I found this impressive new study by Professors Onuf and Gordon-Reed to effectively meld familiar Jefferson material with some striking new perspectives. With two such experienced TJ scholars, fine work is to be expected. While I am still inclined to think that Gordon-Reed is too deeply fixated on slavery issues, her past two books have convinced me that this is the world in which Jefferson was immersed from birth to death, and the dimensions of slavery (both generally and as to TJ specifically) must continually be addressed. But even with scholars of this stature, the reader must remember that Jefferson died nearly 200 years ago and at best this perceptive book is informed speculation, but still speculation.
One key aspect of the book is how much it emphasizes Jefferson's continuing focus on Virginia. The adverse effects of slavery on Virginians was manifest to Jefferson and he initially pointed them out in his "Notes." Yet, as the authors argue, Jefferson's view shifted over time, from intense condemnation to a more comfortable and patient view influenced by his stay in France, largely leaving it to the future to correct the problem, as Jefferson was sure it would. The authors employ their patriarchal model of TJ (one of the most innovative techniques invented by the authors) to explain how his self-perception of himself as a "good master" and his slaves as parts of the contented Montecello assemblage over which he presided led him to be much more comfortable with the system.
The reader comes to see what TJ was seeking to accomplish with Montecello--to recreate the culture and intellectual stimulation of Paris in the wilds of Albemarle, as a model of what the U.S. was becoming and capable of developing. Amelioration of slavery's hardships is well evident on the plantation (for that is what it was), and why Jefferson felt he was truly a good master. The authors offer an interesting spin on Jefferson's perception of the value of agriculture and individual farmers as keys to keeping the revolution alive--perhaps he was more of a farsighted Hamilitonian than we realized. Incidentally, the chapters on France, and its transformative effects on Jefferson, are quite insightful.
Looking homeward, Jefferson saw many reforms to be necessary in Virginia, including (along with Madison) disestablishment and reform of legal property concepts. American virtue could be married to European civilization to produce a potent result. And slavery would take care of itself in the future--so the republic's future was bright. One surprising thing to me was that Jefferson saw the republic as the family writ large. The authors extensively examine this innovative perspective, including that patriotism began at home for Jefferson.
The authors focus upon some aspects of Jefferson rarely discussed by others. Jefferson and music turned out to be a fascinating discussion, as indeed did the chapter and privacy and prayers, especially helpful for exploring this perplexing area of Jeffersonian thought. Also helpful is the discussion of Jefferson's idea of ward republics--i.e., reducing government down to minute, local levels of control.
My comments touch upon but a limited number of this book's important contributions. Jefferson as a patriarch is a strikingly innovative technique of analysis--but readers must determine for themselves how far to carry this concept. As to be expected, there are ample notes and an effective index. I think the thing I liked most about the book is that the authors are in no hurry to spell out their conclusions and arguments; their stature as scholars obviates any need to dazzle the reader as younger academics might feel it necessary. Hence one has time to savor the analysis and ponder it. A vitally important book on Jefferson which anyone interested in the Sage must read and reflect upon.
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An important part of the story we wish to tell is how this progressive patriarch came to rest easy within the confines of a way of life that he believed to be retrogressive.Highlighted by 114 Kindle readers- We instead seek to understand what Thomas Jefferson thought he was doing in the world.Highlighted by 110 Kindle readers
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