Having not read the unabridged version of this biography, I cannot compare this volume to it. But Padover was certainly an authority of the first order on the man and this volume is crammed with plenty of facts. Like Douglas Freeman's Washington, however, there are no negatives to be found in Padover's Jefferson. All the players in the story wear either a pristine white hat or a muddy black one and this can often be distracting to those who desire an unbiased account (especially of the Federalist/Republican tug of war). On the whole, however, this edition will surely be of help to those who are interested in a brisk yet detailed introduction to Jefferson.

For those who are interested more in a chronology of Jefferson's life and less a perspective of the events of his time, this book is perfect. Somewhat preachy, probably too adulatory of Jefferson, it nevertheless strikes an excellent balance between being comprehensive yet concise.

Padover's "Jefferson" is rarely available in its unabridged form, more's the pity, though. This insightful, exposing view into the life of history's greatest American is a profound study of the human spirit, and of our own country itself. This book is more than the story of a founding father, or some famous dead guy. Jefferson did not enjoy politics, he shunned them. It did not want to be Secretary of State, not Vice-President, and he did not want to remembered for being President. Even his tombstone bears that fact. Jefferson sent the majority of his life in attempt to escape the public and reside in quiet amongst learning and living on Monticello, his Virginian paradise. This book, written by the paramount source of knowledge conerning Jefferson, illustrates and captions the life of quite an extraordinary man

Covers all the fine points of Freedom of the press in the USA and other nations at the time of writing. Also discusses censorship and oppression of journalists in less than democratic European countries. Excellent reading.