Jefferson's empire : the language of American nationhood /

Thomas Jefferson's conception of nationhood is examined in five essays (originally four conference or seminar papers and one address, all previously published). Onuf successfully fits Jefferson's often-paradoxical and contradictory views into his grand vision of an empire of free republican states, bound together by common interests and patriotism. The book significantly clarifies Jefferson's positions on state republics vis-`a-vis federal union, political parties, slaves, Native Americans, and expansiveness as essential to Republicanism. Onuf confirms Jefferson's beliefs in the inferiority of blacks and Indians while living a primitive existence. Jefferson felt that slavery represented a continuation of a state of war, which should cease by the removal of the African captives, and that peace with the Indians could be achieved through fair bargaining and bestowal of civilization. Onuf correctly puts Jefferson's views on liberty and natural rights within Jefferson's own statist context. Still, one might expect more discussion of Jefferson's inconsistencies on civil liberties. Recommended for all levels. H. M. Ward; University of Richmond