History of the United States of America During the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson (Library of America)

Not sure i finished this book, but read on 50 page spurts over the last year or more. Don't happily read it straight through as the level of detail can be bewildering (but rewarding too). At times reporting so positively about Jefferson, but then recounting personal and professional lows as well, i have to rate this as a model of deep and fine historical analysis. Hard to keep the cast of characters straight though, as this foregoes choosing what to tell of in most stories and just tells all there is to know (or so it seems to this non-specialist). So well written though- engaging and edifying.

Although parts are rather tedious reading it was very interesting to learn that the New England states were ready to leave the union over the trade embargo ordered to attempt to damage France and England for seizing US ships. An earlier possible split was planned by Aaron Burr, who wanted the western states to form a separate nation.

When I first subscribed to Library of America this is one of the first books that I read. Adams book is an excellent narrative and analysis of Jefferson's administrations. He provides many illuminating quotations from letters and conversations of all of the important persons of the time. For example the details of Napoleon's conversations greatly added to my understanding of him. He also tells in detail some of the most important incidents that occurred. I found particularly interesting his narrative of the impeachment trial of Salmon Chase and the treason trial of Aaron Burr.
If the book is lengthy it is only because of Adams thorough treatment of his subject. I find it interesting that Garry Wills found Adams volume and the one on show more Madison's administrations significant enough to warrant his recent book about them. One of the lasting images I have from the book is Thomas Jefferson riding alone back to Monticello after his retirement. Just prior to his retirement he had been unable to get the Senate to approve his nominee for the ambassador to Russia.
I highly recommend this volume and can assure you that it worth the time it takes to read. Adams is not only telling the story of Jefferson he is telling the story of the growth of America and its growth as a republic. show less

Henry Adams is one of the most eloquent and insightful historians I have ever read, and reading the additional volume covering the administrations of Madison is essential.

The first 75 pages or so about the state of the country around 1800 were very good...

"A history yet to be replaced." C. Vann Woodward