well. This book comes highly recommended."Jefferson and Monticello: The Biography of a Builder" by Jack McLaughlin
by Jack McLaughlin"If our homes are a reflection of our selves - our psyches as well as our tastes - then surely Monticello, the labor of nearly a lifetime and quite possibly the most creative endeavor of an immensely creative man, is a fitting avenue by which to approach the life of Thomas Jefferson. Unlike other biographies, which have centered on the political man and his public career, this is a domestic portrait as seen through the prism of Jefferson's love affair with Monticello. For over half a century, it was his consuming passion, his most serious amusement. With intuitive sympathy and a sure command of his subject, Dr. McLaughlin has crafted here an uncommon portrait of builder and building alike. En route he tells us much about daily life in Virginia; about Monticello's craftsmen and how they worked their materials; about slavery, class, and family; and above all, about the multiplicity of domestic concerns that preoccupied this complex man. Here, then, is an engaging look at the eighteenth-century mind: systematic, rational, curious - but also playful, comfort-loving, amusing. In a word: civilized."
Joe, I wanted to respond but was going to tread on getting into spoilers so I went over the the Glossary section.
I am enjoying this book already. I'm probably one of the few avid history readers who knows very little about Jefferson so this read should be able to provide me with some perspective.First, my feeling is that culture had everything to do with Jefferson's arrival in Philadelphia. He was a Southern gentleman. There was no pretense there, and Southern residents have always had a flair for pomp and circumstance so I don't think that Jefferson's phaeton was out of the ordinary for someone with Jefferson's background.
Second, what I really loved about this first chapter is how Jefferson was unable to take constructive criticism and how he sulked over the changes that were made to the Declaration of Independence. I think that part of this may have been insecurity, but I view his behavior as being quite consistent with his character. Jefferson was primarily a solitary individual. He wrote alone, he read alone and he studied alone. His lack of interaction with others throughout his life, particularly in regard to his fellow scholars, is likely to have been a significant contributer to his lack of oratory skills and his inability to take constructive criticism of his work or ideas. If one doesn't debate in his rooms with his colleagues, then how can one engage in debate at the Continental Congress? If one can't dialogue with his friends, then how can he make great speeches? Practice and experience are both very important here, and it appears that Jefferson didn't much of either one, which is why his writing skills far exceeded his oratory ones.
Moreover, Jefferson wasn't used to working in groups. Adams and many of the other Founding Fathers were used to collaborating on written works, each providing specific words to use in place of others, etc. Jefferson didn't have those experiences throughout his life (at least none that I've read in the book or on this site so far); thus, I'm thinking that his isolation led to his difficulty in getting feedback from others and including that feedback in the project at hand.
Lastly, I think that in America, that we expect our leaders to be without flaws. I find it amusing that people are so shocked when a President or Congressman engages in inappropriate behavior or is less than perfect. I'm shocked that we don't hear it more often, but judging from the media's relentlessness in trying to dig up dirt on our leaders, I'm sure that we will.
Thanks for your comments, Sera.You make a good point about Virginia culture, and Jefferson's arrival into Philadelphia. I wish I had an accurate picture of what he looked like, good phaeton and all, when he arrived.
Yes, Jefferson was very self conscious. I read somewhere that he was very thin-skinned, taking offense easily. And his desire to work alone is also very telling of his personality. Thanks for posting that.
To start out our book, it's very important to get as clear a picture as possible of our subject. I think we are doing quite well.
I agree with you about today's media. I think they, and the public's need for scandal mongering, hold our leaders up to a higher and higher standard. Our leaders are human, and good leaders also make mistakes, even our third President Thomas Jefferson. Today, our best leaders are probably smart enough not to submit to public service.
But, please be careful about posting any spoilers. This is a non-spoiler thread. We have yet to read about his time while writing the Declaration. That will be next week. This week we are only reading Chapter 1 up until the end of subsection Prose Orations.
Chapter 1: Philadelphia:1775-76 p.27 - 54
Young Jefferson & Prose Orations
Sera, I think you are right about large debates and groups, it was not his thing. He did work with others again on the Virginia constitution. However, he loved small groups and discussions. From what we know, he thrived in them.
Bentley, I haven't read beyond Chapter 1. My references to the Declaration come in the latter half of the chapter so I don't believe that there were any spoilers in my post.Bryan, you are right that TJ was more successful working on the VA constitution with others, but do you think that it was because that he might have been given more deference toward his writing, and ultimately his ideas?
It's a shame that we don't know more about Jefferson's childhood, because I would like to know more about the man when he was younger.
Sera wrote: "Bentley, I haven't read beyond Chapter 1. My references to the Declaration come in the latter half of the chapter so I don't believe that there were any spoilers in my post."Hi Sera.
This week, we are only reading part of Chapter 1. There are only 5 chapters in the book, with 12 weeks to read them in. Therefore, we have only assigned part of this first chapter for this week, up to page 54 in the paperback edition. Maybe I'll have to ask Bentley to change how he formats the thread titles to make that more clear, but I'm not sure yet how. A few people have thought the same already.
btw, I'm Joe. Bentley had asked me to moderate the Presidential series for him here at the History Book Club. Hopefully, in your mind, I'm doing as good a job as he would have.
While Ellis and others have continually commented on the fact that Jefferson was contradictory in his words, actions and lifestyle, I see more now that Jefferson and his peers were reflecting their only experience in history, government and living - from England, as they were first-born Americans. The Declaration of Independence was the note of "I'm free from Britain rule" while a lot of customs in their lives were from England. One especially glaring custom I can think of they continued was being powdered and wigged for court. The policies and government of England were the foundation of the formation of the US government. Our Founding Fathers used what was necessary added onto their own opinions and experiences, and created the American government.
Declaration on the Causes and Necessities of Taking up ArmsJuly 6, 1775
This document was prepared by the Second Continental Congress to explain to the world why the British colonies had taken up arms against Great Britain. It is a combination of the work of Thomas Jefferson and Colonel John Dickinson (well-known for his series "Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer."). Jefferson completed the first draft, but it was perceived by the Contenential Congress as too harsh and militant; Dickinson prepared the second. The final document combined the work of the two.
Source:
http://www.nationalcenter.org/1775Dec...
On July 6, the day following adoption of the Olive Branch Petition, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms, a statement authored jointly by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson.
Again the obligatory professions of loyalty to the king were made, but this document contained a thinly veiled threat that if matters were not made right, then independence was the likely consequence:
"Lest this declaration should disquiet the minds of our friends and fellow-subjects in any part of the empire, we assure them that we mean not to dissolve that union which has so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we sincerely wish to see restored. — Necessity has not yet driven us into that desperate measure, or induced us to excite any other nation to war against them. — We have not raised armies with ambitious designs of separating from Great-Britain, and establishing independent states. We fight not for glory or for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any imputation or even suspicion of offence. They boast of their privileges and civilization, and yet proffer no milder conditions than servitude or death."
Source:
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h126...
I have also prepared this document in epub and mobi formats so that people with digital readers like the Nook, Sony Reader, or the Kindle can download it and enjoy.
by John Dickinson & Thomas JeffersonOr you can read it online:
http://www.nationalcenter.org/1775Dec...
Virginia wrote: "While Ellis and others have continually commented on the fact that Jefferson was contradictory in his words, actions and lifestyle, I see more now that Jefferson and his peers were reflecting their..."Thank-you for your comment, Virginia.
Most definitely, our founding fathers have taken with them their customs and beliefs from England, and Jefferson in particular has taken that knowledge and tried to use it to his advantage when creating our government.
Joe wrote: "Sera wrote: "Bentley, I haven't read beyond Chapter 1. My references to the Declaration come in the latter half of the chapter so I don't believe that there were any spoilers in my post."Hi Sera..."
Ah ok - my bad :) Sorry, Joe, and by the way, you are doing a great job! I will pay closer attention to page assignments for each reading.
Jefferson is portrayed as a solitary scholar lacking the ability to speak well in public and whose ideas were a result of reflection on his prodigious readings. Such, it strikes me, is the foundation for one formulating new ideas for a new form of government. Of course, such a unique, unusal lifestyle is also ripe ground for criticism, even dismissal. I wonder, in the present historical process, if many fail to appreciate the role of scholarship in politics. On the other hand, a political person of note must be able to engage in the political process as it is. This must have been a considerable challenge to Jefferson. I am enjoying the beginning of this book and am learning a great deal!
Viviane wrote: "Jefferson is portrayed as a solitary scholar lacking the ability to speak well in public and whose ideas were a result of reflection on his prodigious readings. Such, it strikes me, is the foundat..."Hi, Viviane.
As Ellis said of Jefferson in better words than mine, he was selected as a representative from Virginia mainly because of his association with relatives on his wife's side, namely, Peyton Randolph. But his writing of "A Summary View of the Rights of British America" was also extremely well done, and published at an opportune time. And his obsessiveness with his studies certainly did him good favour. He must have been an exceptional writer if he was too afraid to speak in front of people, and made it where he did.
I can't wait till next week's discussion. I won't say any more than that.
This is the first book discussion for me and what a terrific book with which to begin! Just received the book last night, but am now caught up with the group and enjoying all the comments. Does anyone else find it interesting that such a shy man, which fears public speaking, would want to attract so much attention upon his arrival in Philadelphia?
Mick wrote: "This is the first book discussion for me and what a terrific book with which to begin! Just received the book last night, but am now caught up with the group and enjoying all the comments. Does any..."Hi Mick,
Thanks for joining us. We are happy to have you, and look forward to your participation.
Yes, this book has been terrific so far.
I personally can so understand Jefferson's shyness while speaking in front of an audience. But yet again, with responsibility placed upon his shoulders from the people of Virginia, it's something he needs to get a grip on. And, knowing that, his arrival in Philadelphia must have been full of southern character.
I have had a bunch of extra time to prepare for our discussion next week, with all the snow and extra time off, so I am looking forward to everyone's input.
Thanks again for chiming in, Mick
Mod
Mick..great to have you joining a book discussion. My feeling was that Jefferson had a lot of hubris and wanted to create this image of himself when arriving. MHO is that it was quite a pretentious start and maybe was an attempt to bolster his self esteem and confidence.
I think Ellis makes a point on the one hand enjoying the hideaway/retirement/planter life, but I think he had ambition. You can be shy and ambitious.
Mod
Viviane wrote: "Jefferson is portrayed as a solitary scholar lacking the ability to speak well in public and whose ideas were a result of reflection on his prodigious readings. Such, it strikes me, is the foundat..."Viviane, I appreciate the remark about Jefferson providing a scholarly approach to the creation of the US. Isn't it interesting that our current President is criticized for being too scholarly to the point where some argue that he is elitist and disconnected from the people? Regardless of party, I would rather have a shy, scholar take the reigns in leading change than an uneducated, loud mouth, but then that's just me. I have always viewed scholarship as a good thing, even if I don't necessarily buy into the views of the scholar, but do you think that we are trending away from this preference in America?
Being a scholar was seen as unpopular as far back as John Quincy Adams vs. Jackson in the 1820s. We still have not shaken it. The common person argument is still an effective election tool.
These are all very good points.I was watching a CNN political talk show some time back, and remember someone mentioning that George W. Bush was elected mainly because the public would much rather sit down and have a beer with him than Al Gore.
Mod
Well - I am hoping to catch up with the rest of the group over the next week or so, but I have to say there are some advantages to reading what everyone else has said already!I found it so interesting in this section of the book the author's view that Jefferson had a utopian view of pre-Norman England that formed many of his opinions and tied in nicely with Whig rhetoric. I just love this author's writing style, and found the following especially illuminating . . .
The author describes Jefferson as "a very vulnerable young man accustomed to constructing interior worlds of great imaginative appeal that inevitably collided with the more mundane realities." Jefferson regarded "the disjunction between his ideals and worldly imperfections as the world's problem rather than his own." (That's almost a post-modern mindset, isn't it?)
And then, when Jefferson drafted the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms", he was over the top with Whig rhetoric - which Jefferson wholeheartedly believed in. The author wrote, "What some delegates in the Congress regarded as a conveniently useful distortion that would help mobilize colonial opinion in the direction that destiny required, Jefferson regarded as an accurate characterization of the essential elements of the political situation." Very interesting that Jefferson was so far into the Whig type of thinking that he didn't seem to notice the politicizing of those beliefs. He told the truth as he saw it - and it just sort of turned out that this served the interests of the true politicians in the Congress. I'm not sure if Jefferson really was that blinded by his beliefs, but the author sure seems to paint him that way.
Kay brings up some interesting points. TJ is complex, trying to balance an idea in his head that really wouldn't work in reality, but still being a good politician. You have someone who built a political party and won and got re-elected as President on one hand, and then on the other, buying a mountain next to Monticello and wanting to build a high observation tower and a waterfall.
There are two ideas laid out in this chapter that I believe help us understand Thomas Jefferson. First, as Sera mentioned, "Jefferson was primarily a solitary individual." It was not his inclination to bounce his ideas off other people or off of reality, for that matter. This fact informed his every behavior and thought, and I suspect, caused him a great deal of pain as life went on. But it also made for some of the most poetic and beautiful writing in American History .. no, make that World History.
Second, he firmly believed in a mystical utopian past (read: Saxon values, Whig history) or as Ellis put it, his "romantic endorsement of a pristine past, a long-lost time and place where men had lived together in perfect harmony without coercive laws or predatory rulers." Most importantly, Jefferson believed that America would become the refuge of those original Saxon values.
In Ellis' words: "the urge to embrace such an ideal society came from deep inside Jefferson himself. It was the vision of a young man projecting his personal cravings for a world in which all behavior was voluntary and therefore all coercion unnecessary, where independence and equality never collided, where the sources of all authority were invisible because they had already been internalized."
It appears to me that everything that he does, thinks, writes and says springs from this utopian vision and the belief that he (and the Founding Fathers) were creating anew the "pristine past" in the United States.
Good point, Marjre. I think most revolutionaries thought like this: Lenin, Mao, Castro. It is an opportunity to really do something new. It must be something else really when you think about it.
The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Declaration on the Causes and Necessities of Taking up Arms (other topics)Jefferson and Monticello: The Biography of a Builder (other topics)
A Summary View of the Rights of British America (other topics)
American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Thomas Jefferson (other topics)John Dickinson (other topics)
Jack McLaughlin (other topics)
Thomas Jefferson (other topics)
Joseph J. Ellis (other topics)
This begins the second week's reading in our new Presidential Series group discussion.
The complete table of contents is as follows:
Prologue. Jefferson Surge: America, 1992-1993 p.3
1. Philadelphia:1775-76 p.27
2. Paris: 1784-89 p.75
3. Monticello: 1794-97 p.139
4. Washington, D.C.: 1801-1804 p.200
5. Monticello: 1816-1826 p.273
Epilogue. The Future of an Illusion p.349
Appendix. A Note on the Sally Hemings Scandals p.363
The assignment for this week includes the following segments/pages:
Week Two - February 8th - February 14th -> 1. Philadelphia:1775-76 p.27 - 54 - Young Jefferson - Prose Orations
We look forward to your participation; but remember this is a non spoiler thread.
We will open up threads for each week's reading. Please make sure to post in the particular thread dedicated to those specific chapters and page numbers to avoid spoilers.
This book was kicked off on February 1st. This will be the second week's assignment for this book.
We look forward to your participation. Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other noted on line booksellers do have copies of the book and shipment can be expedited. The book can also be obtained easily at your local library, or on your Kindle.
A special welcome to those who will be newcomers to this discussion and thank you to those who have actively contributed on the previous Presidential Series selection. We are glad to have you all.
~Bentley
TO ALWAYS SEE ALL WEEKS' THREADS SELECT VIEW ALL
Here also is the syllabus:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...