Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

as a student of early America I've read many a Jefferson biography in my day, from 19th century hagiographies to the dullest textbooks to modern criticisms, and this one blew me away—that's hard to do. trust me, I don't praise biographies lightly. many biographies (especially of the Founding Fathers—those controversial men!) either worship or rail against the subject, smack of presentism, prioritize engaging the reader at the expense of accuracy and end up with something more like a historically-inspired novel, or risk a dull read by conveying perfectly accurate knowledge with the most "meh" prose. Meacham avoids not only one or two, but all of the above, which I can say for a fact is quite uncommon and genuinely deserving of praise. somewhere between a meticulous psychological profile and a gripping biography of a long and eventful life, Meacham introduces you to Jefferson the man, while immersing you in his life in times in a wonderfully vivid manner. I couldn't put it down, honestly. what really struck me was his ability to reconcile (or at least hypothesize reconciliation for but, hey, I'm convinced) the basis of Jefferson's contradictions with the most elegant approach I've ever read. research, scholarship, and genuinely fine analysis synthesize here to make a biography for the ages. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an introduction to Jefferson, but do not think that means it lacks rigor. as someone who thought I knew everything there was to know about Jefferson, Meacham still has absolutely fascinating points to make. honest without vilification, sweeping without disorganization and rigorous without being inaccessible, Meacham has truly outdone himself with this biography. bravo! p.s.: if it matters to the reader of this review as well, I wouldn't say this biography has political biases. of course, some enjoy that (different strokes for different folks!), but if you don't, no need to worry of that here—I read this about a month ago, but I don't recall anything particularly partisan. credit was readily given where credit was due to Jefferson, yet there was no shying away from the man's flaws and contradictions. I think both Jefferson sympathizers and Jefferson critics would find that it's incredibly fair. I am neither Democrat nor Republican, and I enjoyed it

There are any number of good biographies of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). Some authors such as Appleby and Hitchins have written short books; others, such as Dumas Malone with his magisterial 6-volume study, have contributed much longer volumes. Jon Meacham's much acclaimed bio runs around 700 pages, but it is unique in several aspects. First, Meacham has chosen not to try and cover everything in detail as Malone did so well. Rather, he rather skims along on TJ's life, occasionally analyzing some aspects in detail, but more generally just giving us a general overview of the events in Jefferson's life. However, this does not mean the volume lacks "meat" and substance, because of a second decision by Meacham. Much of the detailed information is situated in the 174 pages of end notes. As the title of this review indicates, I believe it absolutely essential to read the notes to each chapter if you really want to benefit from the book. The best method is to read a chapter, then read the corresponding notes to that chapter. The notes are simply a treasure house of important information and add vital context to the general discussion in the text. It takes some time, but the effort is well worth it in dividends. A third important decision by Meacham is periodically to offer some insights into what made Jefferson "tick," but not to make this one of those psychological bios where such concerns are a major focus. So, Meacham offers theories about TJ's views on slavery and why he got so deeply into debt, and does so concisely. He sees the primary motivating factor in TJ's makeup being a desire for power, control and command. In short, Meacham offers some perceptive insights into Jefferson and "the art of power." Particularly interesting I found his remarks about how TJ liked to stay in the background and like a puppeteer pull the strings. The book proceeds chronologically and is divided into 9 chapter groupings. While his discussion of the Declaration of Independence is quite compact, unlike most studies Meacham devotes significant attention to TJ's service as the first Secretary of State. It is during this period that Jefferson becomes edgy with Federalist power, including individuals such as Adams, Hamilton, and even Washington. As Meacham notes, TJ feared "rule by priests, nobles and kings." His chapters on Jefferson as VP are likewise more detailed and perceptive. By contrast, the chapters on the TJ presidency are somewhat sketchy, but do well illustrate Meacham's views about the Jeffersonian use of power. Finally, the chapter on Jefferson in retirement, a period I find most interesting for understanding the man and his further contributions, such as the University of Virginia, is quite well done. As the notes indicate, the author has done a tremendous job of research, relying particularly on Jefferson's papers (including the Retirement Series), manuscripts, and published sources. There are several sections of illustrations, including one entirely in color with portraits of the leading actors. Yet, the book does not strike the reader as being "academic" in the usual sense, probably because the notes are separate and the writing is so effective and engrossing. I am tempted to say that if you can read only one book on Jefferson, this is that book. But experienced students of our sometimes perplexing third president will gain amply from the book as well.

THOMAS JEFFERSON: THE ART OF POWER, by Jon Meacham is a great read, I enjoyed it Prologue through Epilogue. It is lively, interesting and insightful. I have read quite a lot on the Revolutionary Era, including several other biographies of Thomas Jefferson, and even so I learned a lot about Jefferson in the reading of this book. However, there are elements of the book with which I take exception. Mr. Meacham states in the Author's Notes that this biography is, in part, a reaction to recent biographies of both George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton which have revised opinions of these three men, especially Hamilton. He writes, "Then came nearly two decades of highly acclaimed biographies of John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington that understandably emphasized the virtues of their protagonist, often at Jefferson's expense"(pg. 507). He cites specifically Joseph J. Ellis's Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams , but I imagine he would also include in that list John Adams , by David McCullough and Ron Chernow's two most recents works: Washington: A Life and Alexander Hamilton (all of them highly readable, excellent biographies). Mr. Meacham does a good job--better than most--helping his reader understand that there was during the post-revolutionary period a real fear in certain quarters that the United States could revert to a monarchy. Not so well done in this book is separating over-heated political rhetoric from what Jefferson actually believed. The fact is, a man as unquestionably intelligent and savvy as Jefferson would have known the difference between hyperbolic political rhetoric-even his own-and reality. It is clear that by the end of Washington's second term Jefferson and the Republicans (largely whipped up by Jefferson and Madison) were frustrated and chaffing at the bit. Even then, I cannot accept, as Mr. Meacham seems to imply, that Jefferson put much store in all the monarchical conspiracy theories that had political currency at that time. On balance most historians seem to believe that it was Jefferson's actions and political maneuverings during the Washington administration which help ignite and escalate the overwrought, highly negative atmosphere that convulsed politics during Washington's second administration and beyond. However, Mr. Meacham does not see it that way. Rather he explains Jefferson's third-party maneuverings and obfuscations as a natural reaction to the situation in which he found himself and what, at his time, would have been expected of a man in his station. I did not completely accept this. Jefferson's relationship with Philip Ferneau and the National Gazette is not fully explored in this book and leaves the reader with the impression that Jefferson was only tangentially involved with the newspaper that regularly ravaged Washington and his administration. But at least Mr. Meacham does allude to the conection. What is a more egregious omission is any exploration of how duplicitous Jefferson (and especially Madison) became in dealing with Washington in his second administration. Although Washington knew and understood that he had political differences with the two men, he still considered them trustworthy confidants. He had no idea the degree to which, through indirect means, the two men were so actively working against him. Jefferson and Madison continued to allow themselves to be taken into Washington's confidence never once indicating that they were anything other that loyal friends. This I think is an essential part of Jefferson's character and should not be excluded from a biography of his life especially one whose stated thesis is to show how artful, skillful and subtle was his accumulation and use of power. The final difference I have with THOMAS JEFFERSON: THE ART OF POWER is the thesis that Mr. Meacham proposes at the beginning of the book and attempts to support throughout: that Jefferson's vision for American, which contrasted with Washington's and Hamilton's allowed him and his proteges to control the Presidency for 40 years with only one four year interruption by John Quincy Adams. It is, of course true enough that Madison, Monroe, Jackson and Van Buren were disciples of Jefferson. But Mr. Meacham's argument that Jefferson accomplished this feat by opposing and triumphing over the policies of Washington and Hamilton is not accurate. In fact, Mr. Meacham seems to believe that Jefferson was able to win the Presidency because, "He understood the country was open to--even eager for-- a government that seemed less intrusive and overbearing than the one Washington and Adams had created" (pg. 352). While it is true that Jefferson and his proteges could not wait for Washington to exit the stage, the country itself never gave that indication, not in the slightest degree. Had he run, Washington would have easily won a third term. Adams, of course, was defeated for reelection, but that was not a rejection by the voters of Washington. Adam's defeat was due more to yawning cleavage in the Federalist Party and the electoral advantage created by the 3/5 clause of the constitution giving a significant Electoral College advantage to states with large slave populations, than to any rejection of Washington, his policies or his style of governing. Moreover, what Jefferson did to consolidate his hold on power was adopted in deed, if not in word, the Hamiltonian idea that the country needed a stronger central government governed by a stronger executive. For all of Jefferson's concern over what he characterized as monarchical power grabs by Washington, Jefferson did more to increase the power of the President with the Louisiana Purchase than Washington did in his entire presidency. And that by no means was the only time Jefferson broadened and consolidated powers of the presidency. Where Washington had used restraint, Jefferson often resorted to expediency. Many such incidences are skillfully explored in this book. The inconstancy they pose to Jefferson's rhetoric are attributed by Mr. Meacham to "pragmatism." In reality, they were actions which if Washington or any other Federalist had engaged in would been haled as auguries of monarchism by the Jeffersonians. The part of this book I found most insightful and interesting is Mr. Meacham's discussion of the debt assumption crisis. I had always believed that Hamilton got the better of Jefferson in this bargain which both resolved the crisis created the debt incurred by the state during the Revolutionary War and sited the nation's capitol on the Potomac. However, Mr. Meacham does an excellent job of explaining all of the many and complicated subtleties, which seemed to be overlooked by other historians, which came in to play here. He argues persuasively how, even though Hamilton got what he wanted in the bargain, Jefferson also negotiated some meaningful concessions. The bargain struck between these two antagonists was actually much more balanced than I originally believed. Having pointed to a few differences with Mr. Meacham and his view of Thomas Jefferson, I very thoroughly enjoyed this book and will most likely read it again. It is beautifully written, meticulously researched and goes a long way to re-balance the modern image of Jefferson, reminding its readers the debt that is owed to the drafter of the Declaration of Independence and the Sage of Monticello.

This is the third Presidential biography I have read by Jon Meacham. The other two being Andrew Jackson and George H. W. Bush. Each one has been very interesting, well researched and very informative. Meacham could have written volumes on Jefferson as he did much in his lifetime. But he was able to keep it concise and be thorough at the same time. For me the book did not drag at all. It was fast paced and flowed well. It was one of those books you hate to see end. I have Meacham's biography on Lincoln that I will get to in the future. Also I have seen where he working on one for Eisenhower. Looking forward to them all and anyone that likes American history should be too.

This is a well written, fast moving biography of Thomas Jefferson. The chapters tend to be punchy and relatively brief (some as short as 5 or 6 pages long)' I once reviewed Ellis book, "American Sphinx," a biography of Thomas Jefferson. At one point I mentioned Ellis' perspective: "Thomas Jefferson, according to the author, was an American Sphinx. And, indeed, there is an elusive quality to Jefferson. As the biography outlines, he could be as vicious a political assassin as there was (e.g., his attacks on John Adams through others, while trying to keep his own hands `clean'), but he did not appear to want to accept or confront this in himself. Ellis characterizes Jefferson as (page 26) `. . .a flawed creature, a man who combined massive learning with extraordinary naïveté, piercing insights into others with daunting powers of self-deception, utter devotion to great principles with a highly indulged presumption that his own conduct was not answerable to them.'" In short, Ellis emphasized his elusiveness, his contradictions. It is a nuanced work, but there is a critical edge at points in this book. Jon Meacham's book has a different take on Jefferson. It has a more positive cast to it. One example suggests the difference in approaches. Ellis speaks of the time when President George Washington lamented to harsh attacks on him by a partisan newspaper, edited by Philip Freneau. Jefferson was a key actor in bringing the newspaper into existence. Indeed, Freneau was an employee of the State Department (which Jefferson headed). Ellis' take on this is critical, as he relates Washington's lament to Jefferson, while Jefferson revealed nothing of his own role in the newspaper. Ellis sees this as indicating a sort of dishonesty about Jefferson. Meacham sees it as an illustration of Jefferson's desire not to get caught up in unpleasantness, with which he felt uncomfortable. The book does a nice job outlining Jefferson's life, from birth to death. Meacham develops a portrayal of Jefferson that addresses his inconsistencies (his view on slavery and African-Americans is rather tortured). Jefferson is perceived as a pragmatist--not a mist eyed Romantic. Slavery is an example. He thought it an institution that would create problems in the future. He made a few efforts to address this, but withdrew and did not really take a firm stand thereafter when the political problems associated with his perceptions became obvious. The book analyzes some of Jefferson's problems in a sympathetic manner, such as his flight from the English forces while he was serving as Governor. It treats his economic policy against European countries more positively than Ellis. The book deals openly with Sally Hemings, a slave on his plantation who bore him several children. Well done is the past paced storyline of Jefferson. We move crisply through the various stages of life, from his early political career to his role at the Constitutional Convention (with his authorship of the Declaration of Independence as a major contribution), to Governor of Virginia to a diplomat living in Paris to service as Secretary of State under Washington to the vice presidency (serving with John Adams--who went from being a close ally to his bête noir) to the presidency and thereafter. The tale of the resumption of his friendship with John Adams is well told. We get a good sense of Meacham's take on Jefferson as a person. All in all, a very readable account of Jefferson that is accessible to the reader.

Though history interests me, I am no historian. Most of the reviews about Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, are written by students of the period. It's enlightening to read them. They see faults in the book, which I could not detect. What a pleasure it was to read this book! It feels like a well-written novel. The sentence structure is readable and the characterization is excellent. Topics of many biographies interest me. But inevitably I bog down in the terrible writing that seems endemic to them and fail to finish them. Like most educated Americans, I know quite a bit about the American Revolution and a little about the struggles to create a government afterward. This book revealed to me how much I didn't know! I read it just after the 2012 Presidential election. I am amazed that the reasons for the struggles between Hamilton and Jefferson still cause dissension among us. Jefferson was clearly a genius. His breadth and depth of thought are staggering. I have been privileged to know a few geniuses. Usually they find it hard to relate to ordinary people. Most settle into a difficult, obscure field where they work happily among other very bright people and make important discoveries. In contrast, Jefferson used his genius to learn how to relate to all kinds of people and to influence politicians to solve their problems. In hindsight, Jefferson's vision of a United States shaped by all the people seems almost trite. In the 21st century people in every country in the world seem to want some version of this. But in Jefferson's time, no country in the world had such a system. So Jefferson can be credited, not only for inspiring our present form of government, but also to be a continuing influence on governmental change throughout the world! Jefferson's relationship to slavery should make us examine ourselves. His intellect told him it should be abolished. But his self-interest warred with that. This is not unusual. I imagine most people have experienced such conflicts regarding other issues. For example, older people, like me, know that educating the young is important. But we live on fixed incomes. When deciding whether to vote for increased taxes for education, we face a difficult choice. We know we should vote for the increase but we often act in our own self-interest. Meacham tells us that Jefferson twice tried to free slaves. But, when there was no political will to do it, he retreated to his self-interest. The technical details of whether Sally Hemmings (3/4 white) was or was not Jefferson's mistress are beyond me. But, if Jefferson did have such a relationship, it was because he was honorable. When his beloved wife was dying, he promised he would never remarry. Sally was present when he made the promise. His brief affair in France seemed almost to violate that promise. It may have forced him to realize he was not a monk and needed a sexual outlet. Sally would have understood why that couldn't be a wife. For her the relationship had advantages for both her and her children. I highly recommend this book for people like me - those who need good writing in order to stick with a long, erudite book, want to learn more about the intellectual foundations of our country, and are interested in learning about a brilliant, amazing man.

The author gives you a sense that he has gotten to know his subject very intimately. The best part of this biography is Jefferson's time during his Presidency. The book picks up significantly during this time period. Very colorful descriptions of Jefferson's ability to communicate well with others. You get the sense that Jefferson during his Presidency was trying to bring his country together; and mend some of the differences. I would have liked to see more specificity before that time; during the Revolutionary Period. The Revolutionary Period, could have been more dimensional. There needed to be more interaction between the major characters of that period. It sort of just dropped off the cliff a little. The Presidency Era; was altogether a thousand percent better, than the rest of the biography. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were 'spot on', relevant and beautiful. My favorite part of the book was: "Visions of a crown worried him still." This was written between two paragraphs. I started laughing delightfully at this. Some believe that President Jefferson was a 'little' concerned, perhaps justifiably so, regarding citizens in the country who were interested in returning to a Monarchy. This seems to be a continuation of Jeffersonian thought. However, there were elements in the country that were trying to return to a Monarchy. Perhaps, they felt more comfortable with the thought of Monarchy than actually implementing it. You get the sense, though, that some people were adamant. I read this book in reaction to the taking down of President Jefferson's Statue out of the City Hall Chambers in New York. Perhaps, I should have read it earlier. I was somewhat shocked at the removal of his statue. For some reason, I have always had a fondness for President Jefferson. I put up his picture on my kitchen wall. A few weeks after that I put up a beautiful black and white photograph of: George Washington Carver. I have always loved George Washington Carver. So, there they are both on my kitchen wall. Carver is up a little higher on the wall. Surely, both men did not walk on water. However, both men contributed to this country significantly. Carter as a scientist, botanist, and artist; (among many accomplishments.) President Jefferson with his drafting of the Declaration of Independence; (yes, I'm sure others may have helped in the construction of this document; however, he was the major contributor.) There was the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Jefferson's work in the House of Burgesses, and many things all diplomatic. He was excellent at communication. He was a great listener. He put people at their ease. And he was not inclined to be a snob. The biography then, during the Presidency years; is a much better section of the book. Indeed, it could of done well by itself. The writing style is good; in that the writer has a deep sense of what his subject is all about; on several levels. The type of analytical thinking is well described and conveyed. There is a little constraint in expression. One senses a great writer is at work; but, there is too much constraint. Perhaps, it was edited to the point of not having a sense of inhalation and exhalation. I'm sure that all concerned did a fine job on the book. However, sometimes a little more independence on the part of the writer would be desirable. Its a very good book and I treasure my time with the book and Jefferson. Its too bad, that in the State of New York; he had to have his image treated with so much disrespect. However, maybe, I never would have read it had not some silly council members; decided that they could not spend another nanosecond with the less than perfect and much accomplished President Thomas Jefferson! This book is well worth the read. You feel closer to Our Third And Much Beloved President Thomas Jefferson!

Indeed Mr. Meacham did a gigantic investigation on the life and times of this american forefather, and for that reason this book is very valuable. On the other hand, a biography needs a storyteller that makes it easy for the reader to do just that: read; and in doing so, creating a clear picture in the mind of the reader of the character at hand. There are so many quotation marks that many times I felt like opening a box full "post-it notes" in each chapter, or like reading a series of footnotes relevant to what is being related, instead of a comprehensive and and well planed text. Also there is a constant going back and forward that makes the book wanting for rythm, giving me the impression that it is not going ahead. Although the opinions of Mr. Meacham are (in my opinion) very objective and well articulated, he introduces them too early in the narrative and too many times, making them repetitive. Besides all, I must add that the author has a brilliant mind, and that if you are looking for great quotes and solid information, this is the book.

Great read, very interesting read. Originally read about Lincoln, then George Washington, Ulysses Grant. With Washington and Jefferson being political friends and foes, it made sense to read Jefferson’s story. Worth reading, would highly recommend it to history buffs.

I know the book has been widely praised for its style and scholarship and rightfully so. I personally found myself sensitive to the following two elements. The author provides us with a keen sense of the importance of this presidency in shaping the future course of American history. Its not entirely the great man theory but Jefferson attracted a significant following which enabled the politics of optimistic democracy American style. Secondly this book brings back to life the manners and mores of an exciting moment in history, the early days of the American republic. A wonderful book not just for history buffs

Great picture of Jefferson!

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