One of the great thinkers of all time, Thomas Jefferson helped shape America in its early years, and his ideas continue to inspire us today. His amazing contributions include not only writing the Declaration of Independence, but his actions as the United States’ third President, as well as his influence as a scientist, inventor, farming pioneer, and educator. The engrossing life of this founding father is fully captured in this richly detailed biography, from Jefferson’s childhood in a simple wooden farmhouse in Virginia through his careers in law, diplomacy, and politics, in addition to his marriage to his beloved Martha and the family tragedies they endured.
Entries in the Sterling Biographies series offer approachable introductions to their subjects' lives in novel-size paperbacks filled with color images. Mullin's biography of Thomas Jefferson surveys the president's life and career, blending facts and anecdotes, all in lively language. Single-page focus boxes include controversial subjects, such as Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings. Unfortunately, the book is unsourced--there are not even notes for quotes. Sources are particularly missed when Mullin makes assertions about Jefferson's private thoughts and feelings: "Jefferson smiled feebly at his friends' stories, all the while feeling as though someone were cutting out his heart." Still, the appealing format and rich assortment of color illustrations, which include numerous photos of Jefferson's inventions and documents, will draw students, who can use this as a good starting place before moving on to more reliably sourced titles. A glossary and a bibliography conclude. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved