ebooks Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham in History

Review

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful. Re-balances the Modern Perception of JeffersonBy Eric C. EvansTHOMAS JEFFERSON: THE ART OF POWER; by Jon Meacham is a great read; I enjoyed it Prologue through Epilogue. It is lively; interesting and insightful. I have read quite a lot on the Revolutionary Era; including several other biographies of Thomas Jefferson; and even so I learned a lot about Jefferson in the reading of this book. However; there are elements of the book with which I take exception.Mr. Meacham states in the Author's Notes that this biography is; in part; a reaction to recent biographies of both George Washington; John Adams and Alexander Hamilton which have revised opinions of these three men; especially Hamilton. He writes; "Then came nearly two decades of highly acclaimed biographies of John Adams; Alexander Hamilton; and George Washington that understandably emphasized the virtues of their protagonist; often at Jefferson's expense"(pg. 507). He cites specifically Joseph J. Ellis's Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams; but I imagine he would also include in that list John Adams; by David McCullough and Ron Chernow's two most recents works: Washington: A Life and Alexander Hamilton (all of them highly readable; excellent biographies).Mr. Meacham does a good job--better than most--helping his reader understand that there was during the post-revolutionary period a real fear in certain quarters that the United States could revert to a monarchy. Not so well done in this book is separating over-heated political rhetoric from what Jefferson actually believed. The fact is; a man as unquestionably intelligent and savvy as Jefferson would have known the difference between hyperbolic political rhetoric-even his own-and reality.It is clear that by the end of Washington's second term Jefferson and the Republicans (largely whipped up by Jefferson and Madison) were frustrated and chaffing at the bit. Even then; I cannot accept; as Mr. Meacham seems to imply; that Jefferson put much store in all the monarchical conspiracy theories that had political currency at that time.On balance most historians seem to believe that it was Jefferson's actions and political maneuverings during the Washington administration which help ignite and escalate the overwrought; highly negative atmosphere that convulsed politics during Washington's second administration and beyond. However; Mr. Meacham does not see it that way. Rather he explains Jefferson's third-party maneuverings and obfuscations as a natural reaction to the situation in which he found himself and what; at his time; would have been expected of a man in his station. I did not completely accept this. Jefferson's relationship with Philip Ferneau and the National Gazette is not fully explored in this book and leaves the reader with the impression that Jefferson was only tangentially involved with the newspaper that regularly ravaged Washington and his administration. But at least Mr. Meacham does allude to the conection. What is a more egregious omission is any exploration of how duplicitous Jefferson (and especially Madison) became in dealing with Washington in his second administration.Although Washington knew and understood that he had political differences with the two men; he still considered them trustworthy confidants. He had no idea the degree to which; through indirect means; the two men were so actively working against him. Jefferson and Madison continued to allow themselves to be taken into Washington's confidence never once indicating that they were anything other that loyal friends. This I think is an essential part of Jefferson's character and should not be excluded from a biography of his life especially one whose stated thesis is to show how artful; skillful and subtle was his accumulation and use of power.The final difference I have with THOMAS JEFFERSON: THE ART OF POWER is the thesis that Mr. Meacham proposes at the beginning of the book and attempts to support throughout: that Jefferson's vision for American; which contrasted with Washington's and Hamilton's allowed him and his proteges to control the Presidency for 40 years with only one four year interruption by John Quincy Adams. It is; of course true enough that Madison; Monroe; Jackson and Van Buren were disciples of Jefferson. But Mr. Meacham's argument that Jefferson accomplished this feat by opposing and triumphing over the policies of Washington and Hamilton is not accurate. In fact; Mr. Meacham seems to believe that Jefferson was able to win the Presidency because; "He understood the country was open to--even eager for-- a government that seemed less intrusive and overbearing than the one Washington and Adams had created" (pg. 352).While it is true that Jefferson and his proteges could not wait for Washington to exit the stage; the country itself never gave that indication; not in the slightest degree. Had he run; Washington would have easily won a third term. Adams; of course; was defeated for reelection; but that was not a rejection by the voters of Washington. Adam's defeat was due more to yawning cleavage in the Federalist Party and the electoral advantage created by the 3/5 clause of the constitution giving a significant Electoral College advantage to states with large slave populations; than to any rejection of Washington; his policies or his style of governing.Moreover; what Jefferson did to consolidate his hold on power was adopted in deed; if not in word; the Hamiltonian idea that the country needed a stronger central government governed by a stronger executive. For all of Jefferson's concern over what he characterized as monarchical power grabs by Washington; Jefferson did more to increase the power of the President with the Louisiana Purchase than Washington did in his entire presidency. And that by no means was the only time Jefferson broadened and consolidated powers of the presidency. Where Washington had used restraint; Jefferson often resorted to expediency. Many such incidences are skillfully explored in this book. The inconstancy they pose to Jefferson's rhetoric are attributed by Mr. Meacham to "pragmatism." In reality; they were actions which if Washington or any other Federalist had engaged in would been haled as auguries of monarchism by the Jeffersonians.The part of this book I found most insightful and interesting is Mr. Meacham's discussion of the debt assumption crisis. I had always believed that Hamilton got the better of Jefferson in this bargain which both resolved the crisis created the debt incurred by the state during the Revolutionary War and sited the nation's capitol on the Potomac. However; Mr. Meacham does an excellent job of explaining all of the many and complicated subtleties; which seemed to be overlooked by other historians; which came in to play here. He argues persuasively how; even though Hamilton got what he wanted in the bargain; Jefferson also negotiated some meaningful concessions. The bargain struck between these two antagonists was actually much more balanced than I originally believed.Having pointed to a few differences with Mr. Meacham and his view of Thomas Jefferson; I very thoroughly enjoyed this book and will most likely read it again. It is beautifully written; meticulously researched and goes a long way to re-balance the modern image of Jefferson; reminding its readers the debt that is owed to the drafter of the Declaration of Independence and the Sage of Monticello.674 of 715 people found the following review helpful. A New Thomas Jefferson?By James HillerI've read a couple books on Thomas Jefferson in the past. American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson; and Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History to name a couple. Up until this newest book by Jon Meacham; I though that the essential character of Jefferson was essentially unknowable; a man of contradictions and hiddenness. Yet; Meacham manages; in his large but fascinating and quick read; to illuminate Jefferson through a new pair of eyes: that of his leadership. In doing so; we meet a new Jefferson; sometimes wily; always intelligent; always forward thinking.Jon Meacham wrote one of my favorite books; American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House; which I've read at least twice and listened to on my iPod while running each summer. Meacham has a way of writing his history that manages to avoid the endless onslaught of names and trivial facts; and truly centers on the person. By doing so; he creates a momentum in his writing that's compelling and hard to put down.Meacham's unique spin on Jefferson (if spin is the right word .... more of a focus) is how he developed his leadership and vision for America. This focus causes Meacham to rush in his writing through Jefferson's early years (before you know it; he's attending the second Continental Congress) and getting him to the national stage as quickly as possible; which was refreshening and never abrupt. He paints some familiar portraits of Jefferson; that of a hard working student in Williamsburg; a devoted husband (before being a bit of a scalawag in the wooing of women); and that of a slave owner who knew his status was wrong and failed to do anything about it.Because of this; Jefferson comes alive in his pages. While not overtly revelatory; the book manages to be revelatory because you feel; after reading it; that you know better this sphinx of a man. The challenge of any historian is trying to make a subject that many people have written about new; authors of Washington and Lincoln biographies suffer the same fate. Because of the strength of Meacham's writing style; though; and the speed in which you can devour the pages; Jefferson is illuminated.If you haven't read any book on Jefferson; this should be your initial entry into his world. It will be a journey; much like that of Jefferson and his wife as they traveled up the steep mountain of Monticello after they were married; which promises to bring much joy and excitement as you discover this man. And for those of you; like myself; who know a little of his story; it's still well worth your time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History brought to life.By DaveFThis is an excellent window into the life of our third president; author of the Declaration of Independence; and one of the founders of our country. Author Jon Meacham points out that a one volume writing could not possibly thoroughly cover Jefferson's life. He concentrates on Jefferson's political life from his role in Virginia's House of Burgess through his eight year presidency ending in 1809. There is more; but that's the main thrust. Meacham paints Jefferson as imperfect; but undeniably brilliant. He was a passionate believer in the "American Experiment" of a democratic republic. Perhaps the leading advocate in staying the course of democracy; regardless of the difficulties. Jefferson was far from perfect; but his role in the founding of the United States was critical. There's no doubt of that after reading Jon Meacham's "Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power".