Much is misunderstood about the man who bequeathed us with a framework of what it means to be free and live in a democracy. As a Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in defining and disseminating what it meant to be an American before an America existed. Washington may have won the battles on the field, but Jefferson won the battles in our hearts. That is why he is still fondly remembered and cherished.

Born in Virginia, Jefferson lived a privileged life and received the best education money could buy. He was schooled in many languages and grew up under the force of a classical education. He learned to think for himself and conducted his affairs with dignity and grace.

This book leaves out most of what is commonly known about Jefferson and focuses on the environment he was raised in and the circumstances that guided his mind toward the accomplishment that bears his name. The battles he fought with himself had to do with things we take for granted on most days. His mind was filled with matters of freedom and elements of democracy. His love was reading, his challenge was writing, and he did both with distinction.

To understand America, one has to understand Jefferson. It is a course in citizenship.