In Pursuit of Reason: The Life of Thomas Jefferson

by Noble E. Cunningham Jr. and Noble E Cunningham Junior

Book Overview

"A major contribution." Washington Post
The authoritative single-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most significant figure in American history. He was a complex and compelling man: a fervent advocate of democracy who enjoyed the life of a southern aristocrat and owned slaves, a revolutionary who became president, a believer in states' rights who did much to further the power of the federal government. Drawing on the recent explosion...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345353803
• ISBN13: 9780345353801
• Release Date: May 1988
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 414 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.8" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Best one volume biography of Thomas Jefferson.

A very balanced biography. Cunningham's treatment of Thomas Jefferson is brief, yet peppered with the interesting caveats that give a personal feel to the President. Very readable, maybe to the point only wetting your taste for biographies of Jefferson. Recommended to all ages, reading levels, and interests. The very best, bar none, one volume biography of Thomas Jefferson.

EVERYBODY needs to read...........

....one biography of Thomas Jefferson, and this would not be a bad choice. This is not Dumas Malone or Merrill Peterson, and doesn't claim to be. What it is is a concise, well written, account of the life of the man who "invented" America, who gave us a way to build on our hard-won freedom, and govern ourselves. Dr. Cunningham hits ALL the significant points, and, more important, makes no errors of fact [at least that I could find]. In several places, the author is not afraid to say that further exploration of a topic is beyond his intended scope. Honesty, indeed. My decision to give five stars rests on pages 114-116, where the Tom and Sally story is looked at, and dismissed as belonging in a work of fiction, especially the Paris part. Amen. Speaking of Paris, Maria Cosway is not dismissed [she can't be], but there is no excessive hand wringing, either. I admit I did things backwards, reading this after Malone and Peterson. This is a basic work...in the number of pages that Dr. Cunningham takes to get Jefferson to his grave, Malone has him in the midst of tribulation as Governor of Virginia, and Peterson has him in temporary bliss with Maria Cosway. This is a fine choice for 99.999%+ of readers to read one biography...so is Joseph Ellis' "American Sphinx". Likewise Willard Sterne Randall's book, though it's kind of long. The books on various side topics of Jefferson's life are virtually infinite in number, and are for poor souls like me. Forget them, especially since many tell lies that the average reader won't catch. You can order a used copy of this for a dime; it's a LOT better book than that price would indicate.

Another Perspective on Cunningham's Book

While those who revel in the ponderous, intimate-portrait biographies that have become fashion recently may be disappointed, this work provides a well-rounded portrayal of one of America's most interesting historical figures. Jefferson's public life is well represented throughout this work (though there are aspects which receive insufficient treatment, such as the Lewis & Clark Expedition). Nonetheless, Jefferson's experiences in Paris during the French Revolution and as governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War provide insights as to who he was and how he came to be a successful two-term President. As for his private life, Cunningham provides ample coverage. There are references to Jefferson's many letters to his daughters, providing a "warts and all" depiction of the demanding father he was; references to his letters to Madison and Adams, giving some insights into their relationships; and, for those interested in the minutia of historical trivia, even references to the number of cartons of books lost during the fire that claimed his home at Shadwell. (Cunningham's one failing in this biography was the failure to investigate more seriously the relationship between Jefferson and Sally Hemmings, though the historical significance of this relationship remains debatable). Nonetheless, eminently accessible to casual reader, and providing insights to the more interested observer, Cunningham's will more than whet the appetite of any Jefferson enthusiast.

Good Biography for the Masses

This book has received unwarranted bad reviews and press simply because it is 'short.' Noble E. Cunningham's purpose, it seems, for this biography of Jefferson, was to present the essential life of Jefferson in such a way that all could enjoy. There have been so many biographies written on Jefferson and most are massive multi- volumes which can come across as very daunting to the average reader.However, this book, while very well researched and authoritative in its content, is a biography which can be read by the average Joe and the scholar alike. Cunningham's research is very well documented, and the book is put together systematically from "The Formative Years" to "The Final Legacy." So, in a brief space, one can read this volume and learn the essential/perennial events which occurred in Jefferson's life. Moreover, Cunningham delves a little into Jefferson's personal affairs, such as his lost first love - Rebecca Burwell, to his admiration for Patrick Henry. Cunningham also details Jefferson's early intellectual influences and his love for law. In fact, in 349 pages of text, the most crucial and important events which occurred, and have been documented, in Jefferson's life are present in this text.Therefore, Cunningham's attempt in writing this size biography was not to press his reader down in certain detail. Rather, Cunningham attempted to present a Jefferson which could be widely read by most anyone. His efforts are noble and successful on that level. However, it must be stated that if you are wanting an intricately more detailed work of Jefferson, then this book will only wet your appetite for more. There are other biographies available (massive multi- volumes) for one to delve much deeper. But here, Cunningham just simply lets his reader know some of the most crucial events and facts. That being the case, this is a good book to begin your research and study of Thomas Jefferson.

Written for the true patriot.

If even a small ember glows in your heart that the American experiment in government is without equal, then this book is for you. Stirred to a flame by the profile of Jefferson the man, this book illustrates that the birth of this nation really is a reflection of the hope of its people. Jefferson happens to be the right person in the right place at the right time