Jefferson the Virginian

Dumas Malone

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early life biography

18th century colonial virginia

political career

scholarly figure

personal virtues and flaws

governor of virginia

diplomatic mission to france

elegant writing style

extensive research and detail

multi volume series

family influence

thorough exploration

deliberate and thorough pacing

vivid portrayal of colonial life

'Jefferson the Virginian' by Dumas Malone is a detailed and engaging biography of Thomas Jefferson, focusing on his early life, family influence, education, political career, and his time as the governor of Virginia. Malone's writing style is described as fastidious, elegant, and easy to read, providing a thorough exploration of Jefferson's character, virtues, flaws, and contributions to American history. The book offers a comprehensive look at Jefferson's life up to the point when he left for France, his first venture out of the colonies, giving readers a vivid portrayal of colonial Virginia and the world in which Jefferson lived.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elegance and readability, backed by extensive research and attention to detail.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot chronicles Jefferson's life journey from his distinguished family background through his pivotal roles in law and politics until he embarks on a diplomatic mission to France.

Setting:

The setting is centered around colonial Virginia during the 18th century, a crucial era in American history.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate and thorough, providing ample detail that often invites readers to pause and reflect.

Genres:

biography

historical

nonfiction

Topics:

american revolution

enlightenment philosophy

american founding fathers

philosopher statesman

Notes:

Thomas Jefferson was born into a notable family in Virginia.

His father, Peter Jefferson, was a strong and respected surveyor who died young.

Jefferson was educated at the College of William and Mary, which was uncommon for the time.

He began constructing his famous estate, Monticello, which occupied him until his death.

Jefferson served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and as governor.

He wrote the Declaration of Independence, although his initial version was modified by others.

His governorship was controversial, especially during British invasions.

Malone's biography is known for its detailed and sympathetic portrayal of Jefferson.

The work acknowledges Jefferson's mixed views on slavery, typical for his time.

Malone's biography is highly praised for being well-written and thoroughly researched.

The first volume of the biography focuses on Jefferson's early life and ends with his trip to France.

Malone wrote this six-volume biography in a slow, deliberate style, reflecting on Jefferson's life month by month.

Jefferson is depicted as a scholarly and reclusive man pushed into public service by his responsibilities and patriotism.

Malone's approach has faced criticism for potentially overlooking some of Jefferson's darker traits.

The series is considered a standard biography of Jefferson, noted for its extensive footnotes and sources.

Malone's biography reflects a deep respect for Jefferson, as some readers see it as a hagiography.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include discussions of slavery, personal misconduct, and critiques of leadership.

From The Publisher:

The first of five volumes in a full-length biography of Jefferson.

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