The Jefferson Image in the American Mind

The Jefferson Image in the American Mind by Peterson, Merrill D.. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780813918518.

Since its publication in 1960, The Jefferson Image in the American Mind has become a classic of historical scholarship. In it Merrill D. Peterson charts Thomas Jeffersons influence upon American thought and imagination since his death in 1826. Petersons focus is "not primarily with the truth or falsity of the image either as a whole or in its parts, but rather with its illuminations of the evolving culture and its shaping power. It is posteritys configuration of Jefferson. Even more, however, it is a sensitive reflector, through several generations, of Americas troubled search of the image of itself." In a new Introduction Peterson discusses the publication of his book and remarks in the directions of new scholarship. He also draws attention to the continuing interest in Jefferson as shown by recent historical fiction, motion pictures and documentaries, by the remaning of the Libarary of Congress main building and the National Gallery of Arts exhibition, The Eye of Thomas Jefferson, by President William Jefferson Clintons preinagural pilgrimage to Monticello, and by the Sothebys auction of a Jefferson letter that commanded the highest auction price ever paid for such a manuscript.