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Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

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Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

By: Jon Meacham
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann, Jon Meacham
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 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer Jon Meacham, “a big, grand, absorbing exploration of not just Jefferson and his role in history but also Jefferson the man, humanized as never before” (Entertainment Weekly)

“Probably the best single-volume biography of Jefferson ever written.”—Gordon S. Wood

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, The Seattle Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, BookPage

This magnificent biography brings vividly to life an extraordinary man and his remarkable times, giving us Thomas Jefferson the man, the politician, and the president. A Founder whose understanding of power and of human nature enabled him to move men and marshal ideas, to learn from his mistakes and to prevail, Jefferson was passionate about many things—women, his family, science, architecture, gardening, Monticello, Paris, and more. He strove, despite fierce opposition, to realize his vision: the creation, survival, and success of popular government in America.

Drawing on archives in the United States, England, and France, as well as unpublished transcripts of Jefferson presidential papers, Jon Meacham shows us the personal Jefferson, a man of appetite, sensuality, and passion. He also presents Jefferson as the most successful political leader of the early republic, and perhaps in all American history, a leader who found the means to endure and to win. His story resonates today not least because he led his nation through ferocious partisanship amid economic change and external threats. Jefferson also embodies an eternal drama, the struggle of the leadership of a nation to achieve greatness in a difficult and confounding world. Americas Historical Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State United States Biography Founding Fathers American History War of 1812 Boston US Constitution
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A wonderful book about an extraordinary and inspiring life. Now I understand why Jefferson is so revered.

Detailed but never boring

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Meacham has once again written a compelling, accessible text that traces the life and politics of the US’s third President. Exhaustively researched, Meacham explores a version of Jefferson while tying this to visions and control of power. His situation of Jefferson as eminent architect of the United States is complimented by a rich recording of Jefferson’s personal life, values, interests, and pursuits.

My only reservation is that Meacham does not cover some of the more contentious aspects of Jefferson - tagged on a little in the afterword. However, this does not detract from the Herculean historical feat Meacham has achieved.

A must read/listen for any interested in the foundation of the United States!

A powerful and robust account

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Very good biography of the third president of the United States. All his flaws and strengths are discussed, which gives you a good feel of the man. A necessary view, as he is usually seen as a ‘bad guy’ in recent times, due to the popularity of figures like Alexander Hamilton

Great biography for a interesting man

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The book was well read, insightful I really enjoyed reading it and I will be reading it again.

Good book. insightful. worth a read

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This is an excellent telling of the story of an extraordinary man whose influence is everlasting. I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in history and politics.

Very interesting and informative.

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