Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power Hardcover – Deckle Edge, November 13, 2012

Indeed, many sources contemporary with Jefferson call him a great man. Meacham, however, avoids writing a hagiography. Instead, he advances the thesis that Jefferson's genius was that he both sought great power and used it effectively. He does not gloss over Jefferson's failure as governor to protect Virginia from the Redcoats during the Revolution. Indeed, he was pursued into the mountains by the vicious Tarleton, a fictionalized version of whom appears in Mel Gibson's The Patriot. This, however, appears to be a momentary glitch against the entire sweep of Jefferson's career. Member of the colonial Virginia House of Burgesses, member of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence for the Continental Congress, long-serving minister to France (leaving only upon the storming of the Bastille in July, 1789), amateur scientist, accomplished linguist and friend of the classics, and, finally, only the second two-term President of the United States.In that role, Jefferson cemented the nation's course. Contrary to the wishes of Adams, his predecessor, and other Federalists, the United States would not again become a part of the British Empire--much less being ruled by a king or queen. The 1800 election was thrown into the House of Representatives, as Jefferson sought to deny his former friend John Adams a second term. It was not until February, 1801, that the election was decided in Jefferson's favor. Incidentally, Meacham chooses to open the book with a depiction of this fateful day before flashing back to Jefferson's origins as a son of privilege among Virginia planters. During those two terms, Jefferson presided over the Louisiana Purchase, pivotal to the new nation's future development. He managed to avoid war with England (it wouldn't come until 1812, when his protege James Monroe was president), even though the British insisted on boarding American ships in search of deserters from their own and occasionally impressing American citizens into the British Navy. Jefferson also dealt with a long-running battle against the Barbary Pirates, who raided commerce along the North African coast.Through it all, Jefferson worried constantly about the nation's viability. Even after he left the White House for his beloved Monticello, it was never far from his mind, As his own death approached, in 1826, he watched the ascendancy of Andrew Jackson with alarm. The backwoodsman from Tennessee seemed to him unsuited for leading the nation.Herein lies the contradiction of Jefferson's life. While advocating democracy with ever ounce of his considerable power, he was never far removed from his elitist origins. Jefferson may not have found royalty inviting, but he certainly believed that some men were created more equal than others. More equal than women, for instance. Bearing multiple children in just a few years led to his wife's death at a young age. Jefferson freely sought the bed of his slave, Sally Hemings, while all the time refusing to acknowledge the children she bore him. More equal than people of color: Jefferson was opposed to slavery in principle, but he could never bring himself to emancipate his own slaves or try to resolve the enormous contradiction from the founding of the Republic that would lead to civil war forty-five years after his death. One wonders what Jefferson would have thought of Abraham Lincoln, another westerner who faced down the issue Jefferson's generation ducked.Meacham kept me reading, sometimes until late hours, a narrative that both enthralls and educates. Under his pen, Jefferson lives and so do most of those with whom he came into contact. Meacham quotes freely from contemporary writings, but even their archaic language seems to soar and draw the mind to a different age. If the book has a flaw, it lies in the relatively sketchy way Meacham handles Jefferson's years in the President's House. One sometimes yearns for more details about, say, Lewis and Clark's Voyage of Discovery.For all of this, the hours required to delve into TJ:TAP will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of a formative character in our nation's origins and development. One will also be lifted up by the skillful use of language and the honesty of the author's approach.

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.