Donald Jackson (2) (1919–1987)

This is a short posthumous publication by a leading Revolutionary historian detailing Jefferson's life of quietude at his manor home, Monticello. Most of the book is about farming and Jefferson's aspiration of a unexciting retirement from professional politics. While there are interesting tidbits about all the varieties of peaches and apples grown in 18th century America, it seems to be a superficial look at the man. There are glimpses into his supposed extra-marital affairs and show more correspondence with Adams and Madison sprinkled in, but on the whole, the reader is left underwhelmed by the history. That's probably the reason why most historians tend to skip over this period in his life. A quick but unrewarding read.

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If you've read the Lewis and Clark Journals and still want more, read this two-volume set. It is full of letters and documents concerning the L&C expedition including pre-expedition planning and shopping information, infor and event during the expedition and numerous letters that are post-expeditionary. This set relly fills in a number of cracks and gives a much fuller picture than what one gets strictly from the journals.

This is a fabulous resource for the Lewis and Clark historian. It includes letters in the U.S. government regarding the expedition, diplomatic correspondence, as well as some letters from members of the expedition.