Max Lerner studied and assessed many presidents during more than six decades as an author, journalist, and professor, yet Thomas Jefferson received his most sustained attention. To Lerner, Jefferson came closest in the American context to Plato's "philosopher-king," a thinker and leader. Because of his keen sense of Jefferson's virtues and his unique place in United States history, Lerner began work on a book about Jefferson in 1957, but other writing assignments and academic responsibilities postponed completion until his final days. In this never before published volume, Lerner uses the facts of Jefferson's life and work as the springboard to insightful analysis and informed assessment. In considering Jefferson, Lerner combines biographical information, historical background, and analytical commentary. The result is a primer about Jefferson that not only describes his accomplishments, but discusses his problems and failures.
As political figures have declined in esteem in recent decades and the media have been more inclined to probe previously private facets of a person's life, historians, biographers, and others have revealed personal details about prominent figures who are dead. Jefferson, in particular, has received such treatment. Two centuries after he helped create America, he remains a figure of enduring fascination within academic quarters and throughout the public at large. Max Lerner helps explain and clarify not only this unending fascination, but the timeless relevance of the nation's devoutly democratic yet singularly authentic "philosopher-king." Thomas Jefferson introduces a thinker and public figure of enduring value to the general reader. It will also be of interest to scholars of American history and politics.
Industry Reviews
-[T]he eloquence, compactness, and grace of Lerner's essay can still be read to advantage as one of the best short introductions to Jefferson currently available.-
--J. C. A. Stagg, The American Historical Review
-Lerner's reflective examination of Jefferson's entire career holds up amazingly well. . . . [T]his work stresses the contradictions and ambiguities in Jefferson's character. Though an admirer of Jefferson, Lerner provides balanced analysis. He believes that one reason for Jefferson's greatness was his ability to combine thought with action. Thus despite his distaste for Plato, Jefferson exemplified Plato's ideal of the 'philosopher-king.' An excellent introduction to Jefferson for general readers; recommended for public libraries.-
--Thomas J. Schaeper, Library Journal "[T]he eloquence, compactness, and grace of Lerner's essay can still be read to advantage as one of the best short introductions to Jefferson currently available."
--J. C. A. Stagg, The American Historical Review
"Lerner's reflective examination of Jefferson's entire career holds up amazingly well. . . . [T]his work stresses the contradictions and ambiguities in Jefferson's character. Though an admirer of Jefferson, Lerner provides balanced analysis. He believes that one reason for Jefferson's greatness was his ability to combine thought with action. Thus despite his distaste for Plato, Jefferson exemplified Plato's ideal of the 'philosopher-king.' An excellent introduction to Jefferson for general readers; recommended for public libraries."
--Thomas J. Schaeper, Library Journal "[T]he eloquence, compactness, and grace of Lerner's essay can still be read to advantage as one of the best short introductions to Jefferson currently available."
--J. C. A. Stagg, The American Historical Review
"Lerner's reflective examination of Jefferson's entire career holds up amazingly well. . . . [T]his work stresses the contradictions and ambiguities in Jefferson's character. Though an admirer of Jefferson, Lerner provides balanced analysis. He believes that one reason for Jefferson's greatness was his ability to combine thought with action. Thus despite his distaste for Plato, Jefferson exemplified Plato's ideal of the 'philosopher-king.' An excellent introduction to Jefferson for general readers; recommended for public libraries."
--Thomas J. Schaeper, Library Journal "[T]he eloquence, compactness, and grace of Lerner's essay can still be read to advantage as one of the best short introductions to Jefferson currently available."
--J. C. A. Stagg, The American Historical Review
"Lerner's reflective examination of Jefferson's entire career holds up amazingly well. . . . [T]his work stresses the contradictions and ambiguities in Jefferson's character. Though an admirer of Jefferson, Lerner provides balanced analysis. He believes that one reason for Jefferson's greatness was his ability to combine thought with action. Thus despite his distaste for Plato, Jefferson exemplified Plato's ideal of the "philosopher-king." An excellent introduction to Jefferson for general readers; recommended for public libraries."
--Thomas J. Schaeper, Library Journal
