The Essential Jefferson
"The publication of The Essential Jefferson is a welcome addition to the fine American Heritage Series published by Hackett Publishing. . . . Yarbrough's judicious selection of key Jefferson documents and its economical price make [this book] ideal for the classroom. . . . In the post-September 11 era, an understanding of the thought of America's first philosopher of democracy is more essential now than at any time in America's history—including its founding era. Anyone interested in understanding democracy would be wise to read The Essential Jefferson."
—Jeffrey D. Hilmer, Perspectives on Political Science
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Through substantial selections from Jefferson's writings—including his earliest writings, Notes on Virginia, and key public papers and personal correspondence—this volume traces the development of his thinking on such fundamental issues as republicanism, constitutionalism, slavery, and the separation of religion from politics. Footnotes identify Jefferson's correspondents and provide useful context.
Reviews:
"The publication of The Essential Jefferson is a welcome addition to the fine American Heritage Series published by Hackett Publishing. . . . Yarbrough's judicious selection of key Jefferson documents and its economical price make [this book] ideal for the classroom. . . . In the post-September 11 era, an understanding of the thought of America's first philosopher of democracy is more essential now than at any time in America's history—including its founding era. Anyone interested in understanding democracy would be wise to read The Essential Jefferson."
—Jeffrey D. Hilmer, Perspectives on Political Science
"Historians and political scientists alike will welcome publication of Jean Yarbrough's excellent new documentary edition. Yarbrough's fine Introduction combines a good brief account of Jefferson's life and career with an astute and persuasive overview of Jefferson's political theory."
—Peter Onuf, University of Virginia
"This valuable anthology wisely lets Thomas Jefferson speak for himself. Jean Yarbrough's well-chosen selections from Jefferson's writings and her terse and illuminating introduction remind us that Jefferson was a man of his time who still has much to say to our time."
—R. B. Bernstein, New York University Law School
"This is a superb collection, intelligently chosen, helpfully annotated, easy to read, and sensibly organized. I even learned new things from selections I had overlooked before."
—James R. Stoner, Jr., Department of Political Science, Louisiana State University
About the Author:
Jean M. Yarbrough is Gary M. Pendy, Sr. Professor of Social Sciences and Professor of Government, Bowdoin College.
