"Notes on the State of Virginia" was the only full-length book by Thomas Jefferson published during his lifetime. Having been first published anonymously in a private printing in Paris in 1784, "Notes on the State of Virginia" was later made available to the general public in a 1787 printing in England. Considered one of the most important American books published before the turn of the 19th century, the book deals extensively with important political, legal, and constitutional principles such as the separation of church ...
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"Notes on the State of Virginia" was the only full-length book by Thomas Jefferson published during his lifetime. Having been first published anonymously in a private printing in Paris in 1784, "Notes on the State of Virginia" was later made available to the general public in a 1787 printing in England. Considered one of the most important American books published before the turn of the 19th century, the book deals extensively with important political, legal, and constitutional principles such as the separation of church and state, constitutional government, checks and balances, and individual liberty. "Notes on the State of Virginia" is essentially a discussion of what constitutes "good society", which Jefferson believed Virginia to be an example of. Filled with an extensive compilation of data this work represents an important primary source from one the most important American figures to ever have lived.
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A wonderful book about the region Jefferson loved, written while he was a young circuit court lawyer. It includes geography, which he learned from his own father, who was a surveyor, and also includes thoughts on the Indian question. This is Jefferson's only full-length book.
JCK11
Feb 10, 2008
Informative book but not your typical novel, I only read this for an 18th cent. literature class. It was extremely dry reading. Although, if you must read it, I recommend complimenting it with Benjamin Franklin's autobiography and perhaps David Walker's appeal.
