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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The man on the United States nickel has always been a study in contradictions: he was a slave-owner who wrote the Declaration of Independence. For two centuries people have tried to figure him out, and too often he has been all things to all people. Anyone, it seems, can find justification for their actions in the words and deeds of Thomas Jefferson. A serious yet entertaining and readable analysis of perhaps the most fascinating American Founding Father can be found in American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson. Joseph J. Ellis, though a professor of history, steers clear of academic posturing, providing the facts and a keen and compelling look at the various components of Jefferson the thinker, the politician, and the private man. American Sphinx is a commendable achievement. Amazon.com
Well timed to coincide with Ken Burns's documentary (on which the author served as a consultant), this new biography doesn't aim to displace the many massive tomes about America's third president that already weigh down bookshelves. Instead, as suggested by the subtitle--"The Character of Thomas Jefferson"--Ellis searches for the "living, breathing person" underneath the icon and tries to elucidate his actual beliefs. Jefferson's most ardent admirers may find this perspective too critical, but... read more The New York Times Book Review, Brent Staples
Joseph J. Ellis's American Sphinx is a brief and elegant return to Monticello. Mr. Ellis . . . is a remarkably clear writer, mercifully free of both the groveling and the spirit of attack that have dominated the subject in the past. . . . American Sphinx is fresh and uncluttered but rich in historical context. read more Amazon.com Exclusive
Read Amazon.com's exclusive "Literary Life" of Thomas Jefferson and browse a broad selection of related Jefferson titles. read more
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Customer Reviews
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American Sphinx
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Reviewer:
Daniel M Murphy
from Boston, Mass
January 18, 2000
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This book traces the political life of Thomas Jefferson from the time he wrote the Declaration of Independence to his death on July 4. The book tells of his writings to John Adams and others while it takes an informative look at his views and perspectives. You should read this book if you want to get a good idea of how Jefferson thought. This is a good book to get to know Jefferson but it does not always portray him as a hero that he is sometimes believed to be. Overall this is a very good book.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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American Icon Revealed
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Reviewer:
Craig Middleton
from Australia
January 12, 2000
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This book is a first rate study on an enduring icon in Americam history. Ellis obviously loves his subject matter and brings the great man to life. His writing style is erudite without couching the book in specialized terms that hide more than they reveal. As far a Jefferson is concerned, and what Ellis has brought to our attention, is that he was above all a visionary, concerned with centralized governments with too much power. Interestingly, over two hundred years latter, this is still the concern of many politically minded people. In terms of Jefferson's character, what a fascinating individual. A writer of prose of pure genius. This book sensitively communicates the fact that Jefferson was human, with all the human frailties that go along with the condition. Heroes do have feet of clay, but Ellis has managed to expose Jefferson's defects without pulling him down. Jefferson is even a greater man with all his faults; a far cry from the Romantic image I had of him as a young man growing up, when history was a myth-making exercise not concerned with truth. Ellis should again be commended for this wonderful portrait of America's most famous 'Enlightenment Man', who stands amongst the greatest of his era: Voltaire, Franklin, et al. I recommend this text about one of the most inspirational and intriguing men in American history.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Amazing Book about an Amazing Individual
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Reviewer:
A History Major
from Brandeis University
October 31, 1999
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The American Sphinx is a magnificently written book that allows its readers to delve into the mind of one of America's most fascinating founding fathers. Exploring the complex and at times seemingly hypocritical nature of Thomas Jefferson, Ellis provides one of the best biographies on one of the most influential people of our history. Answering questions that previous historians seemed fearful to approach, Ellis allows his readers to see the real Thomas Jefferson, both in his glory and in his faults. A must read for anyone who ever thought they knew anything about Thomas Jefferson.
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11 of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Fantastic and fascinating book
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Reviewer:
Kelly Thornton (kelster@mindspring.com)
from Marietta, GA, USA
October 28, 1999
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I found Joseph Ellis's work on Jefferson to be incredible. Great book to do a book report or review on. Jefferson's character was extremely complex and Ellis helps to breakdown the man and his presidency piece by piece, creating a fantastic and enjoyable book. Great for American History buffs!
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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See all 31 customer reviews...
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