by Andrea Wulf
First published 2016
Thomas Jefferson remains one of America's most celebrated yet enigmatic leaders. This exploration draws from the largest collection of Jefferson's personal documents, housed at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Three scholars examine different facets of the third president's private world. Peter S. Onuf analyzes Jefferson's political philosophy and worldview. Andrea Wulf investigates his passion for botany and how plants shaped his political thinking. Henry Adams studies Jefferson's architectural pursuits and design principles. Rather than rehearsing his familiar public accomplishments, these essays illuminate Jefferson's creative mind and lesser known perspectives. The book reveals the beliefs, interests, and convictions that drove his public service. It shows his deep connection to nature and his constant struggle to balance international responsibilities with his desire for domestic solitude dedicated to learning and scientific inquiry. Full color images of architectural sketches, correspondence, and manuscripts accompany the text.
Genres: biography, history, 20th-century, 21st-century, 19th-century, architecture, academic, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-non-fiction
Setting: Massachusetts Historical Society
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
224 pages · Paperback · Massachusetts Historical Society