If you enjoy American history, as I do, and particularly enjoy the stories of the men and women who made that history, then I would recommend Jon Meacham's new book, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. The book covers a lot of material in 496 pages of the hardback edition. The author does not get the story bogged down anywhere, and covers all the major points of Jefferson's life from the Declaration of Independence to his Presidency. Many thanks to my wife who gave me this book as a Christmas gift. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.
What I most enjoyed about the book is the author's portrayal of the human Jefferson. Yes, we know he was a man who pursued knowledge in all its forms, was a statesman and a leader of both the Revolution and the country. But I most enjoyed the author's portrayal of Jefferson the man. We see a man who was passionate about many things including music, science, politics, women, wine, the country, and his family. We are introduced to a Jefferson who was born into one of Virginia's wealthiest and prominent families. He admired his father and loved his mother. Jefferson was a man at ease in many different circumstances, and people found him very likable. We also see a Jefferson who was full of anguish as he wrote the Declaration of Independence, since his wife was unable to be with him, and she was already ill (she died in 1782). This in addition to knowing that the Declaration would be considered a treasonous document in Britain and he was therefore writing his own death sentence.
We also see into Jefferson's political mind with this book. Jefferson always believed that hereditary rule (i.e. monarchy) was inherently evil. He believed in a republican form of government, one which was ruled with reason by people who merited the office through achievement, knowledge and election. Although history records that Jefferson had a long running feud with John Adams, we do not see that in this book. What we do see is that his biggest political rival was Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton favored a strong banking system, accompanied by the issuance of paper money, both of which were vehemently opposed by Jefferson. Hamilton also favored strengthening diplomatic ties with Britain at the expense of France. Jefferson seemed to carry a lifelong loathing of the British monarchy, and preferred ties with France. This view became more unfeasible as the French Revolution became more violent, and President Washington sided with Hamilton in this argument.
Jefferson's ascension to the Presidency in 1800 was after perhaps the most contentious election in history, one that makes our own 2000 election look like a quiet afternoon tea. Jefferson eventually won the election on the 36th ballot of the electors. His political opponents of the day, the Federalists, were deeply distrustful of Jefferson and there was talk of secession among the northeast states (Federalist stronghold), with a hopeful return of the British monarchy. However, Jefferson was politically popular among the people and his political allies continued to gain power throughout his Presidency. There was always a delicate balance to be played in foreign affairs since the British and French seemed to be in a constant state of war with each other. Domestically, the country prospered in general.
Jefferson was often a man who philosophically believed in a limited federal governmnet, but in reality used his power to suit his purposes. The author shows a man who questioned whether or not we needed a constitutional amendment to sign the Louisiana Purchase. When the French started expressing second thoughts about the deal, Jefferson no longer worried about the theoretical and pushed quick passage of the deal before the French could change their minds. He also generally believed that government should stay out of the affairs of commerce, but intervened with an embargo in 1808, an event which went a long way towards the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
While many people saw Jefferson as a dreamer, he was also very practical. He kept exquisite details on the business at Monticello, the home he loved. He knew all the business going on at his home. Of course, those of you who have visited that home know of his passion for architecture and for gardening. He enjoyed the finest of things, and his enormous library of books. He longed to spend many days at Monticello. Time and again, he believed himself retired to Monticello, only to be called back into service, whether as Governor of Virginia, envoy to France or his work in the first three adminstrations of the United States.
I believe the author paints a thorough picture of Jefferson the man. I enjoyed seeing the human side of him. We are shown a man who loved his family and took great delight in his grandchildren. A man who grieved deeply when his wife and children died. He had 6 children with his wife and outlived 5 of the 6. We also see the fallible Jefferson, one was seen as weak and a coward when he fled British forces who were authorized to arrest Jefferson in 1781, and the one who carried on a 40 year love affair with the slave Sally Hemmings which produced at least 4 children. The author shows us a man who believed in limited authority, but was quick to use expanded and questionable power when it suited his purposes.
Finally, Mr. Meacham used a term describing Jefferson that I had not seen before: "The Architect of America." He was indeed the architect, as he laid out basic freedoms of individual liberty and freedom. We are shown a Jefferson who had his flaws, was human, but also did many incredible things and advanced the cause of freedom and individual liberty that we still enjoy today in this still unique thing called America.
