Thomas Jefferson is ammong the most important and controversial of American polctical thinkers:his influence (libertarian,edmocratic,participatory,and agrarian - republican) is still felt today. A prolific writer,Jefferson left 18,000letters,Note on the State of Virginia, an Autobiography, and numerous other
papers.Joyce Appleby and Terence Ball have selected the most important of these for presentation in the Cambridhe Texts series:Jefferson’s views on topics such as revolution,self - govermment,the role of women,and African - Americans and Native Americans emerge to give a fascinating insight into a man who owned slaves, yet
advocated the abolitoion of slavery. The texts are supported by a concise introduction, suggestions for further reading and short biographies of key figures,all proving invaluable assistance to the student encountering the breadth and richness of Jefferson’s thought for the first time.
JOYCE Appleby is Professor of History at UCLA,and a former President of the American Historical Association.
TERENCE BALL is Professor of Political Science at Arizona State University,and has Previously edited the works of James Mill for the Cambridge Texts series.

Preface
Introduction
Chronology
Biographical synopess
A note on sources
Bibliographical note
I.A Private Man in Public Life
II.Natural Law, Natural Right,and Revolution
III.Self-government
IV.Moral Sense,Civic Education,and Freedom of the Press
V.The Constitutions of Virginia and France
VI.The U.S.Constiution
VII.Religious Liberty and Toleration
VIII.Political Parties
IX.Race and Slavery
X.Native Americans
XI.Women(not)in Politics
XII.Law of Nations
XIII.Innovation and Progress
XIV.Relations between Generations
Appendices
Index