Presidents & Politics (U.S.), Cabinet Members - 18th & 19th Century - Biography, Presidents of the United States - Biography, Presidents of the U.S.A. - Biography, United States - Patriotism, 19th Century American History - Politics & Government - Preside
Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher and President
Nancy WhitelawLog in to track your reading progress.
Overview
Although Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, the first secretary of state, and the third president of the United States, he insisted throughout his career that he preferred caring for his farm and spending time with his family over public life. Jefferson was a man full of such contradictions. He depended on slave labor to maintain his affluent lifestyle, but he wrote movingly about the importance of ending slavery. He argued for a weak chief executive, but while president made a secret land deal with Napoleon of France that more than doubled the size of the United States. He insisted on thrift in government while running up so much personal debt that he was near bankruptcy when he died. Nancy Whitelaw, the author of biographies on Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson, brings this mysterious and intriguing founder of the United States to life for a new generation of readers.An account of Jefferson's life highlighting his many accomplishments as governor, architect, gardener, inventor, and president.
Editorials
Children's Literature
This detailed and engaging look at the life of an important figure in American history sheds new light on a man known mainly for writing the Declaration of Independence. Whitelaw covers what is commonly known about this founding father, including his design for Monticello and his part in America's burgeoning independence, but she also delves into Jefferson's life as a devoted husband, father and reluctant diplomat. Whitelaw does not eulogize Jefferson—she also recounts the criticism Jefferson received when he abandoned Richmond to the British during a 1781 siege of Virginia's capitol, as well as the seeming dichotomy of Jefferson's owning slaves, yet strongly urging legislation to abolish slavery. Jefferson is painted as a man who greatly valued his privacy and his family, but felt an almost overwhelming obligation to serve his country. This biography of a prominent American figure clearly and concisely recounts the Jefferson we know from history class as well as the little known flaws and idiosyncrasies often omitted in conventional biographies for young people. Jefferson is cast as a thinking, feeling human being, not a stiff portrait of a man in a powdered wig. The volume is engaging and enlightening and would be good supplementary reading for any student interested in this complex American icon. The biography of Jefferson is part of the "Notable Americans" series, also written by Whitelaw. 2001, Morgan Reynolds, $20.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer:Bethany Miller ColeSchool Library Journal
Gr 7-10-A clear, crisp biography. A working familiarity with American history will increase its value as Whitelaw looks at all sides of the man, his many passions and his many failings. While full of the expected facts, such as his love of books, authorship of the Declaration of Independence, creation of the University of Virginia, and affair with Sally Hemings, matters that are less well-known (sometimes for understandable reasons) are also included: the first shipment of bricks for the building of Monticello numbered 45,000 and at the end of his life Jefferson had a urinary tract infection. The black-and-white reproductions are somewhat indistinct and faded looking. Plenty of words have been printed about this important figure and this work takes its place comfortably in the middle of the pack. A solid and practical book for reports.-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.Book Details
Published
December 1, 2001
Publisher
Morgan Reynolds Publishing
Pages
144
Format
Binding
ISBN
9781883846817