Publisher's Synopsis
This paraphrase version is much shorter than the original print, but it covers the whole of Jefferson's thoughts and notations. It trims out only the repetition and extra detail while retaining the author's insights into early America and the expansiveness of his thoughts on government and society. Jefferson was an inveterate observer with a wide range of interests and a scientist's attention to detail. His Notes include information about the colonial terrain, its rivers, mountains, natural resources, climate and state boundary lines. His scrutiny delves into population estimates, government expenses, Native Americans and their languages, even assessing the availability of state papers and local histories. He opens his discursive mind to us on matters of racism and the morality of slavery. His skepticism about "established" religion does not diminish his support of religious liberty, and his partisan "politics" helped assure the healthy interchange of opinion that democracy demands. Here we learn as much about Jefferson as about the state of Virginia.
