Notes on the State of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson published one book, Notes on the State of Virginia; and ever since, it has been the touchstone for understanding Jefferson’s ideas about Republican government, the environment, education, race and slavery, and Native-white relations. The author’s unique analysis of Jefferson’s thoughts on these crucial issues and their impact on the formation of the United States make this edition of the Notes the first to present these issues as fundamentally inseparable. A collection of lively letters and other documents related to the Notes accompanies them, and charts the evolution of the book in the revolutionary crucible and during the heady early days of the new nation. An introduction by David Waldstreicher places the work in the contexts of the Revolution and the social and cultural history of Jefferson’s Virginia, with particular attention to developing ideas about race and nature. A chronology of the life and career of Thomas Jefferson and selected bibliography also add to the pedagogical benefits of this volume.