This Companion forms an accessible introduction to the life and work of Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. Essays explore Jefferson’s political thought, his policies towards Native Americans, his attitude to race and slavery, as well as his interests in science, architecture, religion and education. Contributors include leading literary scholars and historians; the essays offer up to date overviews of his many interests, his friendships and his legacy. Together, they reveal his importance in the cultural and political life of early America. At the same time these original essays speak to abiding modern concerns about American culture and Jefferson’s place in it. This Companion will be essential reading for students and scholars of Jefferson, and is designed for use by students of American literature and American history.
Contents
Chronology; Introduction Frank Shuffelton; 1. The Declaration of Independence and the New Nation Eric Slauter; 2. Jefferson and the idea of Republican government Ari Helo; 3. Jefferson and the West Thomas Hallock; 4. Jefferson and Native Americans: policy and archive Gordon Sayre; 5. Race and slavery in the era of Jefferson Douglas Egerton; 6. Jefferson's people: slavery at Monticello Lucia C. Stanton; 7. Jefferson, science, and the Enlightenment Timothy Sweet; 8. Thomas Jefferson and the creation of the American architectural image Richard Guy Wilson; 9. Jefferson and the education of a democratic citizenry Darren Staloff; 10. Jefferson and religion: private belief, public policy Richard Samuelson; 11. Jefferson and the language of friendship Andrew Burstein; 12. The correspondence of Jefferson and Adams Joanne Freeman; 13. The correspondence of Jefferson and Madison Annette Gordon-Reed; 14. Jefferson and the democratic future Douglas Anderson; Guide to further reading.
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