Thomas Jefferson: America's Philosopher-King

Max Lerner studied and assessed many presidents during more than six decades as an author, journalist, and professor, yet Thomas Jefferson received his most sustained attention. To Lerner, Jefferson came closest in the American context to Plato's "philosopher-king," a thinker and leader. Because of his keen sense of Jefferson's virtues and his unique place in United States history, Lerner began work on a book about Jefferson in 1957, but other writing assignments and academic responsibilities postponed completion until his final days. In this never before published volume, Lerner uses the facts of Jefferson's life and work as the springboard to insightful analysis and informed assessment. In considering Jefferson, Lerner combines biographical information, historical background, and analytical commentary. The result is a primer about Jefferson that not only describes his accomplishments, but discusses his problems and failures.