Thomas Jefferson, Architect

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This volume offers a compelling reassessment of Thomas Jefferson's architectural contributions, exploring the complex and often contradictory meanings behind his iconic work. While celebrated as a politician and statesman, Jefferson (1743-1826) was also a leading architect of early America, adept at adapting Renaissance and Enlightenment ideals to the needs of the new republic. His visionary projects include Monticello, Poplar Forest, the Capitol building in Richmond, and the University of Virginia campus. The book features a rich array of archival images, including models, paintings, and drawings, alongside essays that delve into themes of history, ethics, philosophy, classicism, neoclassicism, and social sciences. It provides a comprehensive introduction to Jefferson's architectural career, examining his sources of inspiration and the contradictions between his ideals of liberty and his acceptance of slavery. This is particularly evident in his design for the University of Virginia's academical village, which strategically concealed enslaved workers while keeping them accessible. The work offers fresh insights into Jefferson's architectural legacy, which has significantly influenced the political and social landscape of the nation and inspired generations of American architects.