Halfway through and enjoying this book. It's amazing to learn so much about a guy -- that we learned so much about in school--- but really, we learned very little. Make any sense? Well, I've learned more about Jefferson and the revolution from this book then I remember l
"learning" in school. So, good read, time well spent. Readers and story get 2 thumbs up from me.

This is a fascinating and informative book on one of the most complicated and complex individuals of the founding fathers of the United States. You get a real picture of the immense talents and shortcomings of not only Jefferson but many of the other founding fathers such as Adams, Madison and Hamilton – they seemed to be the perfect counterbalance to each other at a time when had either the Federalist or the Anti-Federalist factions been exclusively in power this country might never had survived to become the country that it is today. Washington must have truly been an amazing leader to have been able to marshal the talents of Jefferson, Hamilton and Adams in one cabinet during the most critical time in the fledgling countries development, especially since they all were fundamentally opposed to each other’s vision and philosophy of Government. Jefferson’s steadfast opposition to Monarchy certainly was a factor in ensuring that this country did not eventually drift back towards the British model during some of the challenging periods of the post revolutionary period. Mr Meacham does an excellent job in presenting a realistic portrait of Jefferson, flaws and strengths. Ed Herman is one of the better narrators for bios and he does an outstanding job in this one. I would strongly recommend this book if you enjoy American History.

Skilled, Brilliance Honesty

How impassioned he was.

A richness of details.

His integrity was the cornerstone of the republic.

This book is well written and the narrator does a good job. I have listened to a biography of John Adams, which I also enjoyed. This work helps to describe the pace and volatility of the American Revolution. The accounts of his gardens, library, art collections, written word, sportsmanship, contradictions, humanity, slave holding, desires, leadership, etc, etc, etc, are more than I expected.

In an age when most media fail to supply any depth to issues, this book defies that trend. Whether you love Jefferson -- or hate him -- it is important to understand his life in the context of his time.

The story of the Jefferson--a very interesting person, politician and more

The story of Thomas Jefferson and the writing of Meacham compare to the best fiction I have read. The story of Jefferson is as interesting as the best fiction. I have not read another non-fiction that can compare to Thomas Jefferson

No

Too many to list.

Should be required reading for high school US history students.

I've read a few Jefferson biographies before this one (American Sphinx by Joseph Ellis) and books that chronicle Jefferson's times. I learned a lot of new things in Meacham's work, and feel like I have a better understanding of Jefferson as a person, and some of the factors and experiences that movitated the decisions he made. Plus Edward Hermann is fantastic.

For those who have already read several Jefferson biographies you can skip to the last three chapters. I don't think this book is as good as the Brodie biography. The last three chapters are interesting because they discuss the inconsistencies between Jefferson's beliefs vis a vis slavery, and his life as a committed slave owner.

R. Lewis

Gave me an insight into the life and times of our founding fathers. A critical book for those interested in how our nation was born.,

This was a very balanced and enjoyable. The book was of those that make you feel part of the time, yet give you the distanced perspective. The readers style was very enjoyable.