The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson

By: Thomas Jefferson

Narrated by: Philip Withers

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) served his country in many capacities - architect, naturalist, and linguist, author of the Declaration of Independence, and President of the United States. Not a conventional autobiography, this memoir is more of a summary of his life's work. Begun in 1821 at the age of 77, Jefferson provides a detailed account of his young life and the period in which he wrote the Declaration. The work includes his comments on the Articles of Confederation, his experiences as governor of Virginia, ambassador to France, and observations of the French Revolution.

Public Domain (P)2020 Museum Audiobooks

Misleading to call it an autobiography

I expected an autobiography like President Grant wrote. This is just as short, isolated moment, and Jeffersons life. That is, the time from the beginning of the constitutional convention do its and where the declaration of independence is signed July 4. 1776. Nothing About the struggles when he lost his wife and son, and nothing about struggles with his friends on policy. But, it was a fair accounting of how the declaration came to be.

Very informative

Excellent read! Very informative!! It is interesting to have the words and thoughts directly from the man himself.

Worthy.

Deep introspection from one of our greatest minds. History of a man and the beginning of the greatest country in the history of the world.

Excellent, but wish it was more complete

An excellent first hand account of Jefferson's efforts on the declaration of independence. He includes many facts on the situation at the time, and the various trade-offs needed to get all onboard for signing. There were a few extra interesting facts about his ancestors and education. Nothing included about the last 50 years of his life, presidency, or a retrospective. Overall a very worthwhile listen as long as you have the right expectation.

Not much there

I had hoped this would be a lot more than it actually turned out to be. Being his autobiography I kind of assumed it would cover his life. It covered his heritage and basically the Declaration of Independence it was 42 minutes long. I was left wanting surly at least his presidency and the revolution it’s self would’ve been worthy of some note.