THOMAS JEFFERSON

By WILLIAM ELEROY CURTIS

24 Full-page Illustrations

In the company of Jefferson and his close associates, it has been said, have been assembled more patriotism, wisdom and learning than in any other company in our history. Mr. Curtis's biography reveals this complete Jefferson-the statesman and patriot, the country gentleman of the Young Republic, the moralist and philosopher, the voluminous writer, the scholar and book-collector, the scientist and designer. There is also Jefferson in a lighter vein, practicing his fiddle, singing on horseback, complimenting ladies, writing letters to his little girls that for tenderness and understanding recall Roosevelt's. Indeed one of the most lovable aspects of Jefferson's manysided nature as shown here, was his delight in the love and laughter of children with which he always kept Monticello crowded. Nor does Mr. Curtis magnify his hero at the expense of humanizing foibles. Here is intimacy bred from the curious inconsistencies of a man who affected the utmost democratic simplicity, yet introduced into America French cooks and finger bowls. Or a vivid description of "the rule of pêle-mêle" as observed at the presidential banquets mirrors the third president through the critical eye of the Washington of his time. The whole book, in fact, brings us closer in warmth and understanding to a great man and a prophetic mind that is a force in America today.

$3.50