Monticello

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, is a unique example of early American design and construction. In an era when most homes were built without formal design or plan, Jefferson spent years designing and building a home that was both useful and beautiful. Fisher describes Jefferson's studies of classical architecture and includes illustrations of buildings that Jefferson studied as well as some of his original plans and drawings for Monticello. He describes how Monticello was constructed, and the middle section of the book includes both original artwork depicting the estate and black-and-white photos of restored rooms and grounds. Some of Jefferson's inventions and innovations, such as the dumbwaiter, are pictured. The last section of the book is the most interesting, describing how Monticello was allowed to fall into disrepair after Jefferson's death and how it could have been lost to future generations, with old photos showing the decline very clearly. Fisher then details the restoration efforts and explains how Monticello is more than just a beautiful home or a historical site, that it is a monument to Jefferson's intellect and ideals. This is a handsome book that illustrates clearly the importance of preserving historical sites. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High Sch . , Mo.