April 13th is Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. He was born April 13, 1743 and died July 4, 1826. Jefferson wanted to be remembered for three things when he died. They are in the title. A lot happened during Jefferson’s time. He penned the Declaration of Independence, He was governor of Virginia, he was Minister to France, he was first Secretary of State, was second vice president, and third president, just to name a few accomplishments. I have a few books, some old some newer, to briefly mention.
First few books are from my well of information, Landmark Books. Ever since junior high, I have been utilizing these books. The first is “Thomas Jefferson, Father of Democracy” by Vincent Sheean, 1953. This give a good general history of Jefferson’s life.
Then I have “The Louisiana Purchase” by Robert Tallant, 1952. Jefferson made both friends and enemies with his U.S. expansion plan. Then “The Barbary Pirates” by C.S. Forester, 1953. This is an interesting history of North African pirates robbing the world, and taking slaves. Jefferson worked on lessening their effect, by building the United States Navy.
If one wants to really dig deeper into Thomas Jefferson, they can read “American Sphinx, The Character of Thomas Jefferson” by Joseph J. Ellis, 1997. This is a well written book that more clearly explains reasons for both the critics and the hero worshipers of Jefferson. There is also “Jefferson and the Indians, the Tragic Fate of the First Americans” by Anthony F.C. Wallace, 1999. This work really looks into the ways that Jefferson saw, and treated the American Indians.
Then I have “Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a Photographic Portrait” by Robert C. Lautman, 1997. This is a great look at Monticello, Jefferson’s home. I bought it at the bookstore at Monticello after a tour. There is a picture in his library of a spinning book rack that can hold five books at once, opened. I had my brother-in-law make me one like it. Mine is on a stand.
On the top shelf, is a t-shirt that my niece bought for me when she visited Monticello. It has a wonderful quote on it from Jefferson, “I cannot live without books”. Jefferson had three libraries. The first burned. The second, he sold to The US Government when the British burned Washington in War of 1812. He then rebuilt his library a third time. When my niece was in college, she could look up the mountain and toast Monticello and the Father of her college. My other niece, when in in college could visit Wren Hall and see where Jefferson went to school. Both schools are steeped in Jefferson history.
Have a bet to what U.S. currency is Thomas Jefferson on. He is on the nickel and the two dollar bill. Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson.
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