Thomas Jefferson: Architect: The Interactive Portfolio Hardcover – October 7, 2008

What a fantastic book.First let's consider the printing and binding quality. I recently got into these history books with included reproduction artifacts and they are a lot of fun. Most have magazine quality printing though that can be hard to read when the writing is reduced down. Not this book though, the color reproductions are printed at a higher dpi than others, on paper that is a nice flat texture. The design of the document pockets is more elegant than others, and the quality of the printing and the level of the text is clearly directed at an adult level rather than at the pre-teen school market of many other books in this niche. The book comes in a box and the cover of the interior book has a lovely elegant design.The content is great, there is a lot I didn't know about the wide variety of architectural projects Jefferson took on, and the writing is engaging and flows well. There is a lot of interesting context, such as a review of the work and impact of Renaissance architectural genius Palladio, and we see clearly how Jefferson intentionally sought to make design references to the ancient Roman Republic's influence on the new American Republic.

Great book! I’m an Architecture student and I really appreciated the original floor plan for my project. Great information for analysis

While serious Jeffersonian scholars will likely snicker at the inclusion of selected reproduced notations akin to a marketing gimmick, I instead found this compilation on Jefferson’s architecture compelling as the author takes us through the development of Jefferson’s early study, training, and thought on his architecture. He also provides copies of some primary documents which are reproduced nicely; documents that we (non-scholars) would not normally have access to. Nicely done.

Bought this for an architect friend of mine for Christmas. He has pronounced it one of the most entertaining and informative books regarding Thomas Jefferson's architectural exploits that he's read.

Great deal on a fantastic collection of sketches by Tommy J.

This is a wonderful book with excellent reproductions that are very enjoyable to explore.

I am not an architect like the previous reviewer; I'm a historian of Mr. Jefferson. This is one of the most wonderful works you shall ever see...I have no idea how many years Mr. Wills spent on it, but the results are worth the effort. Fabulous pictures, reproductions of priceless charts, letters, and drawings, all lovingly, and perfectly, rendered. A true work of art in the finest sense of that term.Thomas Jefferson would, of course, still be important had he never made a drawing, or designed anything. He was a statesman, attorney, philosopher, natural scientist, and probably had enough training to qualify as a physician; he functioned as such for his neighbors. BUT, he would also be important as an architect if that were all he was. His "fans", like me, know that. We spend years studying him, and NONE of us has him "figured out". Others need to know. I have read dozens of books about him, and never cease to marvel.This is a "coffee table" book, but don't waste your money, or insult Mr. Wills, just to set it on a table. Buy it from Amazon...I paid the John Marshall House $50 for mine; oh well, they need the money worse. Buy it, read it, study it. Absorb beauty and perfection. Be amazed. Be grateful that one so great walked among us. Twenty stars, at least.

I have not only been a fan of Thomas Jefferson' architecture for a long time, I have also spent years writing and researching his work. As an architect myself, may I say that this book is long overdue and a treasure of wonderful photographs. But most importantly are the stunning reproductions of Jefferson's original hand-drawn architectural drawings that are included within the book. It is also very low priced for the intricate arrangement of pockets and overlays within the book. Overall an excellent work.