I'm sure it is given its simple title on the basis of Jefferson's own assertion that even the title of "Mr." President" was more than was necessary. Nock makes it clear that he is neither historian nor biographer here, but merely a student of Jefferson's life. Nock portrays Jefferson as that ideal combination of mathematician and poet necessary to make a truly practical man. Nock relates the Anglican political structure and debate of William and Mary as being the training ground that gave Jefferson such a grounding in political philosophy. (Jefferson's own letters from "Devilsburg" validate this.) After his brief practice of law, Jefferson scorned the profession, remarking that at the end of his life "the lawyer has only to recollect how many, by his dexterity, have been cheated out of their right and reduced to beggary." He separated personal differences from political differences and found anyone who didn't to be vulgar. He believed firmly in the "industrious life," quoting Nock: "he himself has never been idle for an aggregate of twelve hours in his whole life, and in the large sense, he had always been happy." Regarding art, Nock observes that most people tend to work first for wealth after which they can purchase the luxury of art. Jefferson's emphasis on education, not followed during his early years in Virginia, were adopted late in life with a new system across the state and the founding of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson himself finally became insolvent during his last years and was relieved by the help of so many private individuals (even whole cities). Out of principle, he had turned down help form the Virginia legislature. On his deathbed, he continually asked if it was yet the 4th (the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration) and died on that day, 5 hours after John Adams. Nock also covers Jefferson's relationship with the other founding fathers, his relationship with the French, and his policies as president - all with that sharp insight he brings to any topic. ( )

2/17/23