Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power is an in depth look at the life of third President of the United States. Yet, he was so much more. This book dives into the familiar relationships between him and Sally Hemings, John Adams and the other Founding Fathers, and many more. It also touches on topics like his difficult relationship with slavery, the Louisiana Purchase, his loneliness and his desire for continued learning.

Honestly, this was a great book, especially for those who enjoy early American history. It was familiar enough to follow along in the context of the American Revolution or the early 1800’s, but fresh enough to keep me interested. Jefferson ushered in a change that was as divisive and bipartisan as our current political climate, which was interesting to learn. It seems politics in America was destined to be this ugly and contentious, which is a shame. The book also highlighted that the accumulation and use of power and influence in Jefferson’s age was just as difficult as it is today’s world. I had hoped to learn more about how he specifically created his power, but from what I could tell, a lot of it had to do with his infectious personality. This was more of a biography, rather than the wielding of power. Still, it was fun to read about his life.

I’d definitely recommend this book to any American history buff. I listened to this book in audible and boy was that a treat. The book was voiced by Edward Herrmann, whom you might recognize from The Munster’s. For me, I knew him better as narrating a lot of content from The History Channel, so it was a throwback of sorts (to when the History Channel actually aired interesting stories about, you know, history).

C. L.