Thomas Jefferson:Philosopher of Freed

Rating:
Summary: Good introductory biography of an important American
Review: A&E's Biography Series has produced many wonderful video portraits. Their biography of Thomas Jefferson is no exception. Within the video's 50 minutes, it covers all of the major events and accomplishments of Jefferson's long life (83 years) and gives a look into some of his private life as well.

Rating:
Summary: Good introductory biography of an important American
Review: A&E's Biography Series has produced many wonderful video portraits. Their biography of Thomas Jefferson is no exception. Within the video's 50 minutes, it covers all of the major events and accomplishments of Jefferson's long life (83 years) and gives a look into some of his private life as well.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful portrait of the complicated man
Review: Thomas Jefferson, in his 83 years, accomplished many great things -- certainly more than a 50-minute video could ever completely cover. In addition to this, Jefferson was also a man of essential paradoxes: the brilliant political and social philosopher vs. the sometimes shockingly unpractical president; the ardent American patriot vs. the worldly, French-obsessed cosmopolitan -- and, last but not least, the "philosopher of freedom" vs. the slave-owning slave.

With all of this in mind, Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom, a part of A&E's Biography series, is a splendid, immaculately done portrait of the great American. In a 50-minute span, it covers all of the major accomplishments of Jefferson's public and political life, including his role in the Revolution, his writings, his political and social philosophy, his long years in political office, his architectural accomplishments, his founding of the University of Virginia, and more. It also looks at the major events that formed Jefferson's private life: his upbringing, schooling, his married life, his relationship with John Adams and other important men of his day, and more.

That said, the video should also be commended for not falling into the easy trap of idolatry, as many such biographical portraits do. The video also examines Jefferson's faults and contradictions: his apparently paradoxical status as a slave owner, his possible liaison in Paris, and his lifelong indebtedness. It does a good job of reminding us that, for all of the idolizing that we do of these great Founding Fathers -- and great men they were -- they were also, after all, human. It is a quite well-rounded and balanced portrait of the great, but inherently human, man.

In summary, this is a great buy if you're looking for a short, concise portrait of Jefferson, for use in your home or in the classroom. It is a beautiful portrait that nearly had me in tears at one point. If such is what you are looking for, look no further than this.