About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherUniversity of Virginia Press

ISBN-100813934451

ISBN-139780813934457

eBay Product ID (ePID)143695053

Product Key Features

Number of Pages224 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication NameLimits of Optimism : Thomas Jefferson's Dualistic Enlightenment

Publication Year2013

SubjectModern / 18th Century, United States / Revolutionary Period (1775-1800), United States / 19th Century, United States / Colonial Period (1600-1775), Presidents & Heads of State, United States / General

TypeTextbook

Subject AreaBiography & Autobiography, History

AuthorMaurizio Valsania

SeriesJeffersonian America Ser.

FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.5 in

Item Weight11.7 Oz

Item Length9 in

Item Width6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceScholarly & Professional

TitleLeadingThe

ReviewsEvery once in a long while, a scholar comes along who is able to reframe the conversation about Thomas Jefferson and the American Enlightenment. Maurizio Valsania has performed a rigorous dissection of the mind of that Jefferson, a 'builder of hopeful narratives,' who though guided by imagination was every bit a realist. This lively, thought-filled book should not be missed., Valsania sees Jefferson, as no one else has done with such sophistication, in the context of the European Enlightenment project, and he sees him as the Virginian saw himself, as an eighteenth-century philosopher. Valsania has written a book with a distinctive point of view that will command attention and even stir a bit of controversy. More than that, he has written it from a distinctive perspective and with uncommon verve and grace. His work bursts with illuminating insights, arresting images, and striking turns of phrase., "Every once in a long while, a scholar comes along who is able to reframe the conversation about Thomas Jefferson and the American Enlightenment. Maurizio Valsania has performed a rigorous dissection of the mind of that Jefferson, a 'builder of hopeful narratives,' who though guided by imagination was every bit a realist. This lively, thought-filled book should not be missed." -- Andrew Burstein, author of Jefferson's Secrets and coauthor of Madison and Jefferson, "Valsania sees Jefferson, as no one else has done with such sophistication, in the context of the European Enlightenment project, and he sees him as the Virginian saw himself, as an eighteenth-century philosopher. Valsania has written a book with a distinctive point of view that will command attention and even stir a bit of controversy. More than that, he has written it from a distinctive perspective and with uncommon verve and grace. His work bursts with illuminating insights, arresting images, and striking turns of phrase." -- Michael Zuckerman, University of Pennsylvania

Dewey Edition22

Grade FromCollege Graduate Student

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal973.4/6092

SynopsisThe Limits of Optimism works to dispel persistent notions about Jefferson?s allegedly paradoxical and sphinx-like quality. Maurizio Valsania shows that Jefferson?s multifaceted character and personality are to a large extent the logical outcome of an anti-metaphysical, enlightened, and humility-oriented approach to reality. That Jefferson?s mind and priorities changed over time and in response to changing circumstances indicates neither incoherence, hypocrisy, nor pathology. Valsania?s reading of Jefferson, the Enlightenment, and negativity helps to make sense of the many paradoxes typically associated with that eighteenth-century thinker. At the same time, it provides a corrective to the common though erroneous equation of Enlightenment thinking with rationalism and shallow optimism., The Limits of Optimism works to dispel persistent notions about Jefferson's allegedly paradoxical and sphinx-like quality. Maurizio Valsania shows that Jefferson's multifaceted character and personality are to a large extent the logical outcome of an anti-metaphysical, enlightened, and humility-oriented approach to reality. That Jefferson's mind and priorities changed over time and in response to changing circumstances indicates neither incoherence, hypocrisy, nor pathology. Valsania's reading of Jefferson, the Enlightenment, and negativity helps to make sense of the many paradoxes typically associated with that eighteenth-century thinker. At the same time, it provides a corrective to the common though erroneous equation of Enlightenment thinking with rationalism and shallow optimism., This works to dispel persistent notions about Jefferson's allegedly paradoxical and sphinx-like quality. Maurizio Valsania shows that Jefferson's multifaceted character and personality are to a large extent the logical outcome of an anti-metaphysical, enlightened and humility-oriented approach to reality.