There have not been many biographies written that have such meticulous detail as Thomas Jefferson and the New Nation, by Merrill D. Peterson. This biography gives a very detailed description of Jefferson's life from his beginnings in Albemarle to his death in Monticello. In order to achieve a comprehensive review, the author's point of view, author's use of sources, my opinion on the value of the book, and the opinion of a professional reviewer will be utilized adequately.
Peterson's point of view is a very honest one. Peterson does slightly favor Jefferson in this book, but at same time bestows criticism during Jefferson's darker days; the Embargo and insightful feud with Hamilton. It seems that Peterson urges the importance of Jefferson's accomplishments in the scientific and architectural world as much as he does during Jefferson's time in office and time dealt with the law. With a statement such as, "He did not seek the office but the office sought him" (543), summarizes the beginning of Jefferson's historical presidential life. Being coined the "father of the Declaration", and having numerous experiences that would qualify anyone for president, Peterson clearly describes that the job of president was made for Jefferson. Peterson's point of view is a descriptive insight that had never been seen before by historians and shows Jefferson as being a humorous and an uncannily witty individual. .
2.
The author's use of sources is a novel onto itself. Peterson fails to use footnotes during the biography and leaves some reviewers scratching their heads onto why he would do this. He chooses to include a bibliography that is thirty-six pages long. Some of these pieces Peterson choose included works such as the Jefferson Papers, State Papers, and Contemporary Letters, Journals, and Writings. He utilized the University of Virginia because of its vast collection of Jefferson's papers and artifacts.