Tag Archives: Thomas Jefferson

Today in history: February 22, 1732

George Washington, first President of the United States, was born. (All quotes from George Washington’s letters below I got from my copy of George Washington : Writings (Library of America)) Thomas Jefferson on George Washington: The moderation and virtue of … Continue reading

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2008 Books Read

… in the order in which I finished them, understanding that very often I read many books at the same time. I count re-read books, by the way. I’ll include links to any posts or book excerpts I might have … Continue reading

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The Perfect Library

110 best books … Of course the thing with these lists is people get uppity and pissed, either by what is left off (My first uppity question is: “where the hell is Harriet the Spy??”) or by the bias shown … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday to Sharon’s Dead Boyfriend, George Washington

… who was born on this day in 1732. Thomas Jefferson on George Washington: The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty … Continue reading

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Today in History: Nov. 1, 1897

The Library of Congress (in its own separate building for the first time) opened its doors. Construction on the joint had been going on for nigh on 20 years … an immense project. Up until that point – the collection … Continue reading

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Brokeback 1776

hahahahahaha – hysterical parody of Brokeback Mountain using footage from the movie 1776 – I love when it gets all slo-mo and romantic. I practically know 1776 by heart (“But I burn, Mr. A!!” “So do I!”) – so the … Continue reading

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Today in history: March 4, 1789

The US Constitution went into effect – and it was also chosen as the Inauguration Day for incoming presidents, which it was until the 20th century. George Washington’s first inaugural was actually on April 30, for various reasons – but … Continue reading

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A Gentleman’s Library: Thomas Jefferson, 1771

I have always loved this letter of Thomas Jefferson to Robert Skipwith – from 1771 – where Jefferson gives a list of his book recommendations for a personal library. Of course you couldn’t buy all these books at once, Jefferson … Continue reading

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Today in History: Nov. 1, 1897

The Library of Congress (in its own separate building for the first time) opened its doors. Construction on the joint had been going on for nigh on 20 years … an immense project. Up until that point – the collection … Continue reading

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The Books: “Thomas Jefferson : A Life” (Willard Sterne Randall)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is Thomas Jefferson: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall Now I like Willard Sterne Randall’s books – I read his one on Hamilton, his one on Washington, and this enormous … Continue reading

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