Krista C. (kacey14) -
Helpful Score: 3
I struggled to get through this book, but now that the struggle is over --- I'm glad I waded through it. I learned quite a bit about Thomas Jefferson. The author doesn't sugar-coat Jefferson's personal foibles, or political thoughts.
I learned more about Jefferson's life and about the formative year of America as a nation during and after the Revolution. Ellis focuses on some key chapters in Jefferson's life and explores the contradictory actions/thoughts/writings produced during those periods.
While it was slow going for me at times, (I think the extensive quotations from Jeffersan hiscotemporary political figures slowed down the reading.) I am glad to have finished it. I think it was a fair look at the multi-faceted man that today is too often held up as a one dimensional cardboard cut-out used to suit political whims.
I learned more about Jefferson's life and about the formative year of America as a nation during and after the Revolution. Ellis focuses on some key chapters in Jefferson's life and explores the contradictory actions/thoughts/writings produced during those periods.
While it was slow going for me at times, (I think the extensive quotations from Jeffersan hiscotemporary political figures slowed down the reading.) I am glad to have finished it. I think it was a fair look at the multi-faceted man that today is too often held up as a one dimensional cardboard cut-out used to suit political whims.
Chris S. (smallbutfeisty) reviewed American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
FABULOUS biography of Thomas Jefferson the political figure as well as Jefferson the man. It reads much like a novel and was a very engaging read. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a biography.
Christine J. (FitReader) - reviewed American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Popularly known for the sunny language of the Declaration of Independence, a Southern "gentleman", and a father to Sally Hemmings's children.
What is less popularly known is his inability to envision a United States of America as an industrialized and entreprising nation. A great foe to Alexander Hamilton.
Essentially, a well-educated man without the strength to act on his education when faced with questions that dealt with humanity and morality.
What is less popularly known is his inability to envision a United States of America as an industrialized and entreprising nation. A great foe to Alexander Hamilton.
Essentially, a well-educated man without the strength to act on his education when faced with questions that dealt with humanity and morality.
Kathy P. (taffy) reviewed American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. Should be a must read for every American citizen.
Katherine W. (KateW) reviewed American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good biography of Jefferson, the man, instead of Jefferson, the politician. Ellis does a wonderful job as usual of depicting the Colonial period in an in-depth but accessible way.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good book about the personality of our third president. Ellis is an excellent writer. I highly recommend this book.
Brenda R. (nurse) reviewed American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson on + 221 more book reviews
This book gives you some insights into the man as well as the politician.It was not my favorite biography of Thomas Jefferson but well worth the read. The book gives you an idea of what kind of father he was to his daughters as well.
