The Essential Jefferson

The publication of The Essential Jefferson is a welcome addition to the fine American Heritage Series published by Hackett Publishing. . . . Yarbrough's judicious selection of key Jefferson documents and its economical price make [this book] ideal for the classroom. . . . In the post-September 11 era, an understanding of the thought of America's first philosopher of democracy is more essential now than at any time in America's history--including its founding era. Anyone interested in understanding democracy would be wise to read The Essential Jefferson. --Jeffrey D. Hilmer, Perspectives on Political Science

Historians and political scientists alike will welcome publication of Jean Yarbrough's excellent new documentary edition. Yarbrough's fine Introduction combines a good brief account of Jefferson's life and career with an astute and persuasive overview of Jefferson's political theory. --Peter Onuf, University of Virginia

This valuable anthology wisely lets Thomas Jefferson speak for himself. Jean Yarbrough's well-chosen selections from Jefferson's writings and her terse and illuminating introduction remind us that Jefferson was a man of his time who still has much to say to our time. --R. B. Bernstein, New York University Law School