“Negro President”: Jefferson and the Slave Power   Garry Wills
A deeply disturbing history of the “slave power” that dominated American politics until the Civil War. The title comes from Timothy Pickering’s appellation for Jefferson who was elected in 1800 solely because of the federal ratio, slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for voting. For me, there is too much about Pickering, and a little too much banter aimed at other historians who have gotten it wrong. But I learned a lot about the influence of slavery in American history, all of it horrible. For example, ¼ of all U. S. presidents owned slaves, and the war with Mexico was fought, and the annexation of Mexican territory occurred, to provide new slave states. Wills does an excellent job discussing really ugly history.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West   Stephen E. Ambrose
Ambrose’s very engaging, at times exciting, account of Meriwether Lewis’s involvement in the great expedition through the Louisiana Purchase. Though Ambrose seems to idolize Lewis, he is also clear-eyed about his mistakes. Sad about his suicide. Good, helpful maps. Enjoyed this history very much, learned a lot.

Hemingway In Love: His Own Story   A. E. Hotchner
Hotchner’s account of conversations, in Hemingway’s last days, in which Hemingway recounts the breakup of his first marriage to Hadley, as well as brief glimpses of subsequently being unhappy with Pauline. Stupid and sad and indulgent, but fairly interesting insight into how he used specific personal experiences for stories. Also read one of his stories, “A Canary for One” based on an episode of the breakup. Still love his prose.

Sartre: Romantic Rationalist   Iris Murdoch
An excellent, instructive analysis of Sartre’s philosophy from his novels and plays. Very clear, well-reasoned, and well-written. Second philosophy book I’ve read of Murdoch’s, and both were very good, learned a lot and enjoyed them. One of the great tragedies that she developed severe Alzheimer’s. Breaks my heart, she was very intelligent and gifted.

Inheriting the Revolution: The First Generation of Americans   Joyce Appleby
Interesting and informative social history of the new United States of America from 1776-1820s. Full of good primary sources and statistics, and many believable generalizations based on them. Captures convincingly the population, economic, social, and religious explosions that filled the void left by the dissolution of the colonial monarchical structures. Works as a good transition into the 19^th century.

The Radicalism of the American Revolution   Gordon S. Wood
Excellent history of the severing of the monarchical “ligaments” that held together colonial society. The result was not only radical, it was contrary to what the founding fathers wanted, a commerce-based political and social democracy. As usual, Wood is detailed and highly intelligent. Very well written with emphasis on primary sources. Really, really good.

Make Me   Lee Child
Another deeply entertaining Reacher thriller. As usual, the narrative is propelled by Child’s clean, crisp prose and filled with intelligence and convincing detail. Though there still isn’t much characterization as such, this time, Reacher shows some vulnerability, getting hurt and falling in love. This series is my favorite of contemporary thrillers. Very good, didn’t really want it to end.

Adams vs. Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800   John Ferling
Very good, very well-written history of the epochal election of 1800. Excellent backgrounds on the four participants, and an important overview of the preceding, crucial, decade of American political history. While I was familiar with the framework of these events from Ferling’s A Leap in the Dark, this book provides much more detail. On a personal political note, it’s really a good thing Jefferson won.