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blur1991's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
mbrodd's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't change my view that TJ was sort of a jerk. Author's point is that we, at this distance, don't see how scared TJ was, how the threat of British re-conquest seemed so real. Jefferson would do anything to prevent what he saw as leading to that. Author more or less referred to TJ as passive-aggressive. Virginian way not to have conflicts, just sort of slide around them instead. Write something nasty but don't put your name to it. Have other people do the dirty work.
mtcronin's review against another edition
3.0
Meacham draws a portrait of a leader walking the line between idealistic philosophies and pragmatic realities, highlighting his accomplishments while acknowledging his complexities and shortcomings. There are dry spots, but the epilogue in particular is beautifully done. An interesting aspect of this journey through presidential bios is seeing how the authors draw contrasts between the founding fathers, and Meacham does a nice job of detailing the rivalries and giving a sense of Jefferson's thoughts on his colleagues without necessarily endorsing his viewpoints.
kmanbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The impression one gets of Jefferson here is that of Khaleesi in Game of Thrones, prior to her snapping the final season; there are dark, Machiavellian passages which really should make us think twice about trusting or loving Jefferson, but basically everything in the book is priming the reader to overlook any ill-feeling and play along with the lionization of the great American hero Jefferson. Genocidal ramblings are shrugged off as "hyperbole" and abuses of power as the "prudent" and "pragmatic" thing to do rather than the "idealistic" or "philosophical" choice. The villain was here all along, and we made him the hero of the story. Were it judged as an academic history, it would be found somewhat lacking; as 'pop history', however, it is better than most. For such a long book, it really does flow, and is at least useful as an introductory survey of the Jefferson life.
dave_loves_books's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy reading a Jon Meacham book, and this one is no exception. Great read about one of our nation's founding fathers. It covers Thomas Jefferson's early life in Virginia, right through his presidency and after.
manish251097's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
A Brilliant Portrait of Leadership: Jon Meacham’s Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
Jon Meacham’s Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power is a masterful biography that takes readers on an intellectual and emotional journey through the life of one of America’s most complex and consequential figures. Meacham's expert storytelling and deep understanding of history elevate this book far beyond a traditional political biography, presenting Jefferson not just as a Founding Father, but as a visionary whose understanding of power, its uses, and its limitations reshaped the American experiment.
What makes The Art of Power so compelling is Meacham’s ability to show the nuanced and often contradictory nature of Jefferson's character. The book goes beyond the myth and iconography surrounding Jefferson and paints a portrait of a man who, though deeply principled, was also pragmatic, sometimes calculating, and often conflicted in his pursuit of power. Meacham skillfully explores Jefferson’s political career, from his role in crafting the Declaration of Independence to his presidency, shedding light on how his personal beliefs—particularly his commitment to liberty—interacted with the practical realities of governance.
The theme of power runs through the entire narrative, and Meacham presents Jefferson’s relationship with it as one marked by both brilliance and struggle. As Meacham writes, Jefferson’s success was not simply a matter of intellectual prowess but of his ability to navigate and manipulate the levers of power in ways that both advanced his vision for the nation and protected his personal legacy. The author captures Jefferson’s paradoxical nature: a man who championed individual rights yet owned slaves, who sought to limit the reach of government but expanded presidential power in key ways, and who was committed to an agrarian republic even while benefiting from the very systems he sought to challenge.
Meacham’s analysis of Jefferson’s personal life is equally compelling. He deftly portrays Jefferson's complex relationships—especially with his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings—without sensationalizing them, offering a poignant commentary on the intersection of private lives and public ideals. This exploration of Jefferson’s contradictions provides a deeper, more humanizing understanding of the man behind the myth.
The prose is elegant yet accessible, making The Art of Power a book that appeals to both history enthusiasts and those new to Jefferson’s story. Meacham’s capacity to weave together narrative, historical analysis, and political philosophy ensures that this book is as thought-provoking as it is captivating. His insights into Jefferson’s leadership style, his grasp of power’s nuances, and his ability to balance ideals with the practicalities of governance make The Art of Power an indispensable read for anyone interested in the complexities of leadership.
In Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, Jon Meacham has crafted a biography that is not only a deep dive into the life of one of America’s most influential figures but also a reflection on the nature of power itself—its challenges, its responsibilities, and its potential to shape the course of history. This book is a must-read for those seeking a richer understanding of Jefferson and the enduring lessons his life offers for leaders in every age.
lspargo's review against another edition
3.0
Jefferson is an interesting guy, but I was not a fan of Meacham's writing. He wasn't always chronological, and it often made me feel like I had missed something. I also felt like he left a lot of details out, and there was a lot I learned from David McCullough's book on Adams that Meacham didn't cover. If I were doing it again, I would chose a different Jefferson biography.
alexisnphillips's review against another edition
5.0
This book was engaging and informative! The author gave a well rounded view of who Jefferson was, both the politician and the individual. I loved getting to know his personhood more, see his grief, and picture him as a loving grandfather. Although I understood greater how different I am from him ideologically, I grew in my appreciation of his impact on American politics and government.