The audio version makes the experience of Jefferson personal

The contrast of the individual person, the intellectual and the practical

The personal and reflective approach

The very end-the summing up of a lfe

What we learned about Thomas Jefferson when we were younger is cursory at best. Here, in detail, and clearly written is the story of one of our most important Americans. Whatever political party you favor you can support Jefferson because he touched on all aspects of American life in a way that made this country stronger. Meacham makes clear that Jefferson always had the country in mind in all decisions and that puts him above "politicians" of today.
Edward Hermann's narration adds a great deal to a well researched and well written book.

I LOVE history books, I love books about American history and I've read numerous books about the Revolutionary War and our Founding Fathers. This is perhaps the dullest one I've come across. It starts off well with a sweeping intro that gives the book a great feel as if you're about to read something great and then once you're a few hours in the author is just retelling stories about Jefferson trying to hook up with some ladies - and it's not even interesting since nothing comes of it. Then the author moves on to something of mild interest and then it's back to more gossip about Jefferson trying to hook up. The worst part of this is that once again it's just not interesting, it's not scandalous, it doesn't move the story along, it's just dull.

Anyways those looking for a great Jefferson book you can safely pass this by, this book got a ton of hype and I have no idea why. It's not awful by any means it's just that there are so many great books out there about Jefferson that there is very little reason to visit this one.

On a positive note the reader does a great job as always.

Shows how Jefferson was able to use his leadership skills by taking a moderate approach in life

When I think about Thomas Jefferson, I think of a great man. George Washington was our first president, but Thomas Jefferson established the foundation for the country. His vision of America was ahead of his time and writing the Declaration of Independence is just impressive, but his life outside of the White House was most interesting. His kindness to his relationships and to his grandchildren was most touching. His work before and after he became the third President of the United States, is any public figures dream, but instead boosting his public image, Jefferson was a humble man. Instead of getting a personal gain, Jefferson wanted to see progress for the nation and died in debt. Thomas Jefferson biography by Jon Meacham is excellent from birth till death. It is one of the best history books that I've read, second to David McCullough.

Someone that didn't care about discovering the truth and wanted to discredit a great man.

If the author had done a little research instead of passing on and promoting every undocumented lie concerning Jefferson.

When I turned off the book was the best moment. Unfortunately the book was well read so I kept hoping a few true facts would surface. I was continually disappointed.

I would have cut the entire book.

At least with a paper book I could have thrown it away and felt like I had given this book what it deserved . Just deleting the book from my computer seems insufficient.

Jon Meacham does an excellent job of fleshing out this most improbable of men. Jefferson, an amalgamation of conflicting desires and motives, that sometimes left him on the wrong side of history, was that man. This we can see now, as we have clear hindsight to guide us. Our third president, as with all makers of history, had no such guiding light. They had to deal with those inscrutable issues with only their current knowledge and life experience. It is easy for us to make judgements about behaviors, that today, seem unconscionable, but were not then even noticeable. Although, it was clear that Jefferson knew, even then, that slavery was a blot on our nation. Still, he could not muster the will do anything substantive about it.
The author takes pains to give us the context, as well as concurrent examples of the community expectations of the day in which Jefferson lived.
This is an excellent look at the founding of our country and the men that formed these United States, and to a great extent, the wider world, that we have evolved into.
As always, Ed Herrmann is a comfortable and familiar voice that makes listening to this book a pleasure.

I read-listned while I walked every dayl The story is so compelling I wallked longer

The way he used is moral standards as bedrock to establish the U.S. as a republic

I haven't

The exhiliration of coming to know the mind of Thomas Jefferson

If you wonder about current politics and dilemmas, this book demonstrates they have always been with us.

I am unable to rank "Jefferson" as it falls into a category of its own. Suffice to say I was intrigued.

The most memorable part of the book is the use of the English and how beautifully descriptive it was in the day. We certainly do not converse that way today!

Edward Herrmann is the best at reading.

No

None

"All men are created equal"... Mr Jefferson maybe the exception to his own rule. This book should be on the top of anyones reading list for the life and times of Thomas Jefferson, the founding fathers and the fledgling years of these United States of America.