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American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson Review

American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson Feature

• ISBN13: 9780679764410
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson Overview

At different times Thomas Jefferson has been claimed by Southern secessionists and Northern abolitionists, New Deal liberals and neoconservatives Now historian Joseph J. Ellis restores our most elusive national icon to human dimensions with insight, sympathy, and superb style, shrewdly sifting the facts from the legends and the rumors. From the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to his retirement in Monticello, Ellis unravels the contradictions of his character, giving us the slaveholding libertarian, the enemy of government power who exercised it audaciously as president; and the visionary who remained blind to his own inconsistencies. A marvel of scholarship and a delight to read, American Sphinx is a book whose appeal transcends history buffs and biography fans and provides an essential gloss on the Jeffersonian legacy.

American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson Specifications

Well timed to coincide with Ken Burns's documentary (on which the author served as a consultant), this new biography doesn't aim to displace the many massive tomes about America's third president that already weigh down bookshelves. Instead, as suggested by the subtitle--"The Character of Thomas Jefferson"--Ellis searches for the "living, breathing person" underneath the icon and tries to elucidate his actual beliefs. Jefferson's most ardent admirers may find this perspective too critical, but Ellis's portrait of a complex, sometimes devious man who both sought and abhorred power has the ring of truth.

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 30, 2010 13:53:05

Check Out The Real Thomas Jefferson (American Classic Series) for $14.75

The Real Thomas Jefferson (American Classic Series) Review

This is one of the best, most informative books I've ever read. The detail with which the book was written makes the reader feel as though he has actually met face to face with Jefferson. Also, the numerous writings of Jefferson himself that are captured in the second part of the book are absolutely fascinating. The only discouraging thing I can say about the book is it really makes me realize how far our country has drifted from its original founding.

The Real Thomas Jefferson (American Classic Series) Feature

• ISBN13: 9780880800068
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

The Real Thomas Jefferson (American Classic Series) Overview

The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America's Philosopher of Freedom

Jefferson is the central figure in American history, and...he may yet prove to be the central figure in modern history. So stated noted historian Henry Steele Commager. And as the English novelist Samuel Butler once wrote, Though God cannot alter the past--historians can. His observation is especially applicable to our changing perceptions of great historical personalities, most of whom are relentlessly reinterpreted by each new generation of biographers.

There is no better example of this kind of metamorphosis than Thomas Jefferson, author of the American Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. Since his death in 1826, he has been alternately vilified and deified by writers of varying motivations. In The Real Thomas Jefferson, by allowing Jefferson to explain his life and ideas in his own words, we have tried to ensure that his spirit, not ours, will breathe in these pages so that all who read them will become acquainted with Jefferson himself -- not another second-hand interpretation. His biography is set forth in Part I, and Part II brings together the most insightful passages from his writings, arranged by subject.

Highly acclaimed by many, including Glenn Beck of the Fox News Channel. Published by the National Center for Constitutional Studies, a nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to restoring Constitutional principles in the tradition of America's Founding Fathers. The National Center for Constitutional Studies...is doing a fine public service in educating Americans about the principles of the Constitution. -- Ronald Reagan, President of the United States

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Customer Reviews

So glad that I read this book - bjbabs -
Reading this book gave me insight into the character of Thomas Jefferson. He was an amazing person; so gifted and desiring to live a life that benefitted his fellowman & glorified God. I pray that we can have people in government office today that has the integrity, humility and Godly wisdom that he had.



Good basic overview. - Granny10 -
This is a good basic overview of the life of Thomas Jefferson but does lack a lot of details and does not go in depth about his personal political conflicts or history as a statesman. It is a good start but does gloss over much that needs to be included to understand Jefferson in relation to his times. I would expect this of such a short book.



Will the Real Tom Jefferson Please Standup - Kaz1946 -
With all that is going on in the US today it's great to find and read a book of this nature. This book is a must read. It reminds all of us of what our "Founding Fathers" did for all of us!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 08:59:05