Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher

By: Jon Meacham

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

In this special edition of the #1 New York Times bestselling Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham, young listeners will learn about the life and political philosophy of one of our Founding Fathers.

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. He was one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. But he was also a lawyer and an ambassador, an inventor and a scientist. He had a wide range of interests and hobbies, but his consuming interest was the survival and success of the United States.

This audiobook contains a note from Meacham, as well as sections throughout the text about subjects such as the Boston Tea Party, the Library of Congress, and Napoléon Bonaparte. Additional materials include a timeline; a family tree; a Who’s Who in Jefferson’s world; sections on Jefferson’s original writings and correspondence, “inventions,” interests, places in Jefferson’s world, finding Jefferson in the United States today, additional reading, organizations, and websites; notes; a bibliography; and an index. This adaptation, ideal for those interested in American presidents, biographies, and the founding of the American republic, is an excellent example of informational writing and reflects Meacham’s extensive research using primary source material.

Includes a bonus PDF of timelines, writings, and a bibliography.

Written for young readers, but appealing for all

This book is said to be abridged for young readers. But, written with Meacham's great narrative style, the book is a great choice for a much wider audience.

Interesting story that I would recommend to anyone

The narrator was fantastic. I loved intertwining my knowledge of the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, and the early history of the founding fathers with the new information I learned in this book.

Excellent

Excellent biography for any age. Superb presentation. History lesson in an entertaining fashion for youth or adult.

Brief

Good concise work on Jefferson. Highlights the good bad and ugly of one of our smartest leaders.

Great American, great author

Meacham always reports masterfully and this was no exception. The only change I would suggest is that Meacham also narrate. His voice is hypnotic.