--- product_id: 1608512 title: "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power" price: "6432 som" currency: KGS in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.kg/products/1608512-thomas-jefferson-the-art-of-power store_origin: KG region: Kyrgyzstan --- # Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power **Price:** 6432 som **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power - **How much does it cost?** 6432 som with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.kg](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/1608512-thomas-jefferson-the-art-of-power) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description #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 Drawing on archives in the United States, England, and France, as well as unpublished transcripts of Jefferson presidential papers, Jon Meacham shows us the personal Jefferson, a man of appetite, sensuality, and passion.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. Review: read it in one sitting. absolutely stellar - 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 Review: Make Sure and Read the Notes! - 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. ## Features - Signed by Author ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #67,616 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #13 in American Revolution Biographies (Books) #17 in US Presidents #49 in History & Theory of Politics | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,460 Reviews | ## Images ![Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xQmMGXJvL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read it in one sitting. absolutely stellar *by G***I on March 10, 2026* 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 ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Make Sure and Read the Notes! *by R***K on January 4, 2013* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Re-balances the Modern Perception of Jefferson *by E***S on June 14, 2014* 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. ## Frequently Bought Together - Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power - Washington: A Life - American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.kg/products/1608512-thomas-jefferson-the-art-of-power](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/1608512-thomas-jefferson-the-art-of-power) --- *Product available on Desertcart Kyrgyzstan* *Store origin: KG* *Last updated: 2026-05-10*