Thomas Jefferson: Genius of Liberty

Introduction by Garry Wills. New York: Viking Studio, 2000. ISBN 0-670-88933-4. $35.00

Thomas Jefferson: Genius of Liberty is a companion volume to the major Library of Congress Bicentennial exhibition, Thomas Jefferson, which opened on April 24, 2000.

It examines the life of a central figure in the history of the Library of Congress as well as the nation. Illuminated by Jefferson's own words, Genius of Liberty includes an introduction by historian Gary Wills and essays by distinguished historians Joseph J. Ellis, Annette Gordon-Reed, Pauline Maier, Charles A. Miller, and Peter S. Onuf. Based on the themes of the exhibition and drawing on the unparalleled Jefferson collections of the Library, the volume examines the conflicts among Jefferson's public ideals, the political realities he faced, and his private life. It offers no single view of Jefferson, but instead explores the life of a complex man whose views influenced every major political event in this country's early life.

For additional information on Thomas Jefferson: Genius of Liberty, visit www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0010/tj.html and www.loc.gov/today/pr/2000/00-039.html.