Nineteenth-Century Literary Criticism | Jefferson, Thomas - C. Alphonso Smith (essay date 1910-11)

C. Alphonso Smith (essay date 1910-11)

SOURCE: “Thomas Jefferson,” in Southern Literary Studies: a Collection of Literary, Biographical, and Other Sketches, Kennikat Press, 1967, pp. 94-119.

[In the following essay, originally delivered in lecture form at the University of Berlin in the fall and winter of 1910-11, Smith begins with a brief biographical sketch that focuses on influences in Jefferson's writing. Smith then provides a broad overview of Jefferson's publications, including a discussion on some obscure works that have escaped critical attention.]

THOMAS JEFFERSON¹

Had Thomas Jefferson not written the Declaration of Independence or had he written nothing but the Declaration of Independence, he would still have deserved a place in the history of American literature. As a writer Franklin surpassed him in simplicity of style. As a man Washington towers above him in sublimity of character. But as...

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