Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann, Jon Meacham

Length: 18 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • The Washington Post • Entertainment Weekly • The Seattle Times • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Bloomberg Businessweek

In this magnificent biography, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of American Lion and Franklin and Winston brings vividly to life an extraordinary man and his remarkable times. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power gives us Jefferson the politician and president, a great and complex human being forever engaged in the wars of his era. Philosophers think; politicians maneuver. Jefferson’s genius was that he was both and could do both, often simultaneously. Such is the art of power. Thomas Jefferson hated confrontation, and yet his understanding of power and of human nature enabled him to move men and to marshal ideas, to learn from his mistakes, and to prevail. Passionate about many things—women, his family, books, science, architecture, gardens, friends, Monticello, and Paris—Jefferson loved America most, and he strove over and over again, despite fierce opposition, to realize his vision: the creation, survival, and success of popular government in America. Jon Meacham lets us see Jefferson’s world as Jefferson himself saw it, and to appreciate how Jefferson found the means to endure and win in the face of rife partisan division, economic uncertainty, and external threat. Drawing on archives in the United States, England, and France, as well as unpublished Jefferson presidential papers, Meacham presents Jefferson as the most successful political leader of the early republic, and perhaps in all of American history.

The father of the ideal of individual liberty, of the Louisiana Purchase, of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and of the settling of the West, Jefferson recognized that the genius of humanity—and the genius of the new nation—lay in the possibility of progress, of discovering the undiscovered and seeking the unknown. From the writing of the Declaration of Independence to elegant dinners in Paris and in the President’s House; from political maneuverings in the boardinghouses and legislative halls of Philadelphia and New York to the infant capital on the Potomac; from his complicated life at Monticello, his breathtaking house and plantation in Virginia, to the creation of the University of Virginia, Jefferson was central to the age. Here too is the personal Jefferson, a man of appetite, sensuality, and passion.

The Jefferson story resonates today not least because he led his nation through ferocious partisanship and cultural warfare amid economic change and external threats, and also because he embodies an eternal drama, the struggle of the leadership of a nation to achieve greatness in a difficult and confounding world.

Praise for Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

“This is probably the best single-volume biography of Jefferson ever written.”—Gordon S. Wood

“A big, grand, absorbing exploration of not just Jefferson and his role in history but also Jefferson the man, humanized as never before.”—Entertainment Weekly

“[Meacham] captures who Jefferson was, not just as a statesman but as a man. . . . By the end of the book . . . the reader is likely to feel as if he is losing a dear friend. . . . [An] absorbing tale.”—The Christian Science Monitor

“This terrific book allows us to see the political genius of Thomas Jefferson better than we have ever seen it before. In these endlessly fascinating pages, Jefferson emerges with such vitality that it seems as if he might still be alive today.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin

©2012 Jon Meacham (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A true triumph. In addition to being a brilliant biography, this book is a guide to the use of power. Jon Meacham shows how Jefferson's deft ability to compromise and improvise made him a transformational leader. We think of Jefferson as the embodiment of noble ideals, as he was, but Meacham shows that he was a practical politician more than a moral theorist. The result is a fascinating look at how Jefferson wielded his driving desire for power and control." (Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs)

"This is probably the best single-volume biography of Jefferson ever written; it is certainly the most readable." (Gordon Wood, author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution)

“Jon Meacham resolves the bundle of contradictions that was Thomas Jefferson by probing his love of progress and thirst for power. Here was a man endlessly, artfully intent on making the world something it had not been before. A thrilling and affecting portrait of our first philosopher-politician.” (Stacy Schiff, author of Cleopatra: A Life)

Well researched and fair-minded biography

This was a fascinating read. What a complex and important person Jefferson was. This book does such a great job explaining the virtues and vices (more appropriately hypocricy) of the real Thomas Jefferson though leaves the reader with a profound respect and admiration for one of the most talented and influencial men to have ever lived. Should be required reading for every American. Incredible life. Outstanding biography.

motivation revealed

An exceptionally well produced view into not only what Jefferson did, but more importantly why. The complexities of his human flaws and shortcomings is sufficiently presented along with his still remarkable achievements.

Complicated

The narration is amazing but biography is short and flawed: the author fails to offer any of the depth and substance he argues for at the end.

Succinct, focused, and without much decorum

An essential read for all who wish an entry into the annals of the American project, especially its prime architect. By its own admission, the book does not seek to cover every aspect of Jeffersonian saga, but maintains focus on the hallmarks of the man’s mind, perspective, and character. Furthermore, the author, to his enormous credit, avoids adopting modern attitude to analyze an 18th century character. The book reminds the reader, above all else, as to the inner struggle between the two elements of the dual character of the American project which is even to this day present in the mind and action of Americans: individual liberty vs state power.

From Birth till Death

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.

The Words of Meacham/The Voice of Herrmann

What a powerhouse! I first heard Herrmann on a documentary of the president’s and was hooked! I would listen if he read the Bible or War and Peace! Meacham is someone I aspire to write like one day and putting them both together is the Batman and Batman of the literary/audiobook world!

simply outstanding

From start to finish this book captured the essence of Mr. Jefferson. It did not pretend that he was more or less than what he actually was. This country could use another Jefferson at the helm.

Fantastic

Extremely well narrated. Eye opening and engaging. I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in history, politics, or current events. Tons of information that is absolutely vital.

Good recap of an interesting politician

Overall book was good and worth buying. Gave some god if already we’ll know factoids about President Jefferson. The book seemed slanted much towards Jefferson’s positives than negatives. I think Jefferson was the very first and greatest politician of his era. Something good and not so good in that.

An unbiased mustread for All.

It is incumbent on each individual to strive for the betterment of man regardless of inheritance.