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 Drawing on archives in the United States, England, and France, as well as unpublished Jefferson presidential papers, Meacham presents Jefferson as the most successful political leader of the early republic, and perhaps in all of American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)

Fascinating

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.

Fantastic book on Jefferson

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.

Amazing

The contradictions within this brilliant man astonish me, much as those within LBJ do (tho it's somewhat sacrilegious to put them in the same sentence). A fascinating book, amazing in its scope and depth.

Edward Hermann 's voice is perfect as the audio book narrator--calm yet enthusiastic, nuanced yet passionate,, professional and reassuring...

Exceptional audiobook, it's a must hear

The book was incredible. Extremely well organized and easy to listen to. The narration was exceptional and made for one of the best audio books I've ever heard.

Wonderful!

What made the experience of listening to Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power the most enjoyable?

An excellent historical biography that underscored the central theme--Jefferson as one masterful in marshaling and using power.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the intricate details that highlighted the biography as told through letters and anecdotes.

Any additional comments?

Herrman's craft in telling the story is exemplary--very easy to listen to and very entertaining!

Chilly & stuffy view of a magnificent hypocrite

Where does Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty near the top regarding historical information. But the overly stuffy writing style brought it down a few notches.

What did you like best about this story?

Historical facts.

Have you listened to any of Edward Herrmann and Jon Meacham ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I've seen many of the late Mr. Herrmann's performances on TV and in the movies.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

It's probably hard to make a complex, hypocritical man like Jefferson really likeable, but Meacham's writing style makes it even harder.

Be prepared to listen and listen again

Thomas Jefferson; A series of contradictions? A man ahead of his time? A true Romantic or a playboy? British exploiter of the Colonies and their lack of resources (money, education, diplomacy) or a true Patriot of the new world democracy? The chapters move forward and backwards. Section by section thoroughly exposing and encompassing of one of the brightest and most impact-full men of his times. Defining the co-author of the United States Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights as it was formed in his time, what we know the Country to be today and project it to be in the future.
The balance was obviously "Adams" and "Madison" -- after listening to this book (re-listening several chapters) thank God for Adams and Madison. Long live a strong President with an agenda, who is overseen by a check and balance system!

wonderful explanation, excellent narration!

great insight and competing views to Hamilton and Adams. Anyone interested in obtaining a well rounded view of the Revolution and competing ideas of federalism and republicanism should read.

excellent

A lot of information. I gained a much better understanding and appreciation for Thomas Jefferson.

I just feel like I met him and could say thank you

For liberty was a given to me but crafted by many like Mr. Jefferson but not as many were able to make it reachable and understandable