book report on Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson by Norman Risjord is a biography of the third president of the United States that takes Thomas Jefferson from his youth through his later years in the early 19th century. The purpose of this book is to give a political and social overview of the Thomas Jefferson's life and career. It was written for both the student of American history and the casual reader interested in the genesis of the United States government, seen through the eyes of one of its founding fathers. The value of this book is that it shows that Jefferson was not a saint, yet he was one of the most intelligent presidents that the country has ever had. Risjord has given the book great value because he has framed Jefferson among his peers. Consequently, the book truly comes to life, and the reader is able to learn about Jefferson as well as his contemporaries James Madison, John Marshall, and John Adams. The scope of the book is all-inclusive. Risjord begins with Jefferson's birth on April 13, 1743 on his father's plantation, Shadwell, in Goochland County on the western edge. The narrative continues on to show Jefferson graduating from William and Mary College, then entering politics in V
He was elected President following a long deadlock with Aaron Burr in the House of Representatives. During his second administration, Jefferson tried to enforce such measures as the Embargo Act of 1807, even though this brought a great deal of opposition. In his later years, Jefferson wrote about his view of the future, when he saw that the people would be enlightened by free education. "He lives and will live in the memory and gratitude of the wise and of the good, as luminary of Science, as a votary of liberty, as a model of patriotism, and as a benefactor of human kind. " The style is controversial and the book offers insights into Jefferson's psychology as well as historical data. The author has made a contribution to the field of American history. This happened mainly because Alexander Hamilton considered Burr the more dangerous man and he gave his support to Jefferson. As has been mentioned, he doesn't deal with some of the more controversial aspects of Jefferson's life. During his first administration he achieved the Louisiana Purchase and oversaw the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The illustrations are adequate: there might have been more of them, concentrating on Jefferson's political associates (Hamilton, Burr, and et al. If nothing else, Americans can take solace that this country was founded by, among others, Thomas Jefferson. Risjord has accomplished what he set out to do, which was to present Jefferson as a person that readers could relate to as a politician, husband, father, as well as a man of higher learning. Risjord does well by his chapter headings, as they divide Jefferson's life into "Vice President" and "President" etc. Jefferson was the first President to be inaugurated in Washington, a city that he had helped to plan.
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