In Pursuit of Jefferson

Traveling Through Europe with the Most Perplexing Founding Father

By: Derek Baxter

Narrated by: William Sarris

A controversial founding father. A man ready for a change. And a completely unique trip through Europe.

In 1784, Thomas Jefferson was a broken man. Reeling from the loss of his wife and stung from a political scandal during the Revolutionary war, he needed to remake himself. Wandering through Europe, Jefferson saw and learned as much as he could, ultimately bringing his knowledge home to a young America. There, he would rise to power and shape a nation.

More than two hundred years later, Derek Baxter, a devotee of American history, stumbles on an obscure travel guide written by Jefferson—Hints for Americans Traveling Through Europe—as he's going through his own personal crisis. Who better to offer advice than a founding father himself? But what Baxter learns isn't always what Jefferson had in mind, and as he comes to understand Jefferson better, he doesn't always like what he finds.

In Pursuit of Jefferson is at once the story of a life-changing trip through Europe, an unflinching look at a founding father, and a moving personal journey. With rich historical detail, a sense of humor, and boundless heart, Baxter explores how we can be better moving forward only by first looking back.

©2022 Derek Baxter (P)2022 Tantor

Outstanding and insightful

Baxter has written a compelling book on many levels. For those interested in Jefferson, he offers a new perspective as Jefferson the traveler and diplomat. But perhaps more fascinating is the story of Baxter himself: a man not fully satisfied with his career, he sets out to track Jefferson’s travels and his young family is along for every step. Baxter’s two young children and wife are characters in this fun adventure and it’s inspiring to see his children gain exposure to the world as their father writes the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves history, adventure, food, wine, and family.

Most enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

This is a unique travel story though which the author uses history as a lens through which to view his travels. On one level, it reads like an informative and well-versed history book on Jefferson. On the second level, it reads like a poignant personal travelogue though which we learn about wine, food, travel spots, discovery and family. It is an honest, well-written, insightful and thought-provoking book!

Not much new about Jefferson….

This is basically a travelogue in mid life crisis. The author starts off as a Jefferson devotee and ends as an Al Gore groupie.