Jefferson the Virginian

This is only the first volume, and admittedly, this is the part of Jefferson's life about which there's the fewest records (due to his early life and Benedict Arnold's destruction of papers when he invaded Richmond), but I still don't know that I have a feel for Jefferson's psyche. Perhaps that's a very modern desire when reading biography (and this book is from an older school style of history writing–is from the 1940s). On its own terms, it's a remarkable feat. The pace is interesting. Knowing he will take many volumes to tell this story, he is in no rush. It's a leisurely pace with some pleasant detours and asides now and then. He treats Jefferson as a man to respect and study as a specimen, and not so much a beloved icon to love, defend, and explain away. I like that. This is plain, spoken storytelling, going into the weeds in a way that does not grow old or stale. Still I wish I knew the man Jefferson just a BIT more.