Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Southern Living, Aug 2002 by Brechin, Karen

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

BY WILLIAM L. BEISWANGER,

PETER J. HATCH, LUCIA C. STANTON,

AND SUSAN R. STEIN

(THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PRESS, $45)

From a distance, Monticello stands sentinel over the Blue Ridge Mountains-a humble structure, perhaps, by our modern-- day standards. Yet every approaching step reveals the magnitude of its ingenuity, from its gardens and vineyards to its architectural nuances. This book takes us on a photographic and textual adventure into the spirit of Monticello and its architect, Thomas Jefferson.

As the preface notes, both Jefferson and Monticello remain paradoxical. The structure represented freedom to its owner, but slave labor built it. The plantation stood on American soil but reflected ancient world architecture.

This tribute gives us insight into the complexity of the statesman and his residence, which is the only American house on the United Nations' list of World Heritage sites.

KAREN BRECHIN