The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello - Softcover

Stein, Susan R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0810925214 ISBN 13: 9780810925212

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 1993

Synopsis

Thomas Jefferson was one of the most remarkable men ever to have crossed America's political stage. The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello reveals more than 150 of the objects Jefferson acquired, reflecting not only Jefferson the statesman but also Jefferson the architect, amateur scientist, connoisseur, and historian.

The articles range from invaluable historical treasures such as the lap desk on which the Declaration of Independence was composed and Gilbert Stuart's portraits of Jefferson to the Mandan buffalo robe that was part of his collection of Native American artifacts and the silk damask-upholstered chairs he purchased in Paris. In all, it is a collection that mirrors both the mind of America's greatest statesman and the tastes and styles of a time in history when the American people secured their own independence and offered the world an example of a free people in a democratic state.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

The neoclassical facade of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia mansion, concealed busy interiors crammed with his eclectic collection of paintings, engravings, sculpture, scientific instruments, clocks, maps, Native American artifacts, specimens of natural history, musical instruments, silver, furniture, ceramics and personal objects. This sumptuous catalog with 327 illustrations (107 in color) of an exhibit at Monticello commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jefferson's birth provides a window on his polymathic activities as architect, naturalist, amateur scientist, gardener, historian and connoisseur. Objects shown here range from the desk on which the Declaration of Independence was written to moose antlers and Jefferson's walking stick. In her engaging essay, Stein, curator of Monticello, portrays a passionate collector who displayed both untutored taste and worldly sophistication.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

Thomas Jefferson was a man of immense talents and interests. He was not only a distinguished statesman but also a noted scientist, architect, inventor, geographer, and lover of the arts. Monticello's curators have assembled a remarkable exhibition of more than 150 objects owned by Jefferson that reveal the broad range of his interests, from furniture to natural history specimens and writing instruments. The eclectic collection, fully illustrated and detailed in this stunning volume, has been gathered together for the first time since the contents of Monticello were dispersed to mark the 250th anniversary of Jefferson's birth. An insightful essay by Stein places the objects within the context of Jefferson's multifaceted life. Highly recommended for collections on American history and decorative arts.
- H. Ward Jandl, National Park Svce., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0810925214
• ISBN 13: 9780810925212
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1